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http://groups.google.com/group/micro...758727d6d5f65f



William B. Lurie wrote:
Thank you for both the long and the short of it, S.S.
You spelled it out very clearly. On the chance that it
might 'play', I can use the practice and may try to
work it out when and if I get the hardware. On the surface
it might seem unfair that one buys hardware and software,
the hardware develops a fault, and becomes useless, and the
software is rendered unusable as a result.

Chances are it would function fine as this is not (despite all the hooplah
about "BIOS Locked") a technological issue. This is an issue centering
around an agreement (the Windows XP EULA to be precise.) Even a BIOS lock
can be gotten around either by clever manipulation of the CD (making a new
one) and/or obtaining a generic version of the installation media.

Unfortunately - by not doing research before-the-fact - many end-users find
themselves in the situation you describe. The reseller/original equipment
manufacturer chose to buy the licenses in bulk as OEM - lessening their
price to 'pass the savings on to you'. What they don't usually offer up is
the disadvantages of your savings - this being one of the larger ones
surrounding Windows XP OEM licensing terms.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html