It's amazing what you can discover after a little digging:
This is mainly for people who run the OEM version of Windows (came pre-installed from factory).
Now that you have voted on what you think, read the following document from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/oslicensing/SBLicensingQA_031202.docPay close attentiong specifically to questions number 7 and 18.
"7. What is the difference between OEM software and retail (FPP) software?
...Most importantly, OEM software is licensed only for use on the computer system on which it was originally installed, while retail software may be transferred to a different computer system. ..."
"18. If I upgrade computer system components for my customers, when does a new operating system need to be acquired?
In general, all OEM software cannot be separated from the computer system on which the software was originally installed. If a System Builder builds a new computer system, new software will need to be acquired.
...The same hardware changes..requiring re-activation of Windows XP..a guideline for changes...before a PC is considered to be ??new? ?? and when a new license for OEM software is required."
So remember: If you build your computer, or upgrade old one, and TRANSFER the Windows from the old computer (which might not be anything but a shell), or do a re-install after the upgrade, you are obligated to pay for it AGAIN.
I'm only posting this because it caught me by suprise (even tho I work for #2 Desktop PC OEM in the world) and because it changed the validy of one of my home installs.
Also, OEM copies of the software CAN NOT be returned for Re-Fund. Clicking "I do not Agree" at the License during the setup will result in the TOTAL loss of your Windows investment. So remember that when buying an OEM copy from Newegg.com.
