hi alli have the above OEM on my current computer, if i upgrade my pc to a new system can i still use this software on the new computer or is it now only linked to this old computer?if so is it as simple as installing the OEM software on my new computer and then going through the activation process as i did originally with my old computer?regards

There's a 99% (or, more likely, a 100%) chance that it's locked to the original computer. What brand is it?Doug

what brand for what? its an asus motherboard i have on my old computer.

I was referring to a brandname like HP, Dell, Compaq, etc. Those are the ones that will surely have the XP install locked to the machine. If what you have is an OEM disc on a homebuilt or professionally built no-name box then it's not a problem - just a matter of reinstalling XP on the new machine and reactivating it.Doug

Just updated my pc with a new motherboard, memory and processor. Used the same hard drive and the Win XP repair function. See the MS Knowledge Base and search for "new motherboard" for detailed instructions. Basically, the repair function updates the HAL, and precludes a reformat and reinstallation of all the applications.Worked like a charm. You will have to visit Windows Update and reinstall all the hotfixes for security, etc. Bit of a pain - 35 updates in my case, but much better than a reformat and reinstalling all the applications :).Jim Harnes

hithanks for your respones, yes it is a no name brand, i.e i picked the components myself and they built it for me, so it looks like i will be able to use the OEM software Win XP to my new machinethanks

In case you can't activate xp normally, you could tell the 'activation services' your mainboard went kaputt and that you needed to replace it. ;-) Repairs are ok but using the licence on entirely new computer is against the EULA if you own an OEM or sytem builder xp version. Good luck & Rgds Jaap

>In case you can't activate xp normally, you could tell the>'activation services' your mainboard went kaputt and that you>needed to replace it. ;-) Repairs are ok but using the licence>on entirely new computer is against the EULA if you own an OEM>or sytem builder xp version. Good luck & Rgds >Not according to what MS told me when I called them. They claim that if you change the motherboard you need a new OEM license and that even if the MB breakes down.But from what I read in this thread it doesn't seem to be so in real life. In my case changing MB would require me to also change graphics card since I have an AGP card now.

Look at item 14 in the EULA. It specifically permits software transfer between machines (for xp purchased as a full install or OEM full install)as long as it is completely removed from the previous machine. The bootom line is that is only ever installed on one machine at a time.This doea not apply to installations on manufacture supplied xp. This is linked to the machine (disk?) and cannot be installed on another machine.I have been moving my xp pro to new machines for ages but I only have one desktop.If it wasn't permitted you wouldn't be able to activate it again.

>>Not according to what MS told me when I called them. They claim that if you change the motherboard you need a new OEM license and that even if the MB breakes down.But from what I read in this thread it doesn't seem to be so in real life. In my case changing MB would require me to also change graphics card since I have an AGP card now.<< Maybe it depends on where one lives? AFAIK, MS' interpretation of the EULA is not enforceable in a number of EU countries right now. OEM software (provided it's on 'something hard' - not when it's downloaded) is considered transferable even if the EULA states something else. A couple of weeks ago, one of my mainboards said: 'Jaap, you and your Flight Simulator are a royal pain in the neck. I'm going on strike!' :-) Mildly put, I would have been 'not amused' had I also been forced to buy a new OS license. Kind regards Jaap

>Maybe it depends on where one lives? >I live in Sweden and called MS there and was told in phone that after a MB change the activation wouldn't pass. When I told them that I find this insane they recommended me to buy a full license and defended it by asking the question 'Given a PC could you write an OS by yourself?. >A couple of weeks ago, one of my mainboards said: 'Jaap, you>and your Flight Simulator are a royal pain in the neck. I'm>going on strike!' :-) Mildly put, I would have been 'not>amused' had I also been forced to buy a new OS license. >Exactly what I think and said and my Win seller fully agreed. If you buy a new computer and the MB breaks (it happens I was told) will the shop have to give a new Win license in order to cover the warranty?

"'Given a PC could you write an OS by yourself?."Hummm...Next time..say this..."No I can't...But allot of other Cool folks can" then say.."Ubuntu"...then Hang Up...http://www.ubuntu.com/Sorry to hear of your MS troubles...I'm new to Linux myself...I'm actually just getting started...I have a few computers so I'm gonna do a Linux box...I think I'll use the Ubuntu distro...It's suppose to be pretty refined and user friendly...I'm kinda excited about getting started with it..I know I won't be able to run FS on it..I know this is a FS forum..Sorry to stray...I just have trouble with MS having an attitude as displayed in that comment...And there are indeed folks who can write an OS...And they are Willing/Happy to Give it to me for Free...Mr. Multi-Gazillionaire...Have Fun...

Hi Jfri, Below is the German BGH's (Supreme Court) decision back in 2000. I hope you understand the essentials. Consequently, lots of licenses are up for sale @ i.e. ebay and it's perfectly legal. http://www.jurpc.de/rechtspr/20000220.htmAFAIK, this court decision was one of the reasons why OEM licenses became more expensive. Kind regards Jaap