How to upgrade a processor....

So with regards to the motherboards... I would use my old motherboard with all my old parts, then replace it with my new motherboard and new parts?
 
Until your next build comes along you can still upgrade things like the cpu. memory, video card, etc. there. Too many items changed(new build by that time anyways) would require a quick phone call to MS to read off the 8 sets of 5 digits to see Windows reactivated.

The main confusion with the term OEM is which type is limited to one machine. The recovery disks provided by HP, Dell, Gateway, and whoever are tied to the one system they come with. On the other hand the difference between retail and OEM for system builders is the lack of the large paperback book on that version and the retail carton.
 
When first trying XP those few years back when upgrading from 98 and later dulal booting both 98SE and XP I ended up not being to see Windows activated since the reinstallation was too soon after the first two attempts then. A call to MS is where you are asked if this is your machine and the only system.

When using the acitivation wizard a set of 8 groups of 5 digit number will be displayed or the operator will you type in msoobe/oobe/a or something like that to bring the current number up. With Vista the same will work but now sees a big message onscreen when something gets swapped out like replacing a board that goes after the first 3 days.

"You may have a counterfeit copy of Windows" will then be seen onscreen and in the continual popup message every time Windows loads. When the first quit in 3 days time I reinstalled XP but called MS on Vista to see that resolved without a total reinstallation of everything twice over here. It can make life a little easier that way. :P
 
Wait, so what's the difference between OEM and For System Builders? Because there are versions listed as OEM but not For System Builders.
 
The OEMs provided for prebuilt systems fall under the one disk for one machine licensing there. Those are generally branded for HP, Dell, Gateway while the reference to OEM for system builders is simply for those experienced at building and with Windows that don't need the retail price tag along with the carton and book included.

If buiding and selling then the disk goes with the machine built there. Those are then ordered in bulk under a different licensing agreement. It does get a little confusing since the same term is used repeatedly while applying to the various license requirements.
 
Thanks PC. Looks like my girlfriend will be getting Windows Vista For System Builders on her new comp rather than the strangely more expensive Media Center OEM.

I guess M$ just wants to make sure buying the OS is as hard as using it. :P

EDIT: Just thinking...could we get some people together and make a sticky in the OS section of the forum about Windows licensing? It would seem there are people around who know, plenty who don't, and folks like me who are running around with grains of truth mixed with misconceptions and misunderstandings caused my Microsoft's inability to call anything what it is, or, heaven forbid, explain itself to the lowly incompetent customer.

PS: Bill, please don't revoke my Windows priveleges, sir.
 
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SFR is the moderator for the operating systems section but hasn't been available lately to make the inquiry about a sticky for that. But that would be an idea to pass along for consideration since it would make things a bit easier. Good point there!
 
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