OEM Vista on new hardware?

E

EmilSalling

New Member
Hello
I was about to change the motherboard, CPU and the RAM (in a new case that is) in my PC, but then I found out that my Vista copy is OEM. I've have read about some ways to come around this, but I did not get any Vista CD with the PC. It's an Acer Aspire E380 by the way. Now I'm completely lost at what to do... Thought about buying Windows 7, but it is still a lot of money, when I could have kept my Vista.

What can I do? Is it possible for me to keep Vista with the new hardware?
Please help!

Thanks in advance
 

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD 1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp 1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm 1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset. Only ever used a laptop. Also use USB Freeview TV Card Lenovo Docking Station External Speakers Other bits a pieces as needed
Hi EmilSailing,

Welcome to Vista Forums!

An OEM copy is good ONLY on the original computer on which it was installed and can't be transferred to another computer - it dies with that computer. Using a new case, motherboard, CPU, and RAM makes it a different computer (sometimes just changing the motherboard alone can be a problem - but most people I know were able to get past that issue by talking to the activation people directly - but what you're doing goes way beyond that) and thus the licence does not apply and cannot be transferred to the new computer (even if some of the parts remain the same).

You can buy a retail copy of Vista (if you can find one - with a new product code) or buy a retail copy of Windows 7 (assuming the system you create and all the components and software - but especially the hardware - is compatible). I for example, cannot upgrade to Windows 7 because the motherboard, CPU and graphics card aren't compatible.

I wish the news were better, but that's how OEM licenses work. If you're in essence creating a new computer, you need a new copy Vista (or W7) to go with it.

Good luck and best wishes!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive] Dell AIO Printer A940 Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem 6TO4 Adapter Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Microsoft ISATAP Adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
Hi,

As with all OEM there are a couple of things that can be changed & still keep your legality.

Unfortunately, I that amount of change would not be covered.

Is it component failure?

Hard disk, RAM & a CPU would be OK to change provided it is on the original motherboard model.

So, you should replace like for like with the motherboard as there are so many component parts of the system on it.

"OEM manufacturers do not recommend or supply upgrade motherboards!"
From : -

How to replace the motherboard on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows 2000

Users who run a Microsoft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) operating system may upgrade or replace most of the hardware components on the computer and still maintain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software provided by the OEM, with the exception of an upgrade or a replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade or a replacement of the motherboard is considered to create a new personal computer. Therefore, Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect then a new computer is created, and a new operating system license is required. If the motherboard is replaced because of a defect, the user does not need to acquire a new operating system license for the computer. The motherboard replacement must be the same make and model, or the same manufacturer’s replacement or equivalent, as defined by that manufacturer’s warranty. The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user license agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the computer manufacturer. The EULA relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular computer. The System Builder is required to support the software on that individual computer.

Understanding that end-users, over time, upgrade their computers with different components, Microsoft views the CPU as the one remaining base component that still defines that original computer. Because the motherboard contains the CPU, when the motherboard is replaced for reasons other than defect, a new computer is essentially created. Therefore, the original OEM cannot be expected to support this new computer that they did not manufacture.

The licensing rules do not apply to non-OEM Microsoft operating systems.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP-Pavilion m9280.uk-a
    CPU
    2.30 gigahertz AMD Phenom 9600 Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASUSTek Computer INC. NARRA3 3.02
    Memory
    3582 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory (4 Gig)
    Graphics card(s)
    ASUS NVIDIA Geforce GTS450
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition 7.1 Audio (HP drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP w2408 24.0" (Dual monitor)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 * 1200, 1920 * 1200
    Hard Drives
    3*500 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity Plus 2x USB (160Gig each) external HDD BluRay & DVD Weiters HL-DT-ST BD-RE GGW-H20L SCSI CdRom (Bluray RW) Device AlViDrv BDDVDROM SCSI CdRom (Blueray) Device TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS-H653N SCSI CdRom
    Internet Speed
    40 Meg
Thank you all very much :)
No, the stock components are not faulty. I'm upgrading to AM3, and the old MB was AM2.

Then I guess, I will have to buy a retail copy.

One more question. If I buy a new copy, will I be able to put the old hardware (including hard disk) in my younger brother's PC (now running XP) and then run Vista from it, without reinstalling?

Thanks again :)
 

My Computer

System One

You can't run the OEM copy of Vista in any other computer - you can't get past this by just transferring the hard drives or by moving some of the other components over - it's still another computer. Whether or not it can be physically done isn't the issue (and that depends on other factors like compatibility and drivers and so forth - and in most cases it can't be done without re-installing if you can get all the drivers you need) - it can't be legally done this way either under the terms of the license.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive] Dell AIO Printer A940 Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem 6TO4 Adapter Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Microsoft ISATAP Adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
Hi,

In effect that is the same thing!

According to the operating system (On the HDD) you have swapped the motherboard! Therefore you cannot do that, the system becomes illegal.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP-Pavilion m9280.uk-a
    CPU
    2.30 gigahertz AMD Phenom 9600 Quad-Core
    Motherboard
    ASUSTek Computer INC. NARRA3 3.02
    Memory
    3582 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory (4 Gig)
    Graphics card(s)
    ASUS NVIDIA Geforce GTS450
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition 7.1 Audio (HP drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP w2408 24.0" (Dual monitor)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 * 1200, 1920 * 1200
    Hard Drives
    3*500 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity Plus 2x USB (160Gig each) external HDD BluRay & DVD Weiters HL-DT-ST BD-RE GGW-H20L SCSI CdRom (Bluray RW) Device AlViDrv BDDVDROM SCSI CdRom (Blueray) Device TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS-H653N SCSI CdRom
    Internet Speed
    40 Meg
Ill speak from experience. I have seen and helped others and this is what you do.
A new computer is a new motherboard. Change in other hardware does not usually constitute new computer. That being said, legally you have a new computer because of the MB.
Install the OEM, do not give the key number. When done and you are satisfied Activate by phone
Activate Windows 7 by Phone - Windows 7 Forums
After the Rep comes on explain the situation. Based upon all that I have seen, on the Seven forum, you will probably be activated.
The only problem that I have seen in this area was when they computer owner was told that it is the problem of the computer manufacturer. In this situation call your computer manufacturer and see if they will help.

But I agree, it is a new computer.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Sounds like the activation key goes with the motherboard,Does that mean if he puts his motherboard in his brothers computer,can his brother then run Vista?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD 1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp 1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm 1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset. Only ever used a laptop. Also use USB Freeview TV Card Lenovo Docking Station External Speakers Other bits a pieces as needed
Actually dont think so. There are various checks to make sure it is the same computer. If a certain number are not there, you may have to call to activate. If the MB is not the same, you must call to activate. In addition in the case of an OEM the rep may tell you its between the computer company and you. MS may not help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Would I be able to use a Windows 7 upgrade CD (upgrade from Vista to 7)? The full version is quite expensive in Denmark, and if I could simply swap the hardware and then reinstall using the upgrade CD, it would save a lot of money. Would this work with the new MB and all?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
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