Considering an OS "switcheroo"

[lgbpop]

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.

[jmtjet]

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.

[usil]

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

[NickC]

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.