INFO: Microsoft: Upgraded Motherboard = New Windows License

[landdaddy]

Microsoft recently made a change to the license agreement saying that a new motherboard is equal to a new computer, hence you need to purchase a new Windows license.
http://www.aviransplace.com/index.php/archives/2006/02/15/microsoft-upgraded-motherboard-new-licence/

Linux anyone?
Many flavors to choose from!

[mainegreen]

1. Misleading. This only applies to OEM versions of windows

as opposed to retail versions. When you buy a computer don't be stupid: don't by OEM! It has always only been valid for the machine it comes with.
That copy you bought at staples? Install away! (One machine at a time though :)!)

[landdaddy]

2. I'm sure many OEM owners

wanting to upgrade are going to be very pleased! I've done a few and if I were to tell them that it was going to be XX.xx more, for Uncle Bill, they more than likely wouldn't have had it done.
There are a lot of people that come to me that need/want an upgrade but are limited in what they can spend.

[RC]

4. I have a OEM version of XP Pro on a computer I assembled

from parts I bought off the internet. Saved a bundle.
So I replace the mother board to get newer technology & speed and I am supposed to buy another copy of XP? I don't think so.
Same case, hard drives, CD/RW & DVD/RW drives, whatever. It is still the same computer to me.

This is Microcraps problem for trying to make sure the same copy of XP doesn't get loaded on multiple machines. With all their Billions and their customers aren't being gouged? Who taught Halliburton?

[desi]

6. heh...

..I was stupid. I did buy the OEM version being somewhat ignorant (stupid?) of that fact :argh:. BUT..it's the last time I'll EVER buy anything MS if I can help it, and I'm going to try real damn hard :mad: . My experience: Had a question about the XP firewall so I call India and the lady asked me for some numbers in the General Tab in System Properties which of course include OEM. She tells me to call the "manufacturer"..I tell her that I AM the manufacturer. She tells me that I AM NOT...that I need to call another MS "support" group and that I should have my CREDIT CARD at the ready to contribute another $30-40 to Bill and wife. To make a long story short, I soon realize that there is nobody on the other end listening to my "dilemma" ...she *hung up* on me and I swear that I did not cuss until I realized she was gone and that I had been talking to myself for the last 2/3 minutes... :evilgrin: In the next couple of days I will be asking for additional help/suggestions installing/operating Linux....

[hobbit709]

3. It'll be a cold day in hell

when I do that. Let them come after me. The first thing I'll say "I want a jury trial"

[RoyGBiv]

5. Feh ...

As mentioned, this isn't really new. It's just new that they're leaning on small shop owners who do computer repairs and upgrades, the point of which is make the costs of shopping for computers (and parts) anywhere but from major computer manufacturers cost prohibitive. Put another way, Billy is giving Michael Dell a blow job with this and increasing his own revenues at the same time.

It's been said before, but I'll say it again. Tactics like this encourage piracy.