Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
On Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:11:52 -0500, Leythos
wrote:


An OEM license dies with the first computer it's installed on. It
doesn't matter if you destroy that computer, etc... the LICENSE remains
with it and dies with it.


That's correct.


The only exception is when a motherboard dies and must be replaced to
keep the "Computer" running. If a exact replacement motherboard is not
available, a newer motherboard can be used and the license is still
valid. Upgrades are not considered valid, only replacement of a FAULTY
motherboard is permitted


But that's not correct. The motherboard doesn't have to be faulty to
replace it, and an exact replacement is not at all required.

For a long time, it wasn't clear exactly what constituted the original
computer, and many people felt that replacing the motherboard made it
a different computer, and therefore invalidated the OEM license.
However, Microsoft has clarified the situation. See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...vationfaq.mspx
or http://tinyurl.com/384gx5

which states

"If you acquired Windows Vista pre-installed on a computer from a
major manufacturer (sometimes referred to as an Original Equipment
Manufacturer or OEM), Windows Vista will require re-activation if you
replace the motherboard with a motherboard not provided by the OEM."

So clearly, if you can reactivate it, it's legal to use it.

Although that page is specifically about Vista, it's reasonable to
assume that the same thing applies to XP.

Let's refine the scenario a bit, Ken. On eBay there are a zillion
"New, Windows XP Home , OEM Edition, with COA". Suppose I buy one
of those and install it in my cousin's HP PC. I should then
be able to register it, activate it, and it then becomes a
'til-death-do-us-part marriage partner of that computer. Is
that entirely correct?