Changing a Mobo and Vista

hillbilly2 · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:01

I bought a OEM copy of Vista Home from overclockers for a new build,is Vista now locked to that Mobo? Can i change the Mobo and chip and be ok?

Cob · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:12

It's not physically locked to the old mobo, but you can't legally transfer it over to the new board.

The Deuce · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:15

Cob said:
It's not physically locked to the old mobo, but you can't legally transfer it over to the new board.

iirc that isnt strictly true...it's OEM so he can use it on his own computer a certain amount of times for upgrades etc....somebody who knows better will pop along and clarify what is and what is not correct about this.

But I do know if you change mobo's vista will need reactivating...been there done that..lol

hillbilly2 · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:15

Cob said:
It's not physically locked to the old mobo, but you can't legally transfer it over to the new board.

So.....If i change the Mobo it will boot and run ok? Will i just have to watch my back for Bill Gates with a big stick

addylad · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:18

You have to lie to them lol.

Tetras · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:18

iirc that isnt strictly true

No, what he said is true. It is not "physically locked" to the mobo (though it will always trigger a re-activation!) but legally you cannot do it and remain within license terms. Re-activation and license terms are not necessarily the same thing.

RJC · 28 Mar 2008 at 20:29

If your changing your motherboard then you will need to purchase a new license, your current Vista license is tied to your motherboard you originaly activated it with.

Microsoft allow you to change CPU. GPU and memory and activate if need be and you will be legal.

Retail license allows you to change your motherboard and reactivate belongs your only running instance of the software.

Rob