vista activation

[VMustang67]

Hi This might sound like a stupid question but my friend was telling me that he heard that vista can only be activated about 2 or 3 times. My friend does all the pc repair, server maint., and networking where I work, so he is very pc literate. I told him I'd ask you guys about it.

It doesn't sound right to me. I like upgrading every now and then, either a motherboard, newer harddrive, video card, etc. I don't want to have to buy a new os everytime i do a few upgrades.

I know with xp you can do quite a few upgrades, or reformates before you have to call microsoft to reactivate, but you are still able to activate your os.

Like I said it just doesn't sound right. Has anyone heard about this, or clarify what the activation policy for vista is or will be.

Take care, and thank you very much

Vito

[Ob1]

thats the rumor, i guess we will all find out come January 30th when Vista is released to the general public.

[faulkner132]

Considering PC building is a small niche market, I can see this model being implemented as it benefits major OEM's (Dell, HP, EMachines, etc)... which is where most Windows licenses originate.

[sdkfz]

There was an intial floating of an idea by MS about only allowing a copy of Vista to be transferred ONCE, but this idea was greeted with lots of negative repsonses and so the idea was dropped.

Here is the first link from Googling "vista transfer limits"

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+backtr...3-6131900.html

[VMustang67]

I'll have to keep checking that site you posted for any updates sdkfz. It makes me think I should stay with xp for a while. sdkfz, Ob 1, Faulkner132, thank you very much for the replys.

have a great week

Vito

[Stuey]

MS changed the wording of the EULA to help calm the DIYers. This most likely will require reactivation after CPU/mobo/HD upgrades. I usually retire computers towards other users/uses instead of upgrading them, so my main concern would be in regard to HD upgrades. Only time will tell as to how good/bad it will get. With XP, reactivation via phone is relatively painless, so hopefully it will continue to be as seamless.

[VMustang67]

thank you Stuey for the reply. I guess we'll have to see what happens when vista finally comes out. I'm sure there will be a lot of post about the good and bad of vista here.

take care
vito

[Ob1]

Vista's will have work the same way as XP. Originally Vista was setup to only be activated a limited # of times, but the outcry/backlash of only allowing Vista to be activated a limited # of times caused MS to rethink that strategy, and since have left it as the same activation as XP. You can install it on another computer as long as you uninstall it from the first pc

[VMustang67]

Ob1, thank you for your reply. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. having a few pc problems. Again, thank you very much.
All of you have Happy New Year.

vito