OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

[Guest Bill Mathews]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

 

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

 

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system

in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see

as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

 

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

 

So, 3 questions:

1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,

or a full version?

2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

upgrade?

3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

 

BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and software

that's not Vista-compatible.

 

Thanks for the help.

[Guest PD43]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

"Bill Mathews" <sfbillm@attglobal.net> wrote:

>I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

>I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

>performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

>As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system

>in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see

>as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

>So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>

>So, 3 questions:

>1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,

>or a full version?

 

Upgrade is fine as long as you have a CD with a qualifying product on

it - do you have one? You will have to insert it during the

installation process.

>2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

>upgrade?

 

After.

>3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

 

Kinda sorta. Stock that isn't sold by that time can still be sold,

but no new stock can be purchased.

 

>BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and software

>that's not Vista-compatible.

>

>Thanks for the help.

>

[Guest Daave]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

"Bill Mathews" <sfbillm@attglobal.net> wrote in message

news:%236wsDpJzIHA.3680@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original

> system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what

> Windows would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

 

Not necessarily.

 

Even if Windows "sees" a new system, it doesn't mean you *have* a new

system. Arguably, you will have upgraded (albeit a significant upgrade!)

your current system. So, if automatic Internet activation doesn't occur,

you can always use phone activation, which I believe is automated. In

case you get a live person, don't volunteer more information than you

need to; the person on the other end of the line may erroneously assume

that a new motherboard does equal a new system.

 

Do you currently have a generic OEM installation CD of XP Pro? Along

with your Product ID, that's all you need.

[Guest Alias]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

Bill Mathews wrote:

> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system

> in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see

> as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>

> So, 3 questions:

> 1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,

> or a full version?

> 2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

> upgrade?

> 3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

>

> BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and software

> that's not Vista-compatible.

>

> Thanks for the help.

>

>

 

Being as your copy of XP came preinstalled and is tied to the old

motherboard, you will need to buy a new copy. If you have a copy of 98

or Me around, get XP update. If not, get a generic OEM copy of XP and do

a clean install. You can get both at a good price from http://www.newegg.com.

If you ever need to upgrade your motherboard -- or anything for that

matter -- the generic OEM copy of XP will work just fine.

 

Alias

[Guest Daave]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

"Alias" <iamalias@NOSPAMPLEASEgmail.com> wrote in message

news:g2repo$8bd$1@aioe.org...

> Being as your copy of XP came preinstalled and is tied to the old

> motherboard, you will need to buy a new copy.

 

I'm not sure that's correct. Assuming that OP has a system from a major

"Royalty OEM" retailer, it's the *"golden master" product key* that is

tied to the motherboard. There should be a COA sticker attached to the

PC's case that has *another* product key, and that is the key that would

be used in conjunction with a generic OEM installation disk.

 

If the OP has the type of PC mentioned above, he just needs to *obtain*

the generic OEM CD. Or perhaps his PC was custom-built and he already

has such a CD.

[Guest JS]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

Because XP will no longer be available shortly your best be is to get the

Retail Upgrade.

(All long as you have a Windows 98 or ME CD, the Upgrade version is all you

need)

 

OEM versions are tied to the motherboard, so if your new motherboard should

go bad

a few months down the road, you need to buy another OEM CD (if they are

still available)

Where as the retail copy can live on and on and on (from one motherboard to

the next).

 

JS

 

"Bill Mathews" <sfbillm@attglobal.net> wrote in message

news:%236wsDpJzIHA.3680@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original

> system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows

> would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>

> So, 3 questions:

> 1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The

> upgrade, or a full version?

> 2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

> upgrade?

> 3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

>

> BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and

> software that's not Vista-compatible.

>

> Thanks for the help.

>

>

[Guest Alias]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

JS wrote:

> Because XP will no longer be available shortly your best be is to get the

> Retail Upgrade.

> (All long as you have a Windows 98 or ME CD, the Upgrade version is all you

> need)

>

> OEM versions are tied to the motherboard,

 

Generic OEM versions are NOT tied to the motherboard or anything else

for that matter. I have a copy of a generic OEM XP Pro on a machine that

has had three motherboards. It activated on line each and every time.

 

Alias

so if your new motherboard should

> go bad

> a few months down the road, you need to buy another OEM CD (if they are

> still available)

> Where as the retail copy can live on and on and on (from one motherboard to

> the next).

>

> JS

>

> "Bill Mathews" <sfbillm@attglobal.net> wrote in message

> news:%236wsDpJzIHA.3680@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>>

>> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

>> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>>

>> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original

>> system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows

>> would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>>

>> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>>

>> So, 3 questions:

>> 1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The

>> upgrade, or a full version?

>> 2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

>> upgrade?

>> 3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

>>

>> BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and

>> software that's not Vista-compatible.

>>

>> Thanks for the help.

>>

>>

>

>

[Guest Tim Slattery]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

"Bill Mathews" <sfbillm@attglobal.net> wrote:

>I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

>performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system

>in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see

>as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

 

OEM versions are supported by the OEM. In this case, it would be up to

the OEM to determine whether a new motherboard invalidates your

license. Most OEMs do invalidate the license, unless you buy the new

motherboard from them.

>So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

 

Afraid so.

>So, 3 questions:

>1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,

>or a full version?

 

Full retail or another (generic) OEM version. Upgrade won't do it. And

you'll want to make sure you have all the relevant drivers.

>2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

>upgrade?

 

After, definitely.

 

--

Tim Slattery

MS MVP(Shell/User)

Slattery_T@bls.gov

http://members.cox.net/slatteryt

[Guest Keith W]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

 

"Bill Mathews" <sfbillm@attglobal.net> wrote in message

news:%236wsDpJzIHA.3680@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original

> system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows

> would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>

> So, 3 questions:

> 1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The

> upgrade, or a full version?

> 2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

> upgrade?

> 3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

>

> BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and

> software that's not Vista-compatible.

>

 

 

Don't even think about buying a new copy until you have tried installing and

activating the original. Ten to one it will behave perfectly (I speak

from experience).

[Guest Lil' Dave]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

"Bill Mathews" <sfbillm@attglobal.net> wrote in message

news:%236wsDpJzIHA.3680@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original

> system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows

> would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>

> So, 3 questions:

> 1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The

> upgrade, or a full version?

> 2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo

> upgrade?

> 3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

>

> BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and

> software that's not Vista-compatible.

>

> Thanks for the help.

>

>

 

The answers to all your questions are determined if you have a PC mfrs OEM,

or, a generic OEM CD. If the actual XP installation program resides on a

hidden partition, same as a PC mfrs OEM with even worse stuck as you are.

 

A PC mfrs OEM XP nstallation already has specific drivers for specific

hardware including the motherboard. There is no allowance for a repair

installation. A generic OEM XP installation does not in particular provide

exact drivers for a specific new motherboard, and is always a clean install

for best performance return. The specific motherboard drivers should be

installed immediately after such an installation. This installation will

have to be activated. A repair install is allowed with a generic OEM XP

install CD, you may or may not have to reactivate. The mobo drivers should

be installed as well in this case.

--

Dave

[Guest Bruce Chambers]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

Bill Mathews wrote:

> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system

> in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see

> as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>

 

 

Only if you have a BIOS-locked, branded OEM Installation or Recovery

CD. IF you have a generic, unbranded OEM installation CD, it can

readily be installed onto a new motherboard.

 

Some people mistakenly believe that the motherboard is the key

component that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA itself

does not make any such distinction. Others have said (tongue in cheek)

that one could successfully argue that it's the PC's case that is the

deciding component, as that is where one is instructed to affix the OEM

CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the EULA does *not* specifically define

any single component as the computer. Licensed Microsoft Systems

Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM licenses with computers they

build and sell, are _contractually_ obligated to "define" the computer

as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition can't be applied to

the end user until the EULA is re-written.

 

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ to *publicly*

define when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original

computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this

definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry

to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is

solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine

what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support

agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded

computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM

EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've

built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the

"OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your product.

 

 

 

--

 

Bruce Chambers

 

Help us help you:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

 

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary

safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

 

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

 

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has

killed a great many philosophers.

~ Denis Diderot

[Guest Plato]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

Bill Mathews wrote:

>

> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>

> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>

> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system

> in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see

> as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

>

> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

 

NO. If a problem, just call MS for a new serial. You only need to buy XP

ONCE.....

 

--

http://www.bootdisk.com/

[Guest Twayne]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

> Bill Mathews wrote:

>>

>> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>>

>> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

>> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>>

>> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the

>> original system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on

>> what Windows would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new

>> motherboard.

>>

>> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>

> NO. If a problem, just call MS for a new serial. You only need to buy

> XP ONCE.....

 

Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the

hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same

mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip

set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

[Guest Alias]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

Twayne wrote:

>> Bill Mathews wrote:

>>> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

>>>

>>> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

>>> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

>>>

>>> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the

>>> original system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on

>>> what Windows would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new

>>> motherboard.

>>>

>>> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

>> NO. If a problem, just call MS for a new serial. You only need to buy

>> XP ONCE.....

>

> Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the

> hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same

> mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip

> set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

>

>

>

 

There are two kinds of OEM copies of XP, generic and branded. The

branded ones put out by the likes of HP and Dell are tied to the

original motherboard. Generic copies of XP are tied to the "original"

computer which can be updated to your heart's desire, including the

motherboard, processor, NIC, whatever, and there is NO REASON to buy a

new license if you update the hardware on your computer, even if the

only original part left is one screw.

 

Alias

[Guest Daave]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

"Twayne" <nobody@devnull.spamcop.net> wrote in message

news:eYBM7puzIHA.2292@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the

> hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same

> mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new

> chip set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

 

I read the EULA closely. I couldn't find any stipulation that a

motherboard cannot be upgraded. Bruce's post pretty much covers all the

relevant points. The OEM license is tied to the *computer*, and it is

the PC builder, not Microsoft, who determines what constitutes a new PC

(well, pre-Vista, at any rate).

[Guest Plato]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

Twayne wrote:

>

> >> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

> >>

> >> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> >> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

> >>

> >> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the

> >> original system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on

> >> what Windows would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new

> >> motherboard.

> >>

> >> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

> >

> > NO. If a problem, just call MS for a new serial. You only need to buy

> > XP ONCE.....

>

> Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the

> hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same

> mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip

> set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

 

Once again, one only has to buy Windows once. What part of that did you

NOT understand?

 

 

--

http://www.bootdisk.com/

[Guest Plato]

Re: OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

 

Twayne wrote:

>

> >> I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

> >>

> >> I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system

> >> performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

> >>

> >> As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the

> >> original system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on

> >> what Windows would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new

> >> motherboard.

> >>

> >> So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

> >

> > NO. If a problem, just call MS for a new serial. You only need to buy

> > XP ONCE.....

>

> Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the

> hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same

> mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip

> set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

 

Incorrect. One only has to buy Windows once.

 

--

http://www.bootdisk.com/