Considering an OS "switcheroo"

I agree with Usil. The only time I tried--out of professional curiosity, mind you, not malicious intent--I got the invalid product key response; but I do know of people who have done it. There was a 120-day period at one time, but I don't know what's up with that now. I think M$ created a policy before they had the means to enforce it which is what started all the confusion. That's why I think they've gone out of their way to announce their policy before Vista is even available, to eliminate the confusion this time around.

Quote:

---

Its more like the honor system and MS looking the other way.

---

Wait a minute usil. :) We're talking Microsoft here. There's no honor system with Micr$oft, it just fell through the cracks. That's just one more of the loop holes Microsoft closed with Vista.

You are right, its not exactly the honor system. In fact, its probably MS trickery. When you upgrade your motherboard (with an OEM OS), you have to buy a new OS. However, if your motherboard dies and you have to replace it, you call them up and tell them, and they will validate it. I guess the strategy is that the computer will not be validated through the net and that people will automatically go out and buy a new OS because they don't know that they can call and get it validated over the phone.
Or perhaps I am being too pessimistic ;)

Yes, MS didn't do a great job explaining this with XP. In fact, when I bought my OEM copy of XP, the Fry's guy actually told me that it's exactly the same as retail only you have to buy a piece of hardware.