THIS MONTH: The WatchDog goes after...
Who Is the Boss of Your OS?
DEAR DOG: This happened a few years ago
but I imagine it’s still a problem for some
users today. After purchasing a low-end
Micron system, the motherboard expired
one week after the warranty did. I replaced
the motherboard for $50 (who needs that
$100-$200 extended warranty?) and all was
fine for another six months.
One day I decided I needed a fresh install
of the operating system, so I backed up my
data files and wiped the drive. When I tried
to install the OS using the CD that came with
the Micron PC, I got a message informing me
that this was not the original computer and
therefore the OS would not install. I e-mailed
Micron for support and the reply was short
and to the point: “Go buy the operating sys-
tem.” I tried fishing around Microsoft’s web
site for some support but found none.
Was there something in that license agree-
ment stating that the OS was only good for
the life of the original components? Is there a
legal way around this or some other recourse?
— JON SHELDONTHE DOG RESPONDS: Unfortunately, it’s all a
mess, Jon. Here’s how it breaks down: When
Microsoft sells its operating systems, there are
several different levels of licenses. The most
common to the average consumer is the retail
version of the OS that you buy at CompUSA or
Best Buy. These boxed versions come on holo-
gram CDs and once purchased, can be installed
on any machine of your choice (so long as its not
multiple machines).
Most power users, however, are familiar with
the “OEM versions” you can buy at your local
computer shop or swap meet. These usually
consist of a hologram CD, a thin pamphlet, and a
certificate of authenticity, or COA.
A third type of Windows CD that consum-
ers may see is the direct OEM discs. These CDs
come from high-volume PC makers like Micron,
Dell, and Hewlett-Packard that have deals with
Microsoft, so they don’t have to include the holo-
gram CD. They’re usually just silk-screened CDs or
DVDs with the company’s name on it. These discs
usually include a restore image, and in the past,they’ve also included a full version of the OS.
While the retail and generic OEM discs
let you install the OS on any system, the
direct OEM discs usually contain safeguards
that prevent you from installing the OS onto
a motherboard that doesn’t identify itself as
being from the company. In your case, you
likely had a direct OEM CD that was keyed
to a DMI string in the motherboard. In other
words, you’re screwed.
If this makes it sound like it’s better to
buy from the little guys who include the
actual Windows XP hologram disc with
their systems, think again. That OS is still
technically tied to the OEM hardware, not
the end user. Microsoft enforces compli-
ance with the big PC makers by requir-
ing the OS to check the motherboard ID
before installing it (Microsoft considers a
motherboard the very heart of a PC). With
the small PC makers, Microsoft can do
the same by refusing to reactivate the OS
if the motherboard is different than the
original. The reason for all of this is cost,
of course. PC manufactures of all sizes
get price breaks from Microsoft. While a retail
version of XP Pro costs $200, the generic OEM
version costs just $90.
According to the advice offered on
Microsoft’s bulletin board: “Generally, you may
upgrade or replace all of the hardware compo-
nents on your customer’s computer and the cus-
tomer may maintain the license for the original
Microsoft OEM operating system software, with
the exception of an upgrade or replacement of
the motherboard. If the motherboard is replaced,
then a new computer has been created and the
license of a new operating system software
is required. Once the motherboard has been
replaced, you are not authorized to reinstall the
OEM Microsoft software that was originally pre-
installed on the computer system.”
Not all hope is lost for hobbyists who enjoy
replacing motherboards every year. From what
the Dog knows, Microsoft rarely enforces its non-
reactivation policy. So your odds are better if you
have a generic OEM copy of the OS as opposed to
a direct OEM disc from a large company such as
Dell or Micron. But if you’re really worried aboutbeing cut off at the knees when you upgrade your
system, we recommend you buy the retail ver-
sion, or switch to Linux. Woof.PayPal Settles
with Consumers
DEAR DOG: I just received an e-mail from
[email protected] telling me I’m eligible
for a settlement from PayPal. But the e-mail
wants me to venture to a non-PayPal site to
make a claim. I’m a little leery about this. Is
it a scam?
I’ve heard about scams targeted at PayPal
users in order to get user names, passwords,
and such. I know this e-mail looks legit, but
in my mind, anybody can produce an e-mail
like this one.
—MIKE SWANSON
Microsoft >PayPal >Super MP3 Recorder/ SWReg.org
Say hello to Axl Huckleberry,
WatchDog of the Month.WatchDog (^) Maximum PC takes a bite out of bad gear
6 MAXIMUMPC OCTOBER 2004
PayPal has agreed to pay consumers
who had their accounts frozen by the
company.
Say hello to
WatchDog of the Month.
g Maximum PC takes a bite out of bad gear
direct OEM discs usually contain safeguardsget price breaks from Microsoft. While a retail