To OEM or not to OEM

  • Thread starter Thread starter AMG
  • Start date Start date
"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
news:j80e4410hj3si4ul379cqi603bdprcj02u@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 02:22:01 -0700, AMG <AMG@discussions.microsoft.com>
> wrote:
>
>> If I get the OEM version, I know that a restriction in the license means
>> it
>> cannot be transferred to another computer.
>>
>> I need to get clarification on the following:
>>
>> 1) What happens if my computer crashes and I am told I have to reformat
>> the
>> hard drive and re-install Windows? Am I forced to buy a new license?
>
>
> No. You can reformat and reinstall as often as you want to.
>
>
>> 2) What if I want to have a backup hard drive, or upgrade my existing
>> hard
>> drive to a bigger one? If it's the same computer and only the hard drive
>> is
>> upgraded or a second one added, does that mandate a new license?
>
>
>
> No. It's the same computer.

A System Builder OEM licence does not specify that any part of the system
cannot be upgraded, therefore even changing the motherboard is still
technically an 'upgrade'.
..
 
"AMG" <AMG@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BF0BB61D-720E-4259-B399-446A8FFCEDAE@microsoft.com...

> If I get the OEM version, I know that a restriction in the license means
> it
> cannot be transferred to another computer.
>
> I need to get clarification on the following:
>
> 1) What happens if my computer crashes and I am told I have to reformat
> the
> hard drive and re-install Windows? Am I forced to buy a new license?

Pull out the OEM DVD and reinstall. No new license should be needed. But
if the mobo changes for hardware failure/replacement or something, you might
have to let M$ know to get a new key or something.

> 2) What if I want to have a backup hard drive, or upgrade my existing hard
> drive to a bigger one? If it's the same computer and only the hard drive
> is
> upgraded or a second one added, does that mandate a new license?

A second hard drive is no issue at all. The Vista "pirate" crap looks at
the disk labels. The primary did still being there, no issue.

But as always, and according to the EULA, you are 100% at the mercy of
Microsoft. They want to change it, they can without notice or recourse to
you.
 
"Brian W" <brian.wescombeSODOFF@ntlSPAMworld.com> wrote in message
news:hMY1k.70822$SA7.1110@newsfe09.ams2...
>
> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> news:j80e4410hj3si4ul379cqi603bdprcj02u@4ax.com...
>> On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 02:22:01 -0700, AMG <AMG@discussions.microsoft.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> If I get the OEM version, I know that a restriction in the license means
>>> it
>>> cannot be transferred to another computer.
>>>
>>> I need to get clarification on the following:
>>>
>>> 1) What happens if my computer crashes and I am told I have to reformat
>>> the
>>> hard drive and re-install Windows? Am I forced to buy a new license?
>>
>>
>> No. You can reformat and reinstall as often as you want to.
>>
>>
>>> 2) What if I want to have a backup hard drive, or upgrade my existing
>>> hard
>>> drive to a bigger one? If it's the same computer and only the hard drive
>>> is
>>> upgraded or a second one added, does that mandate a new license?
>>
>>
>>
>> No. It's the same computer.
>
> A System Builder OEM licence does not specify that any part of the system
> cannot be upgraded, therefore even changing the motherboard is still
> technically an 'upgrade'.

So if M$ say they will not upgrade, are you going to sue them? Not likely.

You are at the mercy of their interpretation without much practical
recourse.

It is why I like FLOSS. Once you have a copy in your hands, use it how you
wish, where you wish and copy if for anyone anywhere any time and no license
issues.
 
On Thu, 5 Jun 2008 22:20:07 +0100, "Brian W"
<brian.wescombeSODOFF@ntlSPAMworld.com> wrote:

>
> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> news:j80e4410hj3si4ul379cqi603bdprcj02u@4ax.com...
> > On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 02:22:01 -0700, AMG <AMG@discussions.microsoft.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> If I get the OEM version, I know that a restriction in the license means
> >> it
> >> cannot be transferred to another computer.
> >>
> >> I need to get clarification on the following:
> >>
> >> 1) What happens if my computer crashes and I am told I have to reformat
> >> the
> >> hard drive and re-install Windows? Am I forced to buy a new license?
> >
> >
> > No. You can reformat and reinstall as often as you want to.
> >
> >
> >> 2) What if I want to have a backup hard drive, or upgrade my existing
> >> hard
> >> drive to a bigger one? If it's the same computer and only the hard drive
> >> is
> >> upgraded or a second one added, does that mandate a new license?
> >
> >
> >
> > No. It's the same computer.
>
> A System Builder OEM licence does not specify that any part of the system
> cannot be upgraded, therefore even changing the motherboard is still
> technically an 'upgrade'.


Are you disagreeing with me? Did I say otherwise?

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup
 
On Wed, 4 Jun 2008 02:22:01 -0700, AMG <AMG@discussions.microsoft.com>
wrote:

>If I get the OEM version, I know that a restriction in the license means it
>cannot be transferred to another computer.
>
>I need to get clarification on the following:
>
>1) What happens if my computer crashes and I am told I have to reformat the
>hard drive and re-install Windows? Am I forced to buy a new license?

Absolutely NOT!!!
Just reinstall the OS and activate it. YOU MAY have to accomplish the
activation via phone, but it is a painless and trouble-free process
[UNLESS you lose your patience].

>
>2) What if I want to have a backup hard drive, or upgrade my existing hard
>drive to a bigger one? If it's the same computer and only the hard drive is
>upgraded or a second one added, does that mandate a new license?

Adding HDs to a machine do not require a new license. It might
require you to activate your license again [in the case of replacing
your System HDD], but will not require a new license, UNLESS you want
to put a SECOND COPY Of Windows on one of the HDDs you add.

OEM licenses = ONE Installation on a SINGLE HD in a SINGLE machine for
the life of the machine, as many times as needed, or until it [the
machine and its Windows license] is transferred [i.e., "sold or given
away"] to a third--party. The same terms apply to the new owner.


Donald L McDaniel
 
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