The  original XP Home OS is an OEM version that came with the computer
from a local seller.
 From the replies I got, I'm just as confused as ever.
Apparently, it's not legal, but MS allows it anyway?
But then, Sven says it is legal: "The OS can be legitimately transferred
to new hardware. The EULA defines
hardware as a single computer system, or the computer system with which the
hardware operates if the hardware is a system component. It doesn't matter
if it's been activated in another system."

As  practical matter, it's moot;MS has approved all my changes and the system is working just fine. It makes me wonder how to advise people, however.


Peter Shkabara wrote:

>The lesson here  seems to be that it is dangerous to read the EULA!
>
>Perhaps an attorney on our list may provide a more definitive answer, but my
>understanding of the Microsoft OEM licensing is that the OEM version of the
>OS may only be used with the specific hardware that it was sold with. In
>other words, you may not sell the OS separately - hence the wording in the
>EULA that you found. This does not mean that if you install a retail version
>of the OS that you may not sell or transfer it. The retail version has no
>binding to specific hardware.
>
>The key question for you is "where did you buy your OS?" For example, if you
>got a Dell version of XP Pro, then it may only be used with Dell hardware.
>This does not necessarily mean that Microsoft registration procedure will
>not issue you an activation code on other hardware. It only means that doing
>so would violate the EULA.
>
>Peter
>-----------------------------------------------
>The NoSpin Group
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>MS said to buy an OEM of XP Pro, install it on the original
>>computer, then
>>install XP Home on my other computer. This went as advertised.
>>I subsequently built a new computer, trashed the second computer and
>>installed XP Home on the new build. (This copy of XP home is
>>now in its
>>third computer. Activation was required at each step, and I
>>got all the
>>necessary numbers from MS.
>>The EULA, however, says this:
>>"* Software as a Component of the Computer - Transfer.  THIS
>>      LICENSE MAY NOT BE SHARED,
>>      TRANSFERRED TO OR USED CONCURRENTLY
>>      ON DIFFERENT COMPUTERS.  The SOFTWARE
>>      is licensed with the HARDWARE as a single integrated
>>
>>
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