Retail Windows Question

[Bry]

I know with OEM you are supposed to be limited to installing XP on the same computer i.e. if you replace the motherboard then windows normally asks you to reactivate.
What i am wondering is since retail version does allow you to install it on a different computer (as long as you only have 1 installed at once) does this mean the internet activation always works?
As atm i have a OEM copy of XP and when Vista comes out i am thinking it maybe worth going retail if it means less calling microsoft when i change a driver/small piece of hardware and have to activate over the phone.

 

[Brian Stuart]

As far as I am aware the online activation works for a set number of times for the retail version and then you have to call MS. No probs though the procedure is quick and painless
Brian

 

[stoofa]

The product is still likely to ask you to reactivate if you change enough hardware.
No it won't always activate online - I've seen the retail version not activate and you've been required to make the phone call.

The difference is that with the retail full/upgrades it is really a no questions asked activation.
Because those licenses can be transferred around as much as you like it really is a 4-5 minute call and you'll be back up and running.

Say the wrong thing during an OEM re-activation and you'll end up with more questions as they run through their script and attempt to find out (usually not very successfully) if you're doing something you shouldn't.
The retail versions won't always activate online because if they did then there would be nothing to stop you installing it on half a dozen machines and activating all of them.