Posted: 4/11/2011 10:47:53 AM EDT
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Apparently when you license windows from Dell/HP/OEM, then MS only licenses that copy of windows for that particular computer.
So when my GF's Dell busted its HD controller, I popped her hard drive into an old Acer I had laying around, thinking that was fine b/c then that copy of windows cannot run 2 computers at the same time. The old ethical thinking of software being like a book where 2 people cant read it at the same time? WRONG it worked fine for a few days then popped up as not genuine and all she can do now is surf internet. Cannot run programs or anything else. A call to MS and we found out that you cannot just swap the HD to a different PC, even if the original computer is completely destroyed (except for the HD) fucking bullshit. |
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Quoted:
Apparently when you license windows from Dell/HP/OEM, then MS only licenses that copy of windows for that particular computer. So when my GF's Dell busted its HD controller, I popped her hard drive into an old Acer I had laying around, thinking that was fine b/c then that copy of windows cannot run 2 computers at the same time. The old ethical thinking of software being like a book where 2 people cant read it at the same time? WRONG it worked fine for a few days then popped up as not genuine and all she can do now is surf internet. Cannot run programs or anything else. A call to MS and we found out that you cannot just swap the HD to a different PC, even if the original computer is completely destroyed (except for the HD) fucking bullshit. This is old news. Been around since at least XP, maybe ME. An OEM copy of Windows that comes preinstalled on a computer is licensed only for that computer. It's why the COA is stuck to the COMPUTER and not the media case. A RETAIL copy of Windows can be moved from computer to computer. |
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This is correct, OEM licenses are tied to the motherboard and you can not move the license between motherboards like you can with the over priced retail license. That said, if the motherboard dies you are allowed to replace the motherboard with the same model or "OEM equivalent". Being that I'm a "system builder" I get to determine what "OEM equivalent" means.   Edit: Could be worse, you could have a MAC hard drive that wouldn't even boot on your Acer.  Call Microsoft and tell them that your motherboard got fired and it was replaced. Do not tell them you are moving the hard drive to another computer. |