Of Motherboards and Windows Licenses
Feb 21

Of Motherboards and Windows Licenses

Microsoft: Upgraded Motherboard = New Windows Licence: Microsoft recently sent a memo to all their OEM partners explaining that the core essence of a computer was the motherboard, and if it was upgraded, then the entire machine is considered new, and a new Windows license must be purchased.

An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a — new personal computer — to which Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.

Via MetaFilter.

by Deane   February 21, 2006 5:01 PM    |   Follow Gadgetopia on Twitter   |  Tags:  Windows

Comments

by Ryan,   February 21, 2006 6:29 PM  

So, if I get a heart transplant does that make me a new person?

by argatxa,   February 22, 2006 3:05 AM  

When I was messing with the BIOS settings (like Plug&Play OS -->Y/N) I had the windows license voided and I had to reathorize it online.

If you cannot connect for anyreason your windows stops working... brilliant!!

:-/

by Peter Shen,   February 22, 2006 5:06 AM  

Disgusting... Monopoly.... Software Nazi!

"NO OS FOR YOO!"

by Ian Argent,   February 22, 2006 4:39 PM  

Well, that's weird. I bought an OEM copy of Windows XP for a machine I built, and the EULA in it (which I read) said I could transfer the license.

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