Win XP OEM Mobo Change

Quixote · 28 May 2006 at 23:38

Hi there, first post :-)

Will the OEM XP licence allow you to re-activate after a Mobo change ? I have already activated with a budget Mobo but I may invest in a better one to have a go at overclocking for fun. I seem to remember the licence might have prevented re-activation on a new Mobo.
Can anyone confirm ?
cheers.

Puddles · 29 May 2006 at 01:13

about 90% of the time I have to call microsoft after a major hardware change like the motherboard, they always ask the same questions

- reason for re-install (componant fail most of the time)
- how many pc's do you have this copy of windows installed on (1 obviously)
- the keycode (sometimes)
- where did you purchase your copy of windows from (sometimes)

The call generally takes 5 minutes and is pretty painless

Quixote · 29 May 2006 at 02:24

So if I tell them it's a component failure it'll be ok ?
Obviously, I won't hold you to this, I just want to know your experience, if it doesn't work, I'll take it on the chin.

Puddles · 29 May 2006 at 02:34

tbh I really don't think microsoft care what you tell them so long as you have a legit copy installed only on one computer

Quixote · 29 May 2006 at 03:46

Thanks for taking the time. That's enough for me to go on.

James J · 29 May 2006 at 20:00

I tried this and they wouldnt let me use my OEM version on another mobo in the same computer. Had to buy a new copy of XP -.-

Energize · 29 May 2006 at 20:22

James J said:
I tried this and they wouldnt let me use my OEM version on another mobo in the same computer. Had to buy a new copy of XP -.-

Thats pretty stupid, the license is for 2 cpus not different motherboards. M$ strike again.

Caged · 29 May 2006 at 20:35

Energize said:
Thats pretty stupid, the license is for 2 cpus not different motherboards. M$ strike again.

What? It's an OEM copy, to be installed one one computer and not transferred. Just cause you shove 2 boards in one case doesn't magically make it not two computers.

Tuvoc · 29 May 2006 at 23:49

I've made loads of hardware upgrades and had to call Microsoft 4 or 5 times. Never a problem, I've just said "I've done a motherboard upgrade" or similar, and they give me a new code, no questions at all from them.

Craig321 · 30 May 2006 at 03:32

Puddles said:
about 90% of the time I have to call microsoft after a major hardware change like the motherboard, they always ask the same questions

- reason for re-install (componant fail most of the time)
- how many pc's do you have this copy of windows installed on (1 obviously)
- the keycode (sometimes)
- where did you purchase your copy of windows from (sometimes)

The call generally takes 5 minutes and is pretty painless

Nah they just ask if you've installed windows before and if the copy is on more than one pc...

If you say yes to the first one and no to the 2nd it's all fine. And if you say yes to the first one then all's probably fine as well.

vintage-x · 30 May 2006 at 03:38

everytime ive actavated over the phone ive not been asked these questions and ive had 3 windows oem versions (home then pro then media centre)

Energize · 30 May 2006 at 03:52

Caged said:
What? It's an OEM copy, to be installed one one computer and not transferred. Just cause you shove 2 boards in one case doesn't magically make it not two computers.

A copy per computer it says, not per motherboard. Changing the motherboard doesnt make it a different computer.

Brian Stuart · 30 May 2006 at 08:56

Energize said:
A copy per computer it says, not per motherboard. Changing the motherboard doesnt make it a different computer.

Yes it does. The EULA states that the motherboard is the single componant that defines the computer, ergo, new mobo=new PC