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I’m fairly certain that violates the Windows End User License Agreement, so it’s not really appropriate to discuss here. Sorry 🙁
Umm what?! What does this have to do with the license agreement? I just want to know if I need the Windows XP startup disk when booting in safemode on a new hardware so the new drivers can be installed for the new motherboard.
This isn’t illegal…are you misunderstanding me?! Please I need to know this!
There are a LOT of things that violate EULAs… including most third-party add-ons or even software like Trillian (which “uses” other IM networks without creating revenue for them or paying license fees).
In this case (transferring an owned license from one PC to another) I think you’re pretty safe. Microsoft themselves allow for the fact that you might upgrade your PC (i.e. replace the motherboard). When you do this, you will likely have to call Microsoft to explain what you’ve done (I’d probably just explain that I “upgraded” the motherboard rather than moved the HD to an new PC, even if it is essentially the same thing). They can make sure you get certified as “genuine” and all that good stuff.
I’ve done it before. It’s really not so painful.
@Jeff 227216 wrote:
There are a LOT of things that violate EULAs… including most third-party add-ons or even software like Trillian (which “uses” other IM networks without creating revenue for them or paying license fees).
In this case (transferring an owned license from one PC to another) I think you’re pretty safe. Microsoft themselves allow for the fact that you might upgrade your PC (i.e. replace the motherboard). When you do this, you will likely have to call Microsoft to explain what you’ve done (I’d probably just explain that I “upgraded” the motherboard rather than moved the HD to an new PC, even if it is essentially the same thing). They can make sure you get certified as “genuine” and all that good stuff.
I’ve done it before. It’s really not so painful.
No. Replacing the motherboard will qualify to use the same license, but upgrading the motherboard will not. It is very much illegal, and depending on what you say when calling to activate the product, you could be refused.
People violate the agreement quite often, but buying a computer from Best Buy means that it will come with an Operating System, so it isn’t worth the trouble of swapping keys or moving disks.
I’ve done this before — upgrading a motherboard. I had to call the phone number for Microsoft during the activation process, but they didn’t bat an eye. I say go for it!
Speaking from my personal experience. I UPGRADED a motherboard and called Microsoft and they gladly helped me reactivate Windows on the “new” machine.
Frankly, I’m not going to split hairs here and say what is or isn’t legal. This is clearly not a case of piracy. I suggest we just help Kacen figure out her problem and have her call Microsoft to get things activated.
If you feel a little nervous, then tell them you “replaced” the motherboard (rather than upgraded, though I honestly don’t see why they would care from a legal standpoint).
Oh so I would have to re-activate my current Windows XP Installation on there? Wow…
That’s weird…I’m not even planning to re-install anything. So while booting in safe mode it will make me have to re-activate it while the drivers are being installed, or something?
Oh and btw he not she…
You would only need to reactivate Windows (from a practical standpoint) when you tried to use Windows Update or tried to download files from Microsoft which require Windows Genuine Authentication. You may also have trouble with the Restore function, but since you don’t have any discs, that won’t be a problem for you :p
@VvWolverinevV 227237 wrote:
You would only need to reactivate Windows (from a practical standpoint) when you tried to use Windows Update or tried to download files from Microsoft which require Windows Genuine Authentication. You may also have trouble with the Restore function, but since you don’t have any discs, that won’t be a problem for you :p
No, Windows will deactivate itself when that kind of hardware switch is detected. Parts of the computer are assigned point values, and if a certain number of points change, the activation will be voided, and it will be as if you just installed windows. You will have 30 days until you are forced to activate, or stop using the computer.
Quote:That’s weird…I’m not even planning to re-install anything. So while booting in safe mode it will make me have to re-activate it while the drivers are being installed, or something?It has nothing to do with safe mode, it’s the system detected the massive change of hardware.
Quote:Speaking from my personal experience. I UPGRADED a motherboard and called Microsoft and they gladly helped me reactivate Windows on the “new” machine.Frankly, I’m not going to split hairs here and say what is or isn’t legal. This is clearly not a case of piracy. I suggest we just help Kacen figure out her problem and have her call Microsoft to get things activated.
If you feel a little nervous, then tell them you “replaced” the motherboard (rather than upgraded, though I honestly don’t see why they would care from a legal standpoint).
It’s still illegal, I’ve called and had systems activated too, they’ll do the standard “is this is the only computer it is installed on?” speech, and then give you the code. They won’t care, home users are small fish, and since you’d have the new OEM key to back it, it’s not even a legal issue. But the point of the matter is that it is against the license agreement, whether anyone gets caught or accused of piracy.
Again, Kacen, this isn’t worth the trouble. You will have to re-activate windows, you will have to reload the drivers, you will need to obtain all the drivers beforehand and put them on a CD, and you likely WILL have more problems–aside from the fact that the PATA controller on the new computer will only be ATA100, and you’ll have to stuff the disk in the 5.25″ bay under the optical drive because there is only one cable…
Well as a secondary option I’ll just attach it as a secondary drive to a whole new computer with it’s own operating system. That’s the best choice.
Like I did with my old comp’s hard drive…that way I don’t have to use CD’s to move files.
Still gonna be a pain to re-install everything.
David;227239 wrote:No, Windows will deactivate itself when that kind of hardware switch is detected. Parts of the computer are assigned point values, and if a certain number of points change, the activation will be voided, and it will be as if you just installed windows. You will have 30 days until you are forced to activate, or stop using the computer.Okay, I didn’t realize that. Thanks, David. Do you have a reference for that by any chance? I’d like to read about it 🙂
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