[Necrosis]

Vista, however, will apparently be a bit more tolerant of the DIY community: "Windows Vista is more intelligent and a bit more lenient than Windows XP around hardware tolerance," Brown said. She referred questions to Microsoft's Windows Activation Web page, which does not address Windows Vista.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/20070126/tc_zd/199653

[BlueMak]

It doesn't actualy answer anything.

[DudeBoyz]

Originally Posted by Necrosis

http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/20070126/tc_zd/199653

Nice - check this:

"System Builder software is designed for OEM system builders, and specifically for pre-installation on new PCs," said Elissa Brown, a Microsoft spokeswoman, via an email. "So, this software isn't really intended to be installed by end-users. OEM versions of Windows Vista that are delivered through the System Builder channel are licensed via a 'break-the-seal' model (in other words, the System Builder License on the outside of the software package is agreed-upon when the package is opened)."


Although retailers like Newegg have typically been prohibited from providing the software without accompanying hardware, Brown said this wasn't true. Readers of PC Magazine and dl.tv report that Newegg has continued its practice of bundling a token hardware component – drive cables, case screws or other knickknacks – as a way to offload any legal obligation.


"As long as Newegg is distributing the System Builder version of Windows Vista in an unopened package with the System Builder License adhered to the outside of the package, Newegg is not responsible for offering end user support," Brown said. "The party who opens the package (thus accepting the System Builder License) is required to offer end user support."


More specifically, "the system builder must place its support phone number in a noticeable location in the fully assembled computer system help files or end-user documentation," according to the terms of a publicly posted System Builder license posted to Microsoft's Web site. That version of the license does not specifically mention Windows Vista, however.


The OEM version of the Vista versions lacks a manual, but includes a "Quick Start" installation guide, Brown said. The Vista OEM versions will allow a user either to do a fresh installation, or to upgrade their previous Windows XP installation, she said.

[Necrosis]

Originally Posted by BlueMak

It doesn't actualy answer anything.

Actually it does. Pretty much if one of your main pieces of hardware takes a crap you and still use it.

[The_Neon_Cowboy]

In addition, users should still be subject to the same familiar re-activation restrictions as users of a retail Vista license and Windows XP, a spokeswoman said. Users can alter the PC's hardware substantially, but they will be forced to reactivate – not repurchase the OEM software – if they do, she said.

so does this say it just like retail?

[Monkeyboy]

If you buy the OEM version, basically you're responsible for providing your own support.

That's nothing new for me - I've been supporting my own machines for donkey's years anyway (donkey's years are equivalent to 1.3 Earth years, as I understand it. )

If you wipe your Vista install and want to reload it, you then have to phone MS for a new activation code as your original key will only work once. Other than that, there's no difference in the retail and OEM versions.

[Necrosis]

I read some where, and it might have even been here that code re-sets after 120 days. Is this correct?

[Monkeyboy]

Originally Posted by Necrosis

I read some where, and it might have even been here that code re-sets after 120 days. Is this correct?

Your Vista installation will re-validate itself with the MS activation servers once every 120 days. It's quite seamless though and happens transparently to the user - provided your installation is a genuine copy, of course.