How to boot a new MOBO.

Hi there,

Just bought a new mobo, cpu and ram.

I have done small home pc upgrades before but never a mobo, do u just plug everything in and turn it on? will the new mobo boot windows vista from my old hdd? wot do i need to do?

 

You probably want to try and rebuild the OS (without losing settings method) if it doesn't work straight off, eg.:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

Read twice, have chipset drivers on a USB.

 

If the board has a built-in networking adapter and a separate driver for it, put that one on the USB drive as well... *glares at current PC motherboard*

 

Not likely because all the drivers will be different. But it is important to note that in most cases, upgrading the motherboard is seen by Windows as different computer, which means you need to buy a new Windows license anyway, or you will be running illegally. This is particularly true if your current Windows license, the one used to install Vista on that HD, is an OEM version that came with the original PC.

 

I thought if you have the full version and not the OEM, it's legal as long as you don't put it on several different computers. So using the old hard drive, possibly with a reinstall, would be legally okay with non-OEM version of XP or Vista. Or am I wrong about that? :confused

 

That's why I said this is particularly true with OEM. But the OP said,

A new motherboard, CPU and RAM is pretty much a new computer. Also, having only done small upgrades prior to this "suggests" the old motherboard, CPU and RAM are out of a computer he did not build himself and the vast majority of pre-built computers, even if custom built by a friend, use OEM versions of Windows (because they are cheaper) - which means the OEM license is tied to the old computer.

IF he did go to a store and buy a retail, boxed version of Vista, then you are right, it can be transfered to this new computer.

 

Ah, okay. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

No problem. One more note. If the original Vista disk is an "Upgrade" version, then it can only be used on the computer the qualifying older version was installed on. So it cannot be transfered either.

 

I have just had a strange thing happen.

Last week i built a gamers PC for a young guy in the apartment block.

His old system was at least 8 years old running XP pro, the new system was 99% new parts Mobo (Foxxcon digital)CPU (quad) PSU (antec 750) graphics (GTX250) 4gb DDR3 ram and a new 700gb hard drive, the only thing i used from the old rig was the 200gb HDD to install the OS on and he can use the 700 for all other applications.
So imagine my surprise when i booted the new rig and XP Pro appeared, I had always thought it would need a new install after such a new build and we have bought windows 7 for it and have now installed it where XP was.

 

Some times it happens when the OS recognizes the changes, and adapts to some of the drivers. But that does not make it legal.

 

Yes the os came pre-installed on the pre-built pc i have.

Does this mean i have to buy a new os?

 

It means it is illegal for you to install it on a new computer. A new motherboard counts as a new computer.

 

The thing is i don't have much money and i cant afford windows 7!

Is there any way around this? Even if it isn't entirely legal?

Thankyou

 

Of course there is. But we can't help you with things that aren't entirely legal in the forum... the site owners can get in serious trouble if we do.

There are open-source free operating systems you can install, if you're willing to get into the world of Linux, of course.

 

Sorry to keep posting, but what do you suggest i do?

 

if i used my old ram instead of the new ones, would that mean i can use the old vista on the old hd?

 

Unless I'm mistaken here, the license is tied to the motherboard.

 

There is nothing you can do to legally use the old license. You MUST buy a new license, or use a free Linux alternative. If you use the old license, that's stealing, and you become a thief.

So, if you want to move to Windows 7, and with new hardware that is what I recommend, you just need to wait and save up some more money and buy a legal copy. I note you did not include a power supply on your list of new hardware. I recommend you buy your new Windows with a new supply. And if your new motherboard does not have integrated graphics, you will likely need a new graphics card too.

 

Hey there I know a little about this, but for absolute assuredness, I would suggest contacting the microsoft licencing and making an enquiry there.

Many pre installed operating systems are O.E.M original equipment manufacturers, these are often a cheaper and more common form of licence for the big name brand p.c makers like such as Dell - HP-compaq etc.. This type of licence is tied to the hardware. I am unsure what the upgrade path is, if any for this type of licence.

There are many other kinds of licencing such as one used for educational facilities a 'MAR' licence, hopefully you wont come accross one of these, as the usage of this kind of a licence is very restricted.

If you have a look on the licence itself it will state in somewhat small print - O.E.M - think no good / MAR hope not / if it says nothing on the sticker, with the number used to activate windows on it, then you maybe able to upgrade along a "licencing path". If you are not sure just ask Microsoft they have an online guide somewhere from a link on the home page..stumbled across myself it a little while back.. and sorry no time to relocate and paste a link.

If in doubt send an email to microsoft and just enquire. Better than getttng band from using Microsoft products - this includes MS Office and games they make and for life... Also a potential bonus fine, for copyright infringement, if you are ever tempted to use an illicit copy.. how they would enforce the software ban i havent a clue... probably just fine you more..

At least this is my understanding, you maybe able to sell your older licence, and use the funds to purchase another licence that does have an upgrade option... either that or hope santa visits your p.c over Christmas

L8r guy, its a tuff one (and life) with limited funds.:wave

 

Digerati - i already bought a new psu for my old system, i have a 650 watt one.

And i bought a GeForce 9600 GSO

Thankyou for the help though

necro - It says "Windows Vista Premium OEM Act"

Does this mean i'm screwed and have to buy a new os?

Thankyou for the help guys i REALLY appreciate this

 

Yes. OEMs are ALWAYS tied to the original hardware.

 

Yeah, advise someone to fraudulently acquire (steal!) an illegal copy! That's, frankly, pretty stupid advice! The ONLY time that is legal is if the original motherboard failed and a "like" (same brand and model number) motherboard is installed in it's place during the repair process. This is clearly an elective update, not a repair.

Don't be stupid too, burrell. Since there are plenty of legal "free" alternatives available to you, there is NO LEGITIMATE or LEGAL EXCUSE for STEALING!

 

Yeah they dont have the resources for ram raiding lol, and chances are you wont get caught, but personally I wouldnt want to risk it.

If it was me, I would rather be aware of all the scenario's before following someones advice.:cry

But yeah give them a call that will sort it, once and for all.

L8r :wave

 

Especially since the FBI does not have jurisdiction in Manchester, England.

 

I don't think Digitalocksmith is advocating stealing anything: what he suggests is something I've done many times through the years, and is perfectly legal - a quick call to Microsoft has always produced product activation on rebuilt machines, and there has never been any question from Microsoft concerning the legality of any of my machines...

OEM Windows disks are not necessarily tied to a specific motherboard: the operating system itself is separate from any slip-streamed drivers contained on the disk - there have been many times that I used an OEM Windows disk on machines that were different than the original...

And again, I stress that everything was above board and perfectly legal: Microsoft is not some huge ogre that will zap you for migrating their operating systems from one machine to another - if you take the time to talk to them and let them know you are not involved in piracy, they bend over backwards to help you...

 

Yes he is advocating stealing, and no, it is NOT perfectly legal. The OP has clearly stated (1) He is "updating" his computer and (2) His copy of Vista is an OEM license that came with an old computer.

 

If replacing the motherboard means you are now forced to buy a new license, then anyone who bought an OEM system and who have had the motherboard warranty in it replaced per warranty, now has an illegal copy of Windows on their system.

Copy-right infringement is not stealing. RIAA and their expensive ad agency would love it if we started to believe that pirating music and software is the exact same thing as stealing someone's car, but it isn't. Not legally, and not in real life. Don't get me wrong, it's still a crime, but you're not stealing in the eyes of the law when you pirate an OS, movie, or song. You're committing a different kind of crime, with different penalties, burden of proof, and so on and so forth.

To deliberately use incorrect terminology like this is a scare tactic that is neither helpful, or something I expected to see in an educated and mature community like MGs.

There is a possibility the OP may be able to argue that transferring his license from an old (dead?) motherboard to a new one fall under the fair-use act, in which case he is not committing copyright infringement either. I know several people who had a motherboard or other vital component die in their system, and who had to call Microsoft for reactivation after they replaced the dead part with a new one. Microsoft had no problems with that, as long as it was made clear that the user was not going to run duplicate installs of the license and the transfer was necessary due to hardware failure.

Note that I'm not a legal expert on software licenses, I just want to echo the advise of others in this thread: Call Microsoft and ask if you can transfer it to your new hardware, since your old hardware isn't usable anymore. The worst they can do is say no. If they do say no though, I of course suggest you respect that.

 

Agreed, Mimsy, and I'm not going to argue with you, Digerati - I'm just trying to help burrell with his/her questions...I don't think Microsoft requires one to buy a new operating system license if you replace a motherboard - in fact, I know they don't...

 

No!!! Read what I said.

And note this is not my opinion I am stating so argueing with me is moot. Read your EULAs - it is pretty clear.

 

These "ridiculous" laws are the greatest problem in this world today and are purely designed around a "centralised model of greed" that benefit the very few while exploiting the masses. Did you hear that MS was trying to "copyright" a core component of the Linux OS's!!!!!!

Defend Corporate Greed all you like Digerati but that is what has just really "messed" up the world Economies since mid-2008 and should not be defended so vigorously.

I had a mobo die, I was between jobs (due to the recession) and my partner was at university (mid-way). To find the exact mobo (chipset, etc) was either very difficult and or ridiculously expensive and I had a later series mobo, RAM, CPU, etc sitting there from my last gaming build. To just throw away a legal copy of an OS that was only ever going to be installed on one machine because of genuine hardware failure is ridiculous. We would have had to go without food for 2 weeks to save for another copy, she would have significantly fallen behind in her studies and we would have experienced significant "hardship".

There are "laws" and then there is social justice (the right way), sometimes these laws are written by individuals with excessive power or purely by "corrupt" businesses with way to many lawyers and or political lobbyist, just so the very few can for ever exploit the masses. I don't condone crimes against society but when laws allow the greedy to "overtly" exploit the masses I think we need to adopt an ethical and sensible approach imho!

Any further defence of laws that are "purely" designed around models of centralised greed will be falling on deaf ears!

 

Please. If my motherboard died tomorrow and I bought myself a newer model to replace it, I'd refer to it as an upgrade too. It's an upgrade caused by hardware failure, but it's an upgrade none the less. Most vendors don't carry my board anymore, and the ones that do will charge me more than it will cost me to buy a new OS license together with a new board.

You're saying that it would be illegal for me to install my OEM copy of Vista on the new motherboard, since its a new model. I'm saying that if it is, then Microsoft's licensing system is deliberately designed to take advantage of the consumers who bought the OS legally, and I find that offensive, slimy, and unethical.

Take from that what you will.

@BoldEagle
Whoa there... Easy. Breath. Deep breath, come on... calm now? Cool. Here's a beer. :drink Relax, most of us are on your side here.

When you're dealing with a system that is deliberately set up to take advantage of consumers, we consumers have a responsibility to help each other find the best ways possible to deal with that system. That's why tax accountants stay in business.

I'm not saying that anyone should go out there and download a copy of Windows from a torrent site somewhere. However, I'm saying that before buying a new license, anyone should call Microsoft and ask them if you qualify for reactivation, if you're moving the OS from your old hardware to newer hardware. If you're lucky they'll reactivate for you. If not, at least you tried.

 

Will have a beer thinking of you Mimsy and drink to your health .

It's not like MS is the most ethical company in the world and in fact I see case (law suit) after case after case on their behaviour in the global market and how they try and undertake "anti-competitive" market practices in an effort to "control" the market to maximise profit, attempting to satisfy their "unfettered" greed.

IMHO your defending the "wrong" side Digerati (come and play on our side as your very passionate) and if anyone is undertaking "socially criminal" behaviour it is MS themselves as has been demonstrated on numerous occasions throughout history and around the world (all of the law suits).

 

Just because you don't think something should be illegal does not make it right to break the law. Stealing is illegal. That's what this is about. It is not about Microsoft (nor is MS the only company that follows this OEM practice), it is about breaking the law. And since the laws, and the courts (and law suits) have said this method of OEM licensing is legal, then that's the way it is. It matters not that your stuff is so old you are forced upgrade. If you don't like the law, get out and vote - don't break the laws, work to change the laws. Complain to your elected representatives, not me. I'm just the messenger. In the meantime, understand if you use an OEM license for a upgrade, that's stealing, and in the eyes of the law, you are a thief.

And since you know it is illegal, promoting such illegal activities on this site is doing an injustice to the owners of this site. Defending the wrong side? I am on the side of the law.
***

You are wrong and the reason why is obvious - you are talking about an OEM license - which by it's very name (original equipment manufacturer) means it is a license for the original equipment. If you want to carry a license forward to your upgrade you should have bought a retail version in the first place instead of trying to save of few bucks. You screwed up and didn't buy the correct version. Don't blame MS for your failure. And don't use your failure to rationalize stealing. Stealing is stealing. And if you say you didn't have a choice because that's what came with the original computer, then blame the original computer maker, not MS.

As I said repeatedly, they don't - IF it is a "replacement" board for one that has failed. But this thread was opened by the OP stating he is upgrading the motherboard AND the CPU and RAM.

I say again, read your EULAs.

 

Hard to fault this and 2 wrongs don't make a right. You are indeed the messenger and therefore should not be shot.

 

This seems to be getting over complicated...

I dont want to cause too much fuss


If i did buy windows 7 for the new machine, would i have to buy the full version or could i buy the upgrade version because the upgrade version is significantly cheaper!

Again, THANKYOU guys!!

 

roflmao - In the same breath you warn me about slander you accuse me of being on drugs! How clever is that? rolleyes

You need to look up the definition of slander, and an individual's rights for posting on public forums. It is only slander if not true. And I am protected to say what I want as long as it does not promote violence or threaten someone's wellbeing. Sites are protected against libel actions from comments by individual posters too, as long as the site does not promote those illegal activities. As far as you being a tattletale - go for it. While at it, see what they think about you advising others to lie in order to fraudulently acquire something they are not entitled to. And finally, I'd be proud to help a little old lady cross the road. Try it some time.

Sadly, legally this is the same situation. You cannot use an OEM version for Vista as the qualifier for an upgrade version to Windows 7, unless you are installing it on the same original equipment. You, in effect, are building yourself a new computer and I applaud you for that. It is a great learning experience, and certainly cheaper than buying a whole new machine. I suggest using some of the money saved by you doing this yourself and purchase a "retail" copy of Windows 7 to avoid these upgrade issues in the future. Or, buy an OEM (now often called "system builder") version for this new machine, with the understanding when Windows 10 (or whatever) comes out, you will have to buy a full license again if you decide to upgrade again. Or, as I mentioned above, install one of the free (and very capable) Linux alternatives and REALLY send a message to Microsoft that their prices are too darn high.

One more legal option is available to you. Go to school and get HUGE discounts on Windows 7 and Microsoft Office - Even part time students can take advantage of these very liberal discounts. For UK readers, see Microsoft Education UK. In the United States, see here. Note in the US, this offer expires Jan 5, 2010. I did not see a date for the UK offer but suspect it is similar.

BTW - this OEM stuff is nothing new - it has been this way for since XP came out, if not before. It was just never pushed back then.

And FTW - there's a reason I kinda know what I am talking about - https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Bill.Bright

 

@burrell
You should buy the full version of Win7 instead of the OEM one, for two reasons:

1. You'll never have to be involved in a forum flame-fest like this again because the full version can be transferred from system to system as you like, as long as you only have it on one computer at a time. In other words, by paying a bunch of extra money you will be allowed the privilege of upgrading your hardware in the future. (Makes perfect sense to have your OS license control your upgrade possibilities, doesn't it? )

2. Microsoft changed the system for 7. They are now finally offering a family license (long, long after Apple realized it was a good idea), they offer both the 32-bit and the 64-bit version on the same disc, and they released it to the public as beta for a full year before actual release. In other words, they might not be doing things completely right yet, but they are doing things so much less wrong that on general principle we should give them some money to encourage this behavior, and show them that this method works, so they hopefully, hopefully, continue down this path.

My description of the Microsoft license system as slimy and unethical is my opinion. You're telling me that my opinion is wrong? Opinions are opinions. That's all. There's no right or wrong. The copyright laws don't require me to like the license terms, it's only obeying them that's mandatory. Or did they put a change in the EULA in last week's updates that I am only allowed to use the OS if I fully agree and approve of everything in the license terms?

And please, please, please, educate yourself on what you're so passionately defending. The legal definition of stealing is very different from the legal definition of copyright infringement. If you want to contribute to an intelligent and constructive debate you need to make that distinction. It's not stealing, no more than fraud or embezzlement is. For the last time, learn the differences in terminology. There is absolutely no way that I will believe for a moment that you know what you're talking about until you show that you know the difference between these things.

Microsoft's pricetag for their OS right now is nearly as much as a netbook with a Windows OS pre-installed. That may be legal, but my opinion (note: opinion!) is that the fact that it is legal sucks on roughly the same level as a vampire with a severe case of bulimia, and it should never have been allowed. The only reason anyone can possible have for thinking this is morally and ethically right, is if they get a share of the profits (I assume you do as an MVP, right?). For the poor suckers out there who are on a budget, can't go back to school for any reason (often budget again), or who had a motherboard die on them and have no choice but to buy a new model, this is a system that comes across as deliberately designed to screw them over, and as such one that it is very difficult to agree with or like.

You can try to defend that all you like, I doubt you're going to win anyone over, especially when all your arguments keep coming back to accusing those who disagree with you of advocating software piracy, instead of actually trying to present good arguments for your side. When you can be rational and civilized I'll be happy to continue this discussion with you. For now, it is blindingly obvious that you have no interest in actually listening to the opinions of anyone who disagrees with you, or any interest in learning anything about the issue you're trying to debate, so this is a waste of both our time.

 

OMG! Are you kidding me? I have pretty good command of the English language but I still keep a dictionary nearby. I suggest you crack one open. Copyright infringement? Where did that come from? I am not talking about "STEALING" a song from some P2P site - which is copyright infringement and IS still STEALING, BTW. This is about the illegal use of a software license. And again, it is not my opinion, but the law! And whether it is copyright infringement, embezzlement, fraud for personal gain, plagiarism, shoplifting, illegal use of a license, or bootleg piracy, it is all STEALING.

What I find so amazing here is the passion you use to justify stealing. Your opinion suggests that because you feel a company is slimy and unethical, it is okay to steal from them! Is that how you were raised? Is that the philosophy you want to instill on your children? I think new cars are WAY overpriced and the dealer won't give me what I think my trade-in is worth, so by your reasoning, I should be able to steal one off the lot! Right? What's the difference?

Microsoft has offered different versions for years. You bought the wrong one - that's not Microsoft's fault. And since there are plenty of free alternatives to where you don't have to have one shred of Microsoft's products on your computer, there is NO excuse you can present to justify or rationalize to obtaining any through illegal means. Period.

Now I am done with this. If folks want to continue to argue they have the right to break the law because they don't like a company's policy, whether fair or not, then a Higher authority than me will place judgment. No one said life is fair. If you think you got a raw deal, get over it. But as Bold Eagle so succinctly stated,"2 wrongs don't make a right".

 

I dislike and disagree with the way that Microsoft licenses their operating systems, and I think the way they do business is unethical (and there are several anti-trust lawsuits that agree with me). The way you assume that because I do, I am openly advocating software piracy, is pretty insulting, not to mention completely incorrect.

Please, do leave this thread. Since you're compeletely incapable of being civilized about this, you should have shut up a long time ago.

 

You are the one that keeps bringing up your views that MS is slimey and unethical when this topic is about the legality of using OEM software for upgrades - so yes, you are darn right that I am going to assume you feel it is some how fine to illegally use OEM software in this manner. Otherwise, why repeatedly bring your opinion about the company's business practices into the discussion?

Insulting? Good! Stealing is insulting, as is telling someone to shut up when you don't want to hear what they have to say.

I don't have to win anyone over - the laws are clear, and NO lawsuit against Microsoft over THIS business practice has changed that. So stop trying to imply it has. And as I said, I am only the messenger. Sorry you don't like the message - but it remains the same. Using OEM software for major upgrades such as a new motherboard/CPU/RAM combination, as you, Mimsy also indicated in your own reply in post #13, is illegal. So why you are defending the practice is beyond rational thinking - except some desire to slam Microsoft. I have read the EULAs and I know the laws on OEM software. So if you want me to shut up, don't reply with insults about me not understanding terms, the laws, or how to be civilized when you suggest that I should "shut up". And do not misquote me or twist my words around. I never said you advocate software piracy which IS different from illegally using an OEM software license. But make no mistake, if you use a software license that was not legally purchased for that hardware, that is fraudulent use of the software. And while technically not stealing, as in stuffing the disk under your shirt and walking out the store, it using the product without making the proper restitution. Call it what you want, but don't justify it by claiming the maker is slimey.

 

Burell ring MS help line and ask them what are your options?

Send me a PM and I will find their number later if you need.

 

After all is said and done, I agree. Just tell them the facts and what your plans are - there's no harm done for asking.

Sorry for the distractions. Happy Holidays.

 

(1) I was never opposed to calling, telling the truth and "asking" and (2) yes, it is totally different from your advice! You suggested he lie to Microsoft so he could deceive them into believing this was a repair action. That, by definition is fraud! It's dishonest and it is against the law!!!! So why the heck are you arguing with me about it??? Some laws suck! Some laws are unfair. Some companies are a bunch of meanies! Oh, boo hoo! Stop being a crybaby and stop your whining! It's the law!!!

In my first post in this thread I said,

Burrell returned and said,

That settled it. Case closed. But NO! Through the next 3 pages I have had to state over and and over again that this is not my opinion, it is the legal position as defined by existing laws, and as upheld by the courts world wide. Since my first post you and others have taken the opposite position. If I am stating the legal position, where does that put you? It puts you on the wrong side of the law!!!!! If you (and I mean that collectively) are going to continue advocating breaking the law, that makes YOU the badguy, not me.

 

This is a good example of what I was talking about when I asked you to please be a bit civilized and open to the views and opinions of those who disagree with you. If you were, you'd have realized that we're not arguing with you on what the laws are. We're trying to say, as plainly as we can, that we believe the laws are either unfair or stupid, or possibly a combination of both, and because of that, it becomes unnecessarily difficult and expensive to legally buy OS licenses, and because of all that combined, we would love it if Microsoft changed the way they license their software. Obviously you disagree, but I have yet to see you present a single good argument for why the current system is a good one and should remain unchanged. You've been too busy screaming THIEF!!!!! at everyone in this thread except burrell.

Would you please try to calm down and be a little bit rational about this now? And a bit more civilized when you respond to anyone disagreeing with you? I'm pretty sure there is something in the MG terms of use about not being a **** towards others just because you don't like what they're saying.

 

Okay Mimsy, you are saying that now, but in response to what? I have said repeatedly my opinion is not what I am presenting. In fact, I have NOT presented my opinion. Because my opinion does not matter. Your opinion does not matter. The law matters. The topic of this thread has nothing to do with my opinion or yours.

Burrell asked in his opening thread if he could boot to his old HD after upgrading to a new motherboard, CPU and RAM. He stated this HD had a previous OEM installation of Vista on it. From there it went to the legality of doing so after I stated it is not legal because, as later verified, it was an OEM version of Vista that came pre-installed on a pre-built PC. At that point, you had no problem with this, and even reminded burrell, when he asked if there was something he could do "Even if it isn't entirely legal?", that it is against site policy to help users circumnavigate the law.

Then, others interjected suggesting Burrell lie to Microsoft in order to fraudulently get their approval to use this software under false pretenses and against the terms of the EULA. Terms which Burrell originally accepted when he first turned on that Vista machine years ago.

I stated that acquiring something by fraudulent means is the same is stealing. You took exception to that accusing me of using scare tactics. But I still contend, and so does the law, BTW, that if you take something with making the proper payment for it, that's stealing. Whether the actual legal term is embezzlement, copyright infringement, larceny, grand theft, or "deception for personal gains" (AKA: fraud) it is still stealing.

Then, Mimsy you changed your tune and started talking about the OP "may be able to argue" this a dead motherboard he was replacing, and commenting how "your friends" told MS a component had died and they were replacing the dead part with the new one. You already knew that was not the case here - that this was an UPGRADE so you too were at least condoning this deception. (although I think I am being generous there as clearly, you were presenting possible ideas he could use). NO WHERE in this thread did burrell say this hardware had died.

I then reminded folks again this is wrong and said

Bold Eagle then came back to reality and stated,

I reminded everyone, and you again, this is about the law not Microsoft! But you pressed on claiming MS is slimy and unethical because,

Again, that is wrong! And not my opinion, just the facts. Let me remind you and anyone still reading this mess that you don't buy a copy of Windows. You buy a "license" to use Windows in accordance with the terms of the license. There are terms to using an OEM license. And there are less restrictive terms to using a Retail license. MS is giving you a choice - that's hardly taking advantage of anyone. So if you don't like Microsoft or their products, don't buy them! But don't steal them either.

So harp all you want about me not being civilized - but before you do, maybe you should take a civics course and see what civilization is all about, and what makes it work. Here's a clue - it's about law and order, and citizens who are law abiding.

 

@ Bold Eagle

I cant reply to your PM, i followed your instructions and all is well!

They were happy to give me a new key.

Thankyou so much!

 

I just wanted to thank everyone involved in this thread. It really shed some light on a question about liscensing for OS's and what constitutes having to buy a new copy(luckily i have never gone as far as mobo replacement but im coming close now lol)

 

All good, just wanted a wink.

 

It was very enlightening indeed. I am glad burrell's issue came to a happy ending, and I thank him for the followup post on that. I trust, especially considering the Season, Microsoft was given all the correct information, and they were being generous for the same reason.

I hope now folks understand there is a BIG difference between license versions. While it too is my personal opinion that many of Microsoft's products are priced too high, it is important for everyone to understand there are many discounts available - especially for students or faculty, and self-builders/upgraders. We all must understand that pre-built factory made PCs (Dells, HPs, Gateways/Acers/eMachines, etc.) would all cost considerably more off-the-shelf if highly discounted (via large volume licensing by the makers) OEM versions were not pre-installed, and the discounts passed on to the consumers. While we all would like to keep using something for free forever, that's just not the way it works. And we must not single out Microsoft for this. I would ask that you look at other companies and products too before bashing MS. While perhaps the most visible, they are certainly not the only company that follows these OEM guidelines, nor are they the most restrictive. Unlike many programs, there are free updates for the life of the product, and no expensive annual renewal fees.

I urge everyone to read your End User License Agreements (EULAs) to prevent the misunderstandings revealed in this thread. And once again, remember you are not stuck with Windows or Microsoft. There are many very capable alternatives, some 100% free. Unfortunately, finding a pre-built computer without Windows, Norton or McAfee, and other junk preinstalled is not easy. :mad Dell, HP etc. will not sell a computer without these products pre-installed. This is due to 2 reasons: (1) they image the HDs en masse then slap them in the PCs, and (2) they are contractually required to install these programs on all products if they want the deep volume discounts. While this makes Windows cheaper for consumers, I still consider that a strong-arm tactic. On the other-hand, my business does well because of clients buying custom computers built to their specifications, not some big company's.

If you don't want Windows, or someone else's security solution, I recommend visiting your local computer shop for a custom build, or build it yourself. It may cost a little more than a Dell or HP, but you will get what you want, and not what they want to push on you. If you want a retail copy of Windows, you can get it. If you don't want hidden partitions on your HD, you won't have them. If you don't want the nearly impossible to uninstall Norton Security on your system that will require an expensive renewal in 6 months, it won't be installed. The other advantage to local custom or self build is you have much greater choice for your keyboard, mouse, case, PSU and monitor. Or you may be able save a lot of upfront costs if you can carry those items over from your existing computer.

 

An Aussie can't vote in the US and therefore "seriously" debate (add to an influential change) against US Corp policy. There are way to many that are wrong! Don't waste your life justifying and defending sociologically immoral laws. Otherwise any service you did was moot!