Today, on break at work (still breaking)…

I came across this Lifehacker post.  It reminded me of the older days at the computer store when people would ask the insanely goofy question of, “Can I just use this old [insert random box-store computer name brand here] Operating System disc?”

NO.

I mean, yes, it  can be done, but only under very particular circumstances, and most of those would violate any licensing law that Microsoft wants to pop into their EULA.

Lifehacker quotes Ars Technica:

OEM software is tied to the motherboard it is first installed on. Unlike the retail versions of Windows which can be transferred to a new computer, OEM versions are not transferable. What about upgrading hardware? Microsoft says that anything is fair game, except the motherboard. Replacing the motherboard in a computer results in a “new personal computer,” which the company considers to be synonymous with a transfer. It’s not permitted with an OEM edition of Windows.

So now you know, and knowledge is power.