OEM operating Systems

PaulEbs

New Member
Hi,

I have Vista Ultimate however it is an OEM version, and I am just wondering what this limits me to?

I understand I can only use it for one computer, however which hardware can I change?

I remember someone telling me the mainboard is what registers with the OEM so everything else can be updated - however I'm not so sure about this.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Paul
 
You can make hardware changes - including the motherboard - with the OEM license. If you change the motherboard, for example, you'll most likely need to call Microsoft to reactivate the OS. Online activation usually fails.

well OEM simply means a key + digital cert
what is the brand of your PC?

It looks like he has a custom built PC, with a system builders license.
 
well hardware changes are like Bios updates changing the whole mobo & processor.

and in you case tough luck you have to call MS each time you do a change but if you bios is branded you can simply activate offline if you know your way around .
 
i would rather call a free number and pay less for the os then pay full cost and be able to do it online-!

its my personal opinion, as youll find with any windows disk after so many registrations you will have to phone up anyway!!!

i have xp home addition genuine but i still have to phone up cos i have activated alot of times
 
Thanks for your replies.

The PC is custom built, and I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to fork out for a whole new OS if I upgraded when the budget allows.

So if I call Microsoft when I change the hardware and it doesn't want to work - they will completely understand and re-activate it for me?

I have another question which really should be posted in the graphics section, however if you can answer that would save me the hassle...

I want to upgrade the GPU however I have an Nvidia chipset in the mainboard and wondered whether this may stop me from being able to use an ATI card?

Might sound like a silly question but I seriously have no idea as always used the Nvidia cards as default.

Any help much appreciated,

Thanks,
Paul
 
So if I call Microsoft when I change the hardware and it doesn't want to work - they will completely understand and re-activate it for me?

Yes, they will reactivate it.

I want to upgrade the GPU however I have an Nvidia chipset in the mainboard and wondered whether this may stop me from being able to use an ATI card?

You can use a Radeon card. Only one, however.
 
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