Switch motherboard & CPU but keep operating system

[jjmcray]

Will the OS still be functional if I switch out the motherboard and CPU but keep my hard drive (with the current OS on it)?

Is it legal, since you're not 'supposed to install an OS on "more than one" computer?'

[Aηdy]

Well, it's a bit 'hit and miss' really, it will sometimes work, but 9 times out of 10 it doesn't work. Mainly because of drivers and how everything is set up. Yeah it is legal, since you're not installing it again, and it's still only on the one computer. And even if it wasn't legal for some reason, it wouldn't matter anyway!

[Blahages]

Most of the time, Unless the Hardware is VERY Similar, it won't work.

As for legality, Is it an OEM or a Retail Copy? If it's a Retail, as long as it's on one machine, I believe you are fine. You might have to reactivate. If so, Just do it, or if you have to call and reactivate, just tell them you removed it from one computer and are installing it on your new one.

If it's an OEM copy, then, I am Fairly Positive the License is Legally tailored to the Hardware, And Technically, It's not legal to move the License to a new one.

[0=]

It's best to start fresh. If you really wanna try it just make sure to remove any drivers for hardware you won't have anymore, have the driver discs for the new stuff ready, and back up all your files just in case you need to reinstall.

[jjmcray]

I didn't load any drivers for my motherboard and CPU, it's all default windows drivers.

[0=]

Not changing video card or anything? Ok. Just give it a shot.

[jjmcray]

Yup, video card will stay.

[Aηdy]

I didn't load any drivers for my motherboard and CPU, it's all default windows drivers.

On XP installation it still installs some sort of drivers for IDE/SATA controllers etc..

[Blahages]

Windows also is more picky on Motherboard Changes (Including IDE/SATA Controllers) versus a lot of other hardware. Chances are, If the Motherboard is Different, And Especially if the IDE/SATA Controller is Different, It will not work, even if every other piece of hardware in the machine is the same.

[jjmcray]

Dammit... Looks like I'm stuck with a crappy P4 'til I can afford another copy of vista. :(

[0=]

Why do you need another copy? Ive used the same copy of Xp eight or nine times.

[Aηdy]

I was thinking the same.. I've never ever bought a copy of windows unless it came with a computer lol. I've never paid for Vista and I have it on 4 computers.

[Blahages]

Dammit... Looks like I'm stuck with a crappy P4 'til I can afford another copy of vista. :(

You're removing it from your old Machine... Why not Try to reinstall it? If it won't let you reactivate Online, Call them, and they'll likely let you reactivate it.

I did that with XP a long time ago. My dad Bought a copy of XP Home Quite a few years ago, and at the time, that was our only copy. I got his old computer, when he got a new one, and I didn't like it, because it was a POS. I erased the OS off that machine, and Put XP on My Machine. Had to call them up, because it had been activated online too many times, but they didn't really ask any questions, they just said "Okay" and let me activate it.

Actually, it might have been an automated Service... I can't even remember anymore. It's been quite a few years. All I know for sure, is I didn't have any problems doing it.

[jjmcray]

But this is VISTA we are talking about here. A RETAIL version that did NOT come with my computer. From what I know and have heard, you can only install it one time.

[Aηdy]

You can very easily crack it!

[jjmcray]

I want a LEGAL version though lol

[Aηdy]

Buy it then?

[jjmcray]

I have bought it... I just don't feel like buying it AGAIN?

[Aηdy]

Well just crack it then, or d/l another copy.

[jjmcray]

but I said I wanted to have a legal copy, and i don't think you can download it (legally)

[Aηdy]

I don't understand what you want. You don't want to buy it and you don't want to download it.

[jjmcray]

:rolleyes: ok look

I've already got Vista installed on my computer. ok?
I want to change the motherboard and get a dual core CPU (I've got a p4 and my motherboard doesnt support duel core) WITHOUT reinstalling Vista, because from what i've heard, you can only activate vista once.

So if Vista doesn't let me activate it again, I have to buy another copy, right? (of course I could crack it, but I don't want to be living with a pirated operating system until the next one comes out)

[Blahages]

Alright, Let's settle this.

http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista_Ultimate_English_36d0fe99-75e4-4875-8153-889cf5105718.pdf (http://download.microsoft.com/documents/useterms/Windows%20Vista_Ultimate_English_36d0fe99-75e4-4875-8153-889cf5105718.pdf)

Read # 15.

That applies to Any Vista Retail Copy.


15. REASSIGN TO ANOTHER DEVICE.
a. Software Other than Windows Anytime Upgrade. You may uninstall the software and
install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between
devices.
Basically, it states that the license, in this area, opperates like XP's did. As long as you REMOVE the Copy from your OLD machine BEFORE you install it on to your New Machine, It's 100% Legal.

MS tried to change the EULA to read that you could only Transfer it to a different machine once, but got a lot of crap from it, so they nuked that idea.

You're 100% safe to do it.

The part about it only being legal to install it on one computer you heard is more than likely actually this: You can only have Vista installed with a Particular License Key on ONE computer AT A TIME. You cannot use the Same Product Key on Two Machines at once, Legally.

You can, however, Remove it From one, and Install it on another.

[jjmcray]

How do you "uninstall" an operating system?

[Aηdy]

You format the HD. Thats done during the setup.

We've got a computer that came with vista. It's been activated 4 times no problem.

[jjmcray]

Oh, ok, thanks. That's all I really needed to know then. :)