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

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

anonymous_at_discussions.microsoft.com
Date: 03/10/04 

Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 16:10:16 -0800

>-----Original Message-----
>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/de
fault.mspx
>
>
>.
>Thanks again. One more question and I'll leave ya' alone
for awhile,,,, do you have any sites that sell the os's
with the oem and extra licenses that you trust or have
good reps' for online sales?

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)