Re: difference in buying a retail box os versus just the oem version

From: Torgeir Bakken (MVP) (Torgeir.Bakken-spam_at_hydro.com)
Date: 03/09/04 

Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 00:28:24 +0100

anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com wrote:

> I do appreciate this information. Reason for asking is
> that my church wants 4 new computers and instead of buying
> 4 separate os's- just one and 3 licenses to install on the
> other 3. They don't want to buy name brand computers, we
> want to build them. Now, to make sure I understand- if
> one of the machines just dies etc.... i would not be able
> to get a new harddrive, motherboard etc... and reinstall
> the os or would i have to buy another license each time????

Hi

For an OEM OS license, you would need to buy another license each time
you replace a computer. For a retail OS license, you could transfer it
to the new computer.

For the repair part (if a computer dies):

Many times this question has come up: If you need to repair/rebuild an
existing computer, when is it defined as "new" regarding the OEM OS
license? As I understand Microsoft's view on it, it is the motherboard
that defines the computer. So as long as you don't change the
motherboard but everything else, the OEM license can still be used on
the computer. If you change the motherboard on a computer with an OEM
license (unless it is for replacing a defect motherboard with the same
brand/type) , you will need to obtain a new OS license. 

--
torgeir
Microsoft MVP Scripting and WMI, Porsgrunn Norway
Administration scripting examples and an ONLINE version of the 1328 page
Scripting Guide:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/scriptcenter/default.mspx

Relevant Pages

  • Re: WinXP move to a different motherboard
    ... >> half ago with an OEM version of WinXP, purchased with a new hard drive. ... >> motherboard that I want to change anyway. ... > The OEM license, once installed, becomes tied to the entire computer, ... etc.) to the one on which the WinXP installation was originally ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Win XP re-installation on new computer
    ... You missed the OEM part of what I said, OEM is tied to the motherboard if new ... MB then new license is required. ... Windows Genuine Advantage and Windows Product Activation ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Can I use an old license on a new computer?
    ... Is it what the customer wants and consciously decides, or is it because the customer doesn't know of the ramifications that may come to pass after the purchase? ... motherboard and processor and memory to the latest and greatest two years later, I can't "legally" use my OEM license with the original Product Key. ... It would be perfectly "legal" for you to use that same OEM license on a new motherboard in the same computer. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: XP 64 OEM
    ... Due to a physical issuel of cpu into motherboard I'm unable to upgrade my cpu and thus must install a new motherboard+cpu. ... Having only just become aware that OEM xp64 professional seems to have limitations regarding hardware upgrades ... There's no requirement for buying a new license each time you repair your computer. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: NEED ADVICE
    ... Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded and keep the ... your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for the ... upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)