[cozumel]

My old rig died about a year and it had XP pro OEM installed. (I purchased the OEM with some of my components). The dead rig was an s478 model with DDR RAM and AGP graphics. I am now at the stage where I feel like utilising my old OEM license again within an updated machine. I don't want to buy a new a new license as I already have the software and license and it is not currently installed on any other rig and would only ever be installed on one rig that I own. I don't misuse oem licenses.

So I rang Microsoft just now to enquire about reisntalling onto a reconfugured system with mostly new parts due to a lack of availablity of older style components. ie I explained that the newly configured system would be LGA 975 based with DDR2 and PCIe graphics but with original hdds.

They said no and we got into a bit of an argument (a friendly one though). They basically said that when the mobo died the OEM license dies at the same time. I repeatedly refused to accept this argument and we went round in circles for a while. I was asking to be put through to her manager to which she said it would cost £46 for further support. After a lot of gentle pursuading she eventually put me through to someone else for free. The next guy (not sure what dept) agreed that I could have the 975 board DDR2, PCIe graphics and keep my OEM license. The only problem he identified would be with activation and I would need to 'phone for a new key. He made it clear that as long as the mobo was from the same manufacturer as the original one that died (and no other brand would do) AND I clearly state during the activation 'phone call that the installation is due to a re-configuration, then all will be okay.

I thought I would make this post as I know this question arises every so often. It may provide others with clarity.