Reply from The Microsoft OEM System Builder Licensing Team to a query I posted 9/11/04 and was answered 9/20/04
Subject: OEM XP and upgrading/replacement mother boards
From: "System Builder Licensing" <
[email protected]> Sent: 9/20/2004 5:58:48 AM
Thank you for your post, Michael. Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your customer's computer and the customer may maintain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. Unless upgraded or replaced under warranty, if the motherboard is upgraded, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required. The original Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to another computer. Please visit
https://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?PageID=552862
for more information regarding used and refurbished computers. There is no difference between preinstalled OEM operating system software and OEM operating system software acquired after the purchase of a PC. Regardless, the OEM operating system must remain with the device that retains the motherboard. To activate Windows XP over the telephone, you can simply call a toll-free number displayed on your screen. A customer service representative will ask for the installation ID number displayed on the same screen, enter that number into a secure database, and return a confirmation ID to you. Once you have typed the confirmation ID, the activation process is complete. We hope this information has been helpful. Please take a moment to review a comprehensive group of OEM Licensing Questions and Answers which are specific to you as a system builder at:
https://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?pageid=514341. Thank you, The Microsoft OEM System Builder Licensing Team
>-----Original Message-----
>I would like to know the Microsoft policy on
>upgrading/replacement of mother boards on systems that
>were installed with OEM versions of XP. Can a computer
>with OEM XP replace or upgrade the mother board? Is there
>a difference if it is a direct replacement of a defective
>MB from a preinstalled OEM or a OEM + nonperipheral
>computer hardware?
>What is the activation policy when a phone call is
>required?
>
>Michael Stevens