Microsoft: Upgraded Motherboard = New Windows Licence

[malware]

Microsoft recently made a change to the licence agreement saying that a new motherboard is equal to a new computer, hence you need to purchase a new Windows licence.Here is what Microsoft has to say:

An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.

The reason Microsoft gave for this term is that:

Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.

Microsoft sent a memo to its OEM partners asking them to enforce this new policy, every time they upgrade a computer for a client.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[wazzledoozle]

Haha MY ASS. This will force even more people to piracy.

 

[Gzero]

Yep. A new motherboard does not mean a new pc. What a load of tosh. F.e changing a i865 to a i875, which are almost identical motherboards, which does not change the cpu or ram. Microsoft and their logic make me laugh. When are they going to get right and notice people were happy before WPA.

 

[spyskank]

oooohhh my gosh...

And to say i was ready to become a "legal" WinUser and buy the soon to come vista, well, i was thinkin about it but thx Ms you just saved me some cash..

 

[plywood99]

Man what a load of crap. This kind of nonsense is why I bought a Legit copy of Xp but I use a nonlegal version. Being an enthusiast I am constantly changing out mobo's and other parts on my computer. I went through the hassle of calling M$ on three different occasions just because of upgrading components. That is crazy, punishing the legit buyer because of pirates.

If games came out on linux I would have left Winblows years ago...

 

[Solaris17]

Man what a load of crap. This kind of nonsense is why I bought a Legit copy of Xp but I use a nonlegal version. Being an enthusiast I am constantly changing out mobo's and other parts on my computer. I went through the hassle of calling M$ on three different occasions just because of upgrading components. That is crazy, punishing the legit buyer because of pirates.

If games came out on linux I would have left Winblows years ago...

seriously this is bs though i dont own oem xp's just reg disks i bought from the store i dont think it will affect me...but well see

 

[INSTG8R]

Hmm having 2 OEM copies of XP(one full and one "Rescue Disk" version) I have switched Mobo's 3 times, I dont think this is the smartest M$ move but then how many smart moves do they make?

 

[Dippyskoodlez]

so im assuming the retail license works still..

blargh.

Im buying a macbook. last straw, microshaft. Don't expect me to buy vista or anything afterwards.

 

[15th Warlock]

And yet I see most of us guys complaining getting Vista a year from now; wanna now why? simply because of software and driver support.
You know neither Linux nor MacOS will get the same amount and/or quality of games/drivers in the foreseeable future than the M$ platform, so there's nothing we can do when M$ decides to give their users the shaft...
Geez and to think M$ has been found guilty in court of forcing us PC users to use only their products time and time again, and yet M$ continues to force these new "policies" down our collective throats, goverments are supposed to protect us consumers from companies like M$, but even goverments seem unable/unwilling to do anything
What did they teach at economy class at Bill Gate's school? the Borg way???? (as in "resistance is futile" )
/end rant

 

[Dippyskoodlez]

You know neither Linux nor MacOS will get the same amount and/or quality of games/drivers in the foreseeable future than the M$ platform, so there's nothing we can do when M$ decides to give their users the shaft...

I dont know if you've been hiding under a rock, but mac os X is far from dead- its actually gaining steam very quickly.. iLife 06 is just amazing compared to the crap microsoft tries to offer. Vista has a "suite" of stuff that comes with it and its junk.. imovie, iPhoto, iWeb are just.. beyond anything microshaft can come up with.. then they enact a new policy such as this, and just gives alternatives a much better face to people that are capable of switching.

Apple switching to PC hardware will now make coding pie. Its based off of unix, a programmers sandbox these days.. Opengl games like doom 3 and games like UT are easily ported and with the x86 hardware, performance will stay on par with PC's..

I see apple being able to put a nice kick into microshafts pants soon..

 

[Solaris17]

^ i agree and its not like linux isnt an option either if u can get the drvers installed then your home fre because their are manuals on how to install the "bigger" games on linux hell farcry and ut neverwinter nights cs source and a few others i cant remember i know for a fact have and can be installed on linux and im not talking wine.



o yes and cliffy B

 

[15th Warlock]

I dont know if you've been hiding under a rock, but mac os X is far from dead- its actually gaining steam very quickly.. iLife 06 is just amazing compared to the crap microsoft tries to offer. Vista has a "suite" of stuff that comes with it and its junk.. imovie, iPhoto, iWeb are just.. beyond anything microshaft can come up with.. then they enact a new policy such as this, and just gives alternatives a much better face to people that are capable of switching.

Apple switching to PC hardware will now make coding pie. Its based off of unix, a programmers sandbox these days.. Opengl games like doom 3 and games like UT are easily ported and with the x86 hardware, performance will stay on par with PC's..

I see apple being able to put a nice kick into microshafts pants soon..

You didn't get my point at all, didn't you? :shadedshu
Ok, go ahead and download a cracked version of MacOS, then try to upgrade the motherboard, processor, video card, memory, HDD, and what not, then try to buy the latest games and download the latest drivers and patches for MacOS, after that you can come here and tell us all how well did that go...
The point is, for us, "legal" PC users who keep changing our hardware on a regular basis, M$ is leaving no further option than to suck it up and keep buying some security hole riddled POS operative system from them everytime we change a piece of hardware, or give them the shaft and use a cracked version of windows (without the latest security patches btw, M$ now requires a working CD key to download an use them )
Right now Linux is not an option from the drivers/gaming point of view, but hopefully coercive policies like the one M$ is trying to promote (and others like the DRM schemes embeded to Windows Vista), will drive more attention to the Linux community from computer enthusiasts in the near future, it's just that I don't see that happening before Vista hits the shelves...:shadedshu

 

[tdamocles]

I'd like to see the originally statement or linky by MS. I can see a lot of defective MBs in the future. I own an OEM copy that I purchased from newegg.com and it really stinks if I have to buy another copy at my next upgrade. The OEM version was bought because I don't need the tech support, booklet or any of that fancy shmancy stuff involved with retail, and it was cheaper. Kinda sucks that a new copy of software must be bought because of an upgrade to run the same piece of software.

 

[Thermopylae_480]

Rage does not even begin to describe what I feel toward Microsoft. My hate and frustration grows exponetially with each passing transgression. Microsoft at one time had my respect, but they have forcefully amputated that from me and many other users in the last 7-8 years. To hell with Vista, IE-7, Windows Media Player, and X-Box. I would rather spend more for an inferior OS, if I felt the money would go to improve the OS to the point where it could compete with M$. Everytime a VIABLE alternative comes out I grab it and never look back. I absolutly refuse to be bent over the table by Microsoft and pay 100 dollars everytime I want to upgrade my mobo; there are alternatives. The only reason they are doing this is to increase profit in the market of enthusiats who have the intelligence to upgrade there computer. Piracy is not an issue here, You are not installing a legit copy on multiple computers, nor are you using an illegal copy. You are keeping the single user right that you purchased on one computer! No other software company forbids you from installing their programs on a machine you upgraded, or even a new system you bought, as long as you keep it to one computer. Some don't even care if you put it on every computer you own. Think of all the games you would have to re-buy evertime you upgraded or bought a new computer. Damn politicians with there corporation lined pockets; and I don't mean any specific party, but the whole damn corrupted machine. Campaign contributions are the most corrupting influence. I wonder how much M$ spends on contributions and anti-(anti-trust) lobbying every year?

 

[spectre440]

good giref, when will this bullsh!t ever flippin' end?
jeez... is there no end to this?

shocked and outraged dosent even begin to describe how i'm feeling about all of this...

and yes, this definantly *will* push more people towards piracy.

 

[G.T]

Heh, bring it on Bill, I will just mail you all the fucked MOBO's I have lying around and you can issue me a nice new product key for each of them. Then you can pay to get the MOBO's disposed of for me.

 

[Thermopylae_480]

I bet the Motherboard manufacturers are not pleased. This will definetly harm their sales. Who will want to pay $120 dollars plus for a motherboard, when that have to go pay another $99-$199 or more for a new OS. Maybe the Motherboard companies will so M$ for potential profits lost.

 

[G.T]

I think M$ are just trying to raise costs for OEM system makers who save a shitload of cash by buying OEM parts. But yeah, you could see how this will piss of MOBO manufactureres.

 

[Dippyskoodlez]

You didn't get my point at all, didn't you? :shadedshu
Ok, go ahead and download a cracked version of MacOS, then try to upgrade the motherboard, processor, video card, memory, HDD, and what not, then try to buy the latest games and download the latest drivers and patches for MacOS, after that you can come here and tell us all how well did that go...
The point is, for us, "legal" PC users who keep changing our hardware on a regular basis, M$ is leaving no further option than to suck it up and keep buying some security hole riddled POS operative system from them everytime we change a piece of hardware, or give them the shaft and use a cracked version of windows (without the latest security patches btw, M$ now requires a working CD key to download an use them )
Right now Linux is not an option from the drivers/gaming point of view, but hopefully coercive policies like the one M$ is trying to promote (and others like the DRM schemes embeded to Windows Vista), will drive more attention to the Linux community from computer enthusiasts in the near future, it's just that I don't see that happening before Vista hits the shelves...:shadedshu

I never said a damn thing about my developer copy of OSX which has absolutely nothing to do with this. I dont even know what gave you that dumb idea.

My point was, Linux and mac os x are still around. perhaps os x requires apple hardware.. my point was, Apple's Powermac desktops should be on their way which will add an intertesting spin to the world of Macs Vs pc's.. it'll be basicly desktop hardware running a unix based OS thats commercially supported...

and with Core duo's, I can see the overclocking community being able to thrive much better than it used to, using macs. If you think linux isnt an option for gaming, you obviosuly dont use it.. it may still be a pain in the butt, but for certain types of games, it is making leaps and bounds.. World of warcraft even plays.. it may not have "all" games, but damn.. considering most games are made for windows, Id say thats pretty good.

While your arguement has a point, microsoft probably doesnt give too much of a crap about the "enthusiast" community, rather dell customers, home users, and BUSINESSES.

6million people, maybe 1million are "enthusiasts".. probably less... assuming they had a single license, thats less than 1/6th. theres businesses with hundreds if not thousands of licenses, letalone people with multiple licenses...

I dont think a few whining overclockers are going to change their minds..

The volume license copies are quite nice, however, because they dont have any activation check.. rather it just accepts the code... and isnt much more..

 

[Keiki]

M$ continues to dissapoint me. If there was another user friendly OS around that has the support of all programs and games I would defiintely switch, even if it does cost me 200 bucks. But the problem is, there isn't. Linux is far from mainstream and Mac OS does not work on PCs. I really hope that some software company steps up and competes with M$ so they can't do whatever they want to. But, what choice do we have? Piracy? Install some Linux OS that might not support some games and programs?

Damn, M$ are screwing us over and sadly, theres nothing we can do...

 

[G.T]

I think waiting to find out how genuine/serious this is might be advised.

 

[Sasqui]

Holy Crap! Now I have a retail license to windows - I'm assuming I will not need to worry? I also know someone who has an upgraded Dell (CPU only - I upgraded for them!) with a Dell OEM key - are they going to be retroactively fucked? I know for a fact that the Dell Key will only work for a Dell XP disc, how the hell are they going to tie it to a certain MB ID, or is that all embedded in the activation code? Now I hate the internet.

 

[zekrahminator]

well, I suppose its FAIR...but I still hate it

 

[Dippyskoodlez]

M$ continues to dissapoint me. If there was another user friendly OS around that has the support of all programs and games I would defiintely switch, even if it does cost me 200 bucks. But the problem is, there isn't. Linux is far from mainstream and Mac OS does not work on PCs. I really hope that some software company steps up and competes with M$ so they can't do whatever they want to. But, what choice do we have? Piracy? Install some Linux OS that might not support some games and programs?

Damn, M$ are screwing us over and sadly, theres nothing we can do...

Now that mac os is using pc hardware.... performance will be on par...

The people that bash macs are usually people that have never used or owned one...

They may not be the fastest, most tweakable, but.. dang.. the OS is just awesome to use.. There isnt a single thing you cant do within mac os just as effectivly or more effectivly than on a mac.. the only obstacle now is tweakability.. and overclocking..

 

[15th Warlock]

I never said a damn thing about my developer copy of OSX which has absolutely nothing to do with this. I dont even know what gave you that dumb idea.

My point was, Linux and mac os x are still around. perhaps os x requires apple hardware.. my point was, Apple's Powermac desktops should be on their way which will add an intertesting spin to the world of Macs Vs pc's.. it'll be basicly desktop hardware running a unix based OS thats commercially supported...

and with Core duo's, I can see the overclocking community being able to thrive much better than it used to, using macs. If you think linux isnt an option for gaming, you obviosuly dont use it.. it may still be a pain in the butt, but for certain types of games, it is making leaps and bounds.. World of warcraft even plays.. it may not have "all" games, but damn.. considering most games are made for windows, Id say thats pretty good.

While your arguement has a point, microsoft probably doesnt give too much of a crap about the "enthusiast" community, rather dell customers, home users, and BUSINESSES.

6million people, maybe 1million are "enthusiasts".. probably less... assuming they had a single license, thats less than 1/6th. theres businesses with hundreds if not thousands of licenses, letalone people with multiple licenses...

I dont think a few whining overclockers are going to change their minds..

The volume license copies are quite nice, however, because they dont have any activation check.. rather it just accepts the code... and isnt much more..

Dude, what's with you trying to make this a PC vs Mac argument? let's just try stay on topic...

But anyway...

By your logic you expect everyone of us to either buy incredibly overpriced (but very aesthetically apealing) prebuilt systems made with hardware we can buy for a lot less money elsewere (and you know that's what the new x86 Macs are going to be) or, just phone Apple and say "please send me a developer version of your latest OS to the following address..." cause last time I checked, legit copies of MacOS only shipped with Mac computers, talk about dumb ideas...

Granted, the migration to x86 architecture will boost Mac sales, but don't expect ppl outside certain niche markets to start using Mac platforms for things like hardcore gaming and OCing any time soon... Also, last time I checked, MacOS requires software to be devoloped specifically for that platform, you know, software like games and drivers (for the tenth time...), sure Jobs said current x86 programs can be emulated under MacOS, but do you know what emulation does to performance? so much for all that "performance will be on par" crap... or do you really expect the modding community to start compiling drivers and patches just as soon as they are released for our current platform? dream on...

And about using Linux for gaming, you got that right, no I don't use it, and so doesn't the other 99.99% of gamers out there, as I told you before, I hope M$ coercive ways, will finally cause enthusiasts, average users and software companies to direct their attention to Linux (or any other viable OS option), it's just that it won't happen overnight, at least not before Vista arrives, but I certainly hope it happens during Vista's lifecycle (I for one don't see myself buying new copies of it everytime I switch mobos...)

And finally getting back to topic... Of course M$ doesn't give a crap about "enthusiasts", or all other consumers for that matter, M$ only cares about making the greater amount of profit from all of us, I see you finally get my point, and as long as goverments and big corporations like HP, Dell, and many others doesn't start looking for other OS options, M$ will continue to use the same dirty tricks for a long time to come, to once again, bully us consumers into to paying the price of admision once they decide to release another shiny new (and once again security hole riddled) OS, and believe me, I REALLY wish it would be any other way... I know we as consumers also have the power to make things better to a certain degree... if only I could keep myself from playing games like BF2 or AOE3 or FEAR, or so many other games...