WTF Microsoft?

[x88x]

Full licenses are transferable to other machines. So if you change out computers you can use that license on the new computer, as long as you don't use it on the old computer too.

Yeah, but that's my point...how often does that actually happen? Microsoft ties the OEM license to the motherboard with, iirc, an exception that it can be transferred if the board actually dies. I know I've complained about it before, but honestly, how many of people really upgrade their MBBs more frequently than once every few years? Even in circles like this one I would bet it's a pretty small percentage. At, lets say 4 years between MBB/CPU upgrades, by the time you do that full system upgrade there'll probably be a new version anyway (well, ignoring XP...that was a special case for release schedules). And how many people wouldn't want to upgrade their OS after 8 years anyway if they're upgrading their system (sticking with 4 years between major upgrades)?

I bought a 7 Home upgrade for teh wife's computer, and a 7 Home upgrade 3-pack to do both of my parent's computers for $150 for 3 licenses.

That's a much more reasonable price point, imo. I'm glad that they've started doing that recently, along with their similar deal for Office.

[dr.walrus]

A full licence is a 'no strings attached' license. All others come with conditions.

You shouldn't strictly be using an OEM licence to build your own computer - part pf the warranty rests on the system builder, meaning you're missing part of the licence.

For example, if you want to reinstall, but you lose your disk, with a full licence, Microsoft will send you one. With an OEM licence, your manufacturer is responsible. And you're screwed.

[Twigsoffury]

For example, if you want to reinstall, but you lose your disk, with a full licence, Microsoft will send you one. With an OEM licence, your manufacturer is responsible. And you're screwed.

I tried that, spent two hours on the phone and spent almost 140$.

And never received a disk in the mail like they said or got the product key (found it using magic jelly bean finder)

Since then i haven't paid for windows.

[mDust]

I tried that, spent two hours on the phone and spent almost 140$.

And never received a disk in the mail like they said or got the product key (found it using magic jelly bean finder)

Since then i haven't paid for windows.

A borrowed or backed-up disk works just as well...all the disks for each flavor are identical. You just need your specific key for a successful install.

[dr.walrus]

I tried that, spent two hours on the phone and spent almost 140$.

And never received a disk in the mail like they said or got the product key (found it using magic jelly bean finder)

Since then i haven't paid for windows.

i was just sick in my mouth a little bit - i've had to shout at the licensing team a few times myself...