XP and hardware restrictions?

im aware that XP has some restrictions when upgrading components on a registered PC like XP is locked to the motherboard or something?

I build my own PC and upgrade a minimum of once a year, how do i get around the MB locking issue as i almost always buy a complete new system (motherboard CPU memory ect ect)

Can someone clear this up for me or link me to a relevant page for me to read thanks alot guys. (im thinking of taking the morally correct path )

 

Check this out. http://groups.google.com/group/micr...ardware+Upgrade&rnum=2&hl=en#7b7b0c7917aebbb4

 

thanks for that link, from what i gather if im making major changes to my hardware often im forced to buy the retail version of XP because the OEM does not allow such a big change and requires another purchase of XP with each new setup?

but even then i have to phone up and ask MS for permision to change the retail version activation to accept my upgrades? or does the retail still not allow such a big change?

if someone could confirm my assumption or correct me would be great thanks.

 

Yes, you are right. You can't change the hardware configuration if you use an OEM Windows XP version.

If you use the retail version, you may change the hardware configuration. The retail versions are usually sold as a bootable installation media. It allows users to install Windows to different machines (but to a single machine at a specific moment). However each new installation requires a new activation i.e. the phone call to MS for ex.

If you use the retail version and don't want to reinstall Windows when buying new motherboard, you may use imaging software like True Image that allows users to restore their old systems to a new computers with new hardware.