oem Vista/exact mb replacement

[bd1886]

Checked around and found a lot of shoot from the hip opinions stated as fact.(Really appreciate this site after seeing a bunch of real nasty,unmanaged forums.) Anyway...Seems what I need nailed down is this: Does MS recognize an exact replacement of a defective/worn out motherboard w/oem version of Vista. (So I wouldn't have to repurchase the OS if the mobo dies) Also it seems like there policies are constantly in a state of flux. In a while, I'll be doing a mb/cpu/os upgrade and just want to know if an oem is the way to go. Won't be upgrading the mobo after the initial build. Only storage and add ons. What truly is the skinny on this, as of Vistas launch. Thanks all!

[frobro390]

Ok, so just for clarification. You are currently doodling the idea of upgrading to Vista, and you are going to upgrade your hardware also. Your question is should you go with an aftermarket mobo or the oem...

Is this correct?

If yes it would be helpful to know what type of system/hardware you currently have.

Let us know and I'll be glad to help.

Tony

[bd1886]

Have the system components except for a mobo in hand and that'll be here tomorrow. It is a new build using stuff I have on hand. It's a little old school but is going to do me just fine.Asrock VSTA 775 AGP board, Intel 915 P-4 D w/ZALMAN 9500 hsf,BFG 7600 gt video card, 1 gig Corsair Value Select,2- 100 gig Seagate 7200.10 sata hd's,Samsung dvd-rw, Audigy SE sound card in a Roswill 5604 case w/ an Ultra 550w modular psu. Have had this running on a spare motherboard and checking out a couple Linux distros.Going to install Vista once I get the motherboard. Just want to have the oem vs.retail version of the operating system decision made before purchase and install. Thanks!

[glc]

Frobro - he's asking whether to get retail or OEM *Windows*.

[bd1886]

The reason I'm asking here, is I've came to respect concise,unprejudiced opinions found here. What is up with MS's stance on exact replacement of a motherboard when using an OEM version of it's operating systems. Anyone? Appreciate any help.

[glc]

I don't see how they could prevent that without alienating the whole world.

Maybe this article will help:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925582

[bd1886]

Thanks glc!!! What put me into clarification mode were several misinformed reviews and posts. No issues w/oem from me. Didn't think that they'd play that kind of card. Thanks loads!!