Vista OEM license question

Oh wise Microsoft sages, please answer me this:

I have an OEM version of Vista. The license says it is valid only for this one motherboard. However, the motherboard died and had to be replaced under warranty. Does that mean my OEM version will be a technically pirated version on the new motherboard, or does the license transfer?

 

I had exact same experience, except it was w/second hand computer, and I didn't know if the guy I'd bought it from, had xp installed elsewhere, and just gave me a mirror or something,,,u never know...and also changed mobo's, and also had to talk to rep, and they asked me, u know, how many computers I used this on--trick question, btw--and I told'em truth: just this one, and they finally let it slide, tho I actually understand their scepticism, as u know, that's exactly what I'd say if I was trying to put a fast one...but if I'll go thru with it, I've never been denied...I'm thinking of trying a little harder w/this *vista* setup I've got, also on second hand computer, but I tried once, and got the screen that says "this os is already used on too many computers, and I have a feeling, that this time, it won't fly"

I was big linux guy, for a while, and figured the hell w/windows, I wasn't coming back, and reformatted and copyed'em all over, and it's not that I don't like linux, it still rocks, but I also like working on computers, and the problems, and in my neighborhood, they all got windows, so I've been trying to reload all these old boot cd's again, w/mixed results...

Best wishes, and like previous poster said, depends on who u get on phone, IMHO

 

So technically they want me to buy a new license, but since it's not intentional they let it slide and reactivate it for me anyway, if I get the right person on the phone? As long as I can get it to run....

 

Ahhhhhrr, no, you're not a pirate. If you replace the motherboard with the same motherboard or one the OEM builder specifies as a replacement, you are still covered under the EULA.

 

That was my experience, but I know they can tell a whole lot more than I think, about changes made, and how many times they've seen this *specific* OS claimed as personal use, etc., so it's never the same answer...but I always found the person to be fairly understanding, and I'm sure they have some discretion...but again, I haven't tried w/this Vista, and I got turned down on Internet, so I'm going to try again myself, but w/XP pro, they let me slide, tho I'm pretty sure the original owner is using it too...

*But* I also know, that if I just grab a spare boot disk, and try to get them to let me use it, they don't, (I've tried)so it might be other things they are looking for, maybe how long this mobo has used this OS, I don't know, but I'm sure they have stuff they punch in to their formula, and hopefully, you fall into "grey" area, where they might give some slack...persistence, hell, maybe if you just call twice, they let you slide, I don't know...

 

Yep, exactly. And last time I did call microsoft, when it didn't take my key, the lady just asked me how many computers I was using this on, I said just this one, and that was it, she start telling me these number to put in, I put them in, and activated...very easy process, not bad like I though it would be...

I can talk bad about microsoft like any good linux user, and "don't get me started" on Windows-Update :cry ...

But in this one area, I've always found them refreshingly friendly and understanding...the *opposite* of what I expected...of course, I'm fixing to try this Vista I just put in myself, on machine I bought way too cheap, and boot disk is copy, not original, so I might be talking differently, in a day or two :-D