New build - do I need a new copy of Windows?

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1 Jan 2005
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I'm about to order a new AM2 system from OcUK, but I just want to confirm whether I'll need to order another copy of windows. I think I remember seeing some information about a change in Microsoft's policy where you needed a new licence if you changed motherboards. I'll be getting a new motherboard, so should I put in an order for a Windows XP CD with my new rig?

I had to activate over the phone with my last build but after I went through that process I was ok. I'm hoping I can just do that again since I really don't want to have to spend any more money on this new computer.

Thanks

Edit: Sorry... I should have looked the thread directly below mine first :( Anyway I'm a bit confused, apparently if you have a system builder copy of windows you can't install it on any other computers, but my copy came with an old Dell and I installed it on my current computer easily. It wouldn't activate over the internet but after I went through the phone activation it worked perfectly.
 
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If it came with a Dell then the license probably permits it to be used only on that computer - and Microsoft consider a new motherboard to constitute a new computer. Whether you've got away with it in the past isn't really especially relevant. On the other hand, I'm not sure whether a "use this on one computer ever only" clause has ever been tested in court.

According to the license, anyway, you need to buy a new copy, and if you intend to reinstall on additional computers in the future it needs to be a full retail copy.
 
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