Re: Question about Dells BIOS locked OS

I have some differences with what is stated here...

Yes, when installed on a non-Dell computer, the Dell recovery CD turns into a
"normal" OEM copy of XP. This is not all bad. Provided the installer has
entered a valid and unique COA, Microsoft's on-line product activation finds it
perfectly acceptable. In a pinch, I have used a Dell recovery CD to reinstall
Windows on a non-Dell machine, and I have had exactly zero problems with product
activation because I entered in the computer's unique COA during the software
install process..

Motherboard BIOSes contain hard-coded text and binary signatures in fixed places
in flash ROM memory identifying the name brand of computer (in the case of Dell,
HPaq, eMachinesWay, IBM/Lenovo, and others) or the manufacturer of a generic
motheboard. From a programming standpoint, it is child's play to insert a check
for an OEM BIOS signature. (I once did this sort of programming in the world of
DOS.) I would bet that Micro$oft has provided a very simple hook for the OEM to
supply its own BIOS validation module. It is no accident that all of these
name-brand BIOSes have the same look-and-feel within the name brand. The
look-and-feel extends to the BIOS identification signature, so that, for
example, a Dell XP restore CD could be used to install XP pretty painlessly on
most any modern Dell computer.

In the case of a motherboard replacement, the board can be any one which fits
inside the chassis and conforms to the manufacturer's BIOS signature. As a
trivial example, you could replace a Dimension 2350 board with a 2400 board,
because they are physically compatible with a minor upgrade. When it comes time
to reinstall Windows or adjust it due to potentially different chipsets, there
is no problem that requires a telephone call to activate. Why? Because the
BIOS signature is Dell... Ben Myers

On Fri, 23 Sep 2005 09:16:08 -0400, PeterD <peter2@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>On Fri, 23 Sep 2005 12:22:41 GMT, ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net
>(Ben Myers) wrote:
>
>>First of all, a Dell XP recovery CD is little different from an OEM version of
>>Windows XP. By that I mean that it can be installed on a non-Dell computer,
>>provided you have a unique Certificate of Authentication (COA) code. The only
>>real difference is that on a Dell computer you do not have to go through the
>>product authentication process. So the differences are minor, indeed.
>
>Not minor. It is BIOS/motherboard linked and when installed on a
>non-DELL computer (or even a DELL that didn't match the expected
>system) the results are interesting--it turns into a 'normal' coopy of
>XP... That is it will go trhough the product activation process. Would
>be OK, but Microsoft has changed the system at teh beginning of the
>year so that when this OEM version comes in as a different computer,
>it will *not* automatically authenticate. Instead it will tell thte
>user to call in. Assuming that you don't have a history of abusing the
>system, a good reason why the computer changed (and upgrading the
>motherboard is *not* considered a good reason!) the operator will
>provide the authentication key. Otherwise you are stuck... <g>
>
>This is why you should never buy OEM versions of Windows (or office)
>on eBay! BTW, Windows can be sold with a non-periphal hardware item
>(drive, motherboard, etc.) but few (if any) OEMs follow this route.
>OEM Office *must* be sold with a complete computer, including a piece
>of hardware is not allowed.
>
>The license is basically tied to the motherboard. If the motherboard
>fails, it can be legally and properly replaced. The preference is to
>replace with the same motherboard. If the failed motherboard is
>replaced with a different one, then the operator authentication is the
>only route.
>
>If you are tired of the slow performance of your (somewhat older?) PC
>and upgrade the motherboard, you are required to get a new license.
>The Windows license is tied to the motherboard (not the box, hard
>drive, or whatever).
>
>This is for large OEM Windows installations. Smaller OEMs (as I am)
>are different, and we use different versions of Windows than a company
>such as DELL, HP or Sony... Same basic rules however.
>
>
>>
>>In short, the XP CD provided by dell is not "locked" to the Dell BIOS at all.
>>
>
>Yes, it is. Not the BIOS necessarily but to somethign that is unique
>to the motherboard. This is true of all large OEMs who include
>Windows, and who's Windows installations do not require activation.
>

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: The Product Key used to install Windows is invalid ....
    ... Microsoft does not connect the Product Key to the Motherboard. ... The OEM, in your case Dell made the connection. ... Do not forget to mail Dell and explain exactly why they lost your business. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: xp reactivation after mobo change
    ... tell them that you have a replacement motherboard as part of an OEM ... >>> repair from Dell, and that Dell said you need a new activation key. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Question about Dells BIOS locked OS
    ... >real difference is that on a Dell computer you do not have to go through the ... year so that when this OEM version comes in as a different computer, ... motherboard is *not* considered a good reason!) ... This is why you should never buy OEM versions of Windows ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: New Motherboard and XP activation
    ... I am assuming that the motherboard is from Dell. ... If the replacement board is OEM, it should not be a problem. ... > "Activate Windows" entry. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
  • Re: Can I upgrade MS Office Basic?
    ... OEM installations aren't worth the reduced price. ... Tell Dell to keep the Basic. ... You will then have Microsoft product ...
    (microsoft.public.office.misc)