Vista OEM

rctneil

rctneil

rctneil

Associate
Joined
31 Jan 2007
Posts
1,861
Hello,
I am planning on purchasing Vista Home Premium. I have built my own computer and would like to know if I can purchase the OEM version. I am upgrading my pc (ie: motherboard/processor) as well in the next few months and would like to know whether changing this and reinstalling vista once the hardware upgrade is complete will lock my version?

Thanks

Neil
 
Answered a million times.

You will be in breach of your EULA if you upgrade your motherboard on OEM vista. You will probably not be able to re-activate Vista if you do so. People will tell you that you can swap mobo's up to 10 times (which is BS). If they do, ask them to give you a refund if you cant.
 
Upgrade your PC including motherboard first and then install Vista. You won't be able to use Vista after you install a new motherboard if you install the OEM version now.
 
Lysander said:
Upgrade your PC including motherboard first and then install Vista. You won't be able to use Vista after you install a new motherboard if you install the OEM version now.
Click to expand...

Best advice in the situation.

Burnsy
 
So, I am allowed to purchase an OEM version but should upgrade motherboard/processor first? Can I just ask, what if your motherboard fails sometime? Does that require a new payment for vista?
 
rctneil said:
So, I am allowed to purchase an OEM version but should upgrade motherboard/processor first? Can I just ask, what if your motherboard fails sometime? Does that require a new payment for vista?
Click to expand...

You can purchase an OEM copy now, yes.

The advice to upgrade your motherboard/processor now was given on the basis that if you upgrade in, say 3 motnhs, you would also have to purchase a subsequent oem vista licence.

If you can provide proof that you exchanged the failed motherboard for exactly the same model (or, where your model is no longer produced, a similar model) then MS may re-activate your OEM copy. Expect to provide documents and waste time in this scenario.
 
sativa said:
If you can provide proof that you exchanged the failed motherboard for exactly the same model (or, where your model is no longer produced, a similar model) then MS may re-activate your OEM copy. Expect to provide documents and waste time in this scenario.
Click to expand...

If you exchange your motherboard for exactly the same model, you can continue to run your OS as before.. I've done that here on an XP machine. XP never knew it was swapped over...
 
should work if it's OEM. Your license key will be "linked" to some hardware specifics, so in theory if your hardware is identical, your license key should be activated.
 
sunderland said:
so what happens if you have to reformat for some reason,I.E everything is still the same inside your pc can you do it that way.
Click to expand...

That's a good question. What if you get a virus or something and need to do a clean install?
 
TheDean said:
That's a good question. What if you get a virus or something and need to do a clean install?
Click to expand...


your not changing anything so it will be fine.

Also keeping recpits for a mothebroard upgrade to try and get an OEM activated twice isn't going to do anything. You have to ring them if it comes to it and over the phone its just your word to go along. They may well belelive you but theres no way you can prove it. Unless they give you an address to send the proof to but I highly doubt it.

Also in 99.99% of the times of a motherboard change, its gonna be for an upgrade not a "fault".
 
Dr_Evil said:
should work if it's OEM. Your license key will be "linked" to some hardware specifics, so in theory if your hardware is identical, your license key should be activated.
Click to expand...

Bear in mind that no two mobos are the same. Activation take into account of things like the MAC addresses on the onboard NICs.

Burnsy
 
While where on the subject! (sorry if this has been already covered)

I bought an OEM copy to see what it was like. Now in a few months if I upgrade and change boards I know that I will need to re activate my Vista install.
My question is ....if I buy another license maybe retail, then can I just put the new key in without re formatting?
 
Guinny said:
While where on the subject! (sorry if this has been already covered)

I bought an OEM copy to see what it was like. Now in a few months if I upgrade and change boards I know that I will need to re activate my Vista install.
My question is ....if I buy another license maybe retail, then can I just put the new key in without re formatting?
Click to expand...

You wont need to buy another license.....The worst case scenario is that you won't be able to reactivate online and will have to ring MS. Just tell them your mobo blew up and you have just recieved a replacement :D
 
Yes they are quite flexible on that - I have re-installed for about 5 times and they have given me re-activation codes on the phone every single time without any hassle...
 
Dr_Evil said:
Yes they are quite flexible on that - I have re-installed for about 5 times and they have given me re-activation codes on the phone every single time without any hassle...
Click to expand...

You're right......As long as you're firm, confident and polite you won't have a problem
 
TheDean said:
You're right......As long as you're firm, confident and polite you won't have a problem
Click to expand...

Yes, they use a lie-detector whilst speaking to you, so don't even try with a dodgy key!! ;-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom