Re: Microsoft Activation Stupidity

This document from Microsoft states that an upgraded motherboard is in
fact a new personal computer:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/e/3/4e3eace0-4c6d-4123-9d0c-c80436181742/OSLicQA.doc

"11.	Rather than purchase completely new PCs, my organization performs
in-place upgrades to the hardware on many of our computers. We often
times only replace the motherboard, processor, and memory. Since the
COA is still on the case and the OS is still installed on the hard
drive, this computer is still licensed, right?
ANSWER.  Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware
components on your computer and maintain the license for the original
Microsoft OEM operating system software, with the exception of an
upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the
motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer."
Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from one
computer to another. Therefore, if the motherboard is upgraded or
replaced for reasons other than a defect then a new computer has been
created, the original license expires, and a new full operating system
license (not upgrade) is required. This is true even if the computer is
covered under Software Assurance or other Volume License programs."

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: OEM XP
    ... of the hardware components on your customer's computer and the customer may maintain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. ... Unless upgraded or replaced under warranty, if the motherboard is upgraded, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required. ... If you install an OEM version, then decide to upgrade to a different motherboard, then the OEM license is no longer valid and you'll need to purchase a new copy of Windows XP. ...
    (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)
  • Re: Win xp oem activation hits me clear as mud!
    ... This is copied direct from the OEM license ... you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your ... An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal ... OEM operating system software cannot be ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: XP pro register licence afetr 90 days - loops on xp login
    ... Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? ... you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your customer's computer and the end user may maintain ... system software cannot be transferred from another computer. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Date of Activation
    ... Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded ... and keep the same license? ... you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware ... with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)