OcUK Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition inc. SP2 - OEM

Samtheman1k · 16 Aug 2006 at 15:54

If I bought this product this is available from OcUK, can I install it on any PC? I have a custom built PC with an ASUS A7V600 motherboard...can I install it on that? If I upgrade the motherboard, will I be able to reinstall it?

I understand the differences between OEM and retail when you buy a new PC in that the OEM version is linked to the mobo, but don't understand the difference if I buy the OEM version on its own...

GIBSrUS · 16 Aug 2006 at 17:02

From my understanding...

OEM - one PC configuration(motherboard) allowed

Retail - many PC configurations allowed

TheVoice · 16 Aug 2006 at 17:42

I've used the same OEM XP CD and key since I first moved to XP. Since then, I've had 4 different motherboards, various graphics cards, different optical drives etc.

The only thing that's remained the same is the hard-drive it gets installed to. Never had an issue with activation or anything like that.

So yes, you'll be able to re-use it if you change motherboards or whatever. Shouldn't be a problem.

ca9phoenix · 16 Aug 2006 at 17:55

i'm the same, i've been using an oem version of xp pro for about 3 years and am on my 4th total system upgrade. the only problem i have is every time i reinstall windows i have to call microsoft and tell them that it IS installed on only one computer then they activate it for me. the only original part of my pc now is the floppy and that's going this week because my new case is black and my floppy isn't!

Posty · 16 Aug 2006 at 18:04

ca9phoenix said:
i'm the same, i've been using an oem version of xp pro for about 3 years and am on my 4th total system upgrade. the only problem i have is every time i reinstall windows i have to call microsoft and tell them that it IS installed on only one computer then they activate it for me. the only original part of my pc now is the floppy and that's going this week because my new case is black and my floppy isn't!

i did the same, when i installed windows it asked to be activated again and rejected my code (got new hard drive mobo cpu) i phoned them up explained i upgraded my PC and they gave me another code

WolfR1der · 16 Aug 2006 at 23:35

Posty said:
i did the same, when i installed windows it asked to be activated again and rejected my code (got new hard drive mobo cpu) i phoned them up explained i upgraded my PC and they gave me another code

But strictly speaking (as GIBSrUS pointed out), as you changed the motherboard that's a 'different' computer and therefore under Microsoft's new rules you are supposed to buy another copy of Windows. Whether they (or rather Mr/Ms Indian Call-Center person) actually enforce that is something else...

Burnsy2023 · 17 Aug 2006 at 09:44

Read the licensing sticky, every thing you need to know is in there.

TheVoice said:
So yes, you'll be able to re-use it if you change motherboards or whatever. Shouldn't be a problem.

This is a complete violation of the EULA and you should be aware that you are running illegal software.

If you are going to constantly upgrade your PC, buy the retail version of XP.

Burnsy