Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows Vista > Vista General Discussion > Vista OEM for System Builders
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jeep11   12-23-2008 at 09:33:08 PM

I'm looking at buying Vista Home Premium 64 OEM for system builders but it says it can only be installed on one computer. Does this mean if my hard-drive crashes I'll have to buy a new copy of vista? If my computer need to be "Re-Imaged" does that mean I need a new copy of Vista?

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arges86   12-24-2008 at 03:01:22 AM
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no
but i believe u have to call up Microsoft to get your S/N active again

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jeep11   12-24-2008 at 05:34:05 AM
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But you can do it easily and for free?

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tcsenter   12-24-2008 at 01:58:33 PM
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Once you install and activate the OEM copy on one computer, you cannot transfer it to or install it on a different computer. This is very different from 'you may only install it one time.'

Its not like a condom. You can install it as many times as you like on the same computer.

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jeep11   12-25-2008 at 04:58:59 AM
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But what if i replace a motherboard or something like that?

Message quoted 1 times
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Jme   12-26-2008 at 04:37:21 AM
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I'm looking into getting the same thing, and from what I've found, Microsoft legally lets you buy these OEM copies if you build your own computer and install your own software(system builder). The only catch is that it does not come with support from microsoft (you are considered the support), and it is tied to your computer. Microsoft sees the mobo as the computer itself, because a change in mobo is basically the biggest upgrade you can make, most likely changing everything. Your license is tied to the mobe\o

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tcsenter   12-26-2008 at 07:48:12 AM
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jeep11 wrote :

But what if i replace a motherboard or something like that?


If the motherboard needs replacement due to defect or failure, a new OS license is not required. But if you are voluntarily choosing to upgrade the motherboard to obtain new or enhanced features as opposed to reasons of failure or defect, a new OS license is required. Everything else can be replaced or upgraded for any reason without requiring a new OS license, though you will need to reactivate Windows after changing so much of the hardware configuration.

The semantics are pretty cut-and-dried. A motherboard that is in perfect working order but does not support as much RAM as you want, doesn't overclock as high as you want, or doesn't support some new processor that you want, is NOT a defective motherboard. These are all features.


Message edited by tcsenter on 12-26-2008 at 07:59:08 AM
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Zoron   12-27-2008 at 05:22:01 AM
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Technically, you can reactivate... you just tell MS your motherboard failed if they ask. Usually the ONLY question they will ask you is if this copy of Windows is only installed on one computer. You answer honestly (yes) and no one is the wiser.

I'm not condoning it in any way... but that's how it is.

------------------------------ Desktop: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit; Intel Q6600 CPU; E-VGA 780i SLI motherboard; E-VGA E-GeForce 8800GT; OCZ Vista 4GB dual-channel kit; Ultra X2 750W power supply; 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB in RAID 0. Laptop: Acer Aspire 8730-6314;
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