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Is my copy of windows 7 tied to my motherboard?

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Hello, 16 months ago I purchased a Dell XPS8100 with a copy of windows 7 pre-installed. There was no choice available to have the system come 'blank' with no operating system.

I do alot of processor intensive work and now wish to upgrade the CPU and motherboard to the new i7-2600. However I have heard rumours (and read on many forums) that my copy of Windows 7 is tied to my motherboard.

Obviously this makes a huge difference, as I may as well sell the system rather than upgrade if I have to buy a new copy of windows. And I would not have bought the system in the first place if I had known this was the case -as far as I could see, this was not communicated at all on the Dell website that I purchased the system through.

Is there a way that I can check if my copy of Windows 7 is tied to my motherboard or if it would accept a new motherboard? And if it does need a new license, would I have to purchase a brand new full copy of windows 7 or would I be able to just upgrade?

Thanks,

Ben

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:05 PM

Answers

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Hello Gahooner,

According to the info bolded below, Yes, your computer's installation of Windows 7 Pro is an OEM-licensed installation and thus is permanently tied to the motherboard in your computer.

Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD
Windows Product Key Hash: xo+ajVSpae7/4VoZjS7m6JL0f3A=
Windows Product ID: 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

If you replace the existing mobo with a non-Dell mobo, your installation of Windows 7 will become nongenuine, as the new mobo is considered to be the base component or foundation of the computer and a new mobo would represent a new/different computer, violating the tenet of OEM licensing that does not permit the license to be moved to any other computer.

If you went ahead with your plans to upgrade the mobo and processor, you would need a new full license for Windows. You could buy a full retail license (which does permit moving to another computer [and by definition would permit unlimited changes in hardware incl mobo]), or you could buy a new OEM license at a lesser price, but of course as an OEM license it would be valid only on that upgraded mobo. If you made a subsequent mobo upgrade in the future, you'd encounter the same licensing issue you face now.

Dell does sell computers without preinstalled Windows licenses, however the selection is severely limited and they are not readily apparent on their web sites, you have to call and specifically ask.
- Marked as answer by Darin Smith MS Wednesday, October 12, 2011 10:26 PM
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:45 PM

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"Gahooner" wrote in message news:c83471c0-6568-49be-b5e5-2994f4408e1c...

Hello, 16 months ago I purchased a Dell XPS8100 with a copy of windows 7 pre-installed. There was no choice available to have the system come 'blank' with no operating system.

I do alot of processor intensive work and now wish to upgrade the CPU and motherboard to the new i7-2600. However I have heard rumours (and read on many forums) that my copy of Windows 7 is tied to my motherboard.

Obviously this makes a huge difference, as I may as well sell the system rather than upgrade if I have to buy a new copy of windows. And I would not have bought the system in the first place if I had known this was the case -as far as I could see, this was not communicated at all on the Dell website that I purchased the system through.

Is there a way that I can check if my copy of Windows 7 is tied to my motherboard or if it would accept a new motherboard? And if it does need a new license, would I have to purchase a brand new full copy of windows 7 or would I be able to just upgrade?

Thanks,

Ben

To properly analyse and solve problems with Activation and Validation, we need to see a full copy of the report produced by the MGADiag tool (download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )

Once saved, run the tool.

Click on the Continue button, which will produce the report.

To copy the report to your response, click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your response.

- **in your own thread**, please

Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:17 PM

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Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD
Windows Product Key Hash: xo+ajVSpae7/4VoZjS7m6JL0f3A=
Windows Product ID: 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 100 Genuine
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 - 100 Genuine
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3_E2AD56EA-765-d003_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-134-80004005

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-733WD</PKey><PID>00371-OEM-8992671-00524</PID><PIDType>2</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-4197820451-3862825607-154078189</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Model>Studio XPS 8100</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>A03</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20091209000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>1C463907018400FE</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>DELL </OEMID><OEMTableID>FX09   </OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90120000-0030-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007</Name><Ver>12</Ver><Val>8338C5E44BBD586</Val><Hash>g1o8voJt/aKcNWANfts2/l2SIHY=</Hash><Pid>89388-707-0293313-65274</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="15" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="16" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="18" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="19" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1B" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="44" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="A1" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="BA" Version="12" Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_SLP channel
Activation ID: 50e329f7-a5fa-46b2-85fd-f224e5da7764
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00371-00178-926-700524-02-1033-7600.0000-1562010
Installation ID: 016680883812590371493993965086958331822113500881693951
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: 733WD
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 12/10/2011 17:27:05

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 7:25:2011 18:08
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:

HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MAAAAAIAAAABAAEAAQACAAAAAgABAAEAln3IikDOiEA0BBJ4UJm6WS9y5GuwnnZW

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information:
ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
APIC            DELL         FX09
FACP            DELL         FX09
HPET            DELL         OEMHPET
MCFG            DELL         OEMMCFG
SLIC            DELL         FX09
OSFR            DELL         FX09
OEMB            DELL         FX09
ASF!            LEGEND        I865PASF
SSDT            DpgPmm        CpuPm

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD
Windows Product Key Hash: xo+ajVSpae7/4VoZjS7m6JL0f3A=
Windows Product ID: 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 100 Genuine
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 - 100 Genuine
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3_E2AD56EA-765-d003_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-134-80004005

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-733WD</PKey><PID>00371-OEM-8992671-00524</PID><PIDType>2</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-4197820451-3862825607-154078189</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Model>Studio XPS 8100</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>A03</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20091209000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>1C463907018400FE</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>DELL </OEMID><OEMTableID>FX09   </OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90120000-0030-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007</Name><Ver>12</Ver><Val>8338C5E44BBD586</Val><Hash>g1o8voJt/aKcNWANfts2/l2SIHY=</Hash><Pid>89388-707-0293313-65274</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="15" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="16" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="18" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="19" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1B" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="44" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="A1" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="BA" Version="12" Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_SLP channel
Activation ID: 50e329f7-a5fa-46b2-85fd-f224e5da7764
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00371-00178-926-700524-02-1033-7600.0000-1562010
Installation ID: 016680883812590371493993965086958331822113500881693951
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: 733WD
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 12/10/2011 17:27:05

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 7:25:2011 18:08
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:

HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MAAAAAIAAAABAAEAAQACAAAAAgABAAEAln3IikDOiEA0BBJ4UJm6WS9y5GuwnnZW

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information:
ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
APIC            DELL         FX09
FACP            DELL         FX09
HPET            DELL         OEMHPET
MCFG            DELL         OEMMCFG
SLIC            DELL         FX09
OSFR            DELL         FX09
OEMB            DELL         FX09
ASF!            LEGEND        I865PASF
SSDT            DpgPmm        CpuPm

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:28 PM
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System information, as requested:

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD
Windows Product Key Hash: xo+ajVSpae7/4VoZjS7m6JL0f3A=
Windows Product ID: 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 100 Genuine
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 - 100 Genuine
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3_E2AD56EA-765-d003_E2AD56EA-766-0_E2AD56EA-134-80004005

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-733WD</PKey><PID>00371-OEM-8992671-00524</PID><PIDType>2</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-4197820451-3862825607-154078189</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Model>Studio XPS 8100</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>Dell Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>A03</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20091209000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>1C463907018400FE</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>DELL </OEMID><OEMTableID>FX09   </OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>100</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90120000-0030-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE}"><LegitResult>100</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007</Name><Ver>12</Ver><Val>8338C5E44BBD586</Val><Hash>g1o8voJt/aKcNWANfts2/l2SIHY=</Hash><Pid>89388-707-0293313-65274</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="15" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="16" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="18" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="19" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1A" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="1B" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="44" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="A1" Version="12" Result="100"/><App Id="BA" Version="12" Result="100"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults>

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_SLP channel
Activation ID: 50e329f7-a5fa-46b2-85fd-f224e5da7764
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00371-00178-926-700524-02-1033-7600.0000-1562010
Installation ID: 016680883812590371493993965086958331822113500881693951
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: 733WD
License Status: Licensed
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 12/10/2011 17:27:05

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 7:25:2011 18:08
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:

HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: MAAAAAIAAAABAAEAAQACAAAAAgABAAEAln3IikDOiEA0BBJ4UJm6WS9y5GuwnnZW

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information:
ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
APIC            DELL         FX09
FACP            DELL         FX09
HPET            DELL         OEMHPET
MCFG            DELL         OEMMCFG
SLIC            DELL         FX09
OSFR            DELL         FX09
OEMB            DELL         FX09
ASF!            LEGEND        I865PASF
SSDT            DpgPmm        CpuPm

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:45 PM
0

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Hello Gahooner,

According to the info bolded below, Yes, your computer's installation of Windows 7 Pro is an OEM-licensed installation and thus is permanently tied to the motherboard in your computer.

Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD
Windows Product Key Hash: xo+ajVSpae7/4VoZjS7m6JL0f3A=
Windows Product ID: 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048
ID: {282111F9-AE89-417F-8327-B7BE1D195D60}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Professional
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506
TTS Error:
Validation Diagnostic:
Resolution Status: N/A

If you replace the existing mobo with a non-Dell mobo, your installation of Windows 7 will become nongenuine, as the new mobo is considered to be the base component or foundation of the computer and a new mobo would represent a new/different computer, violating the tenet of OEM licensing that does not permit the license to be moved to any other computer.

If you went ahead with your plans to upgrade the mobo and processor, you would need a new full license for Windows. You could buy a full retail license (which does permit moving to another computer [and by definition would permit unlimited changes in hardware incl mobo]), or you could buy a new OEM license at a lesser price, but of course as an OEM license it would be valid only on that upgraded mobo. If you made a subsequent mobo upgrade in the future, you'd encounter the same licensing issue you face now.

Dell does sell computers without preinstalled Windows licenses, however the selection is severely limited and they are not readily apparent on their web sites, you have to call and specifically ask.
- Marked as answer by Darin Smith MS Wednesday, October 12, 2011 10:26 PM
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:45 PM
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"Gahooner" wrote in message news:a55631d5-ebf0-4bcd-9c1e-4c456a66d821...

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 0
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD
Windows Product Key Hash: xo+ajVSpae7/4VoZjS7m6JL0f3A=
Windows Product ID: 00371-OEM-8992671-00524
Windows Product ID Type: 2
Windows License Type: OEM SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010100.1.0.048

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, Professional edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_SLP channel

The License is (as expected) an OEM_SLP one – if you change the motherboard, you will invalidate it.

You will then need to purchase a Full retail package for whichever edition of Windows you require.

Anything else you change, you can do so without penalty – including the HD, CPU and graphics.

Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:47 PM

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Hello there, just in case there is a glimmer of hope - you say if I buy a non-Dell mobo then the OEM license will be rendered invalid. Would buying a Dell mobo for the new LGA1155 still work with the OEM license?

Thanks,

Ben

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5:00 PM
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"Gahooner" wrote in message news:287ff480-f083-4c34-a506-5d801d0e00f0...

Hello there, just in case there is a glimmer of hope - you say if I buy a non-Dell mobo then the OEM license will be rendered invalid. Would buying a Dell mobo for the new LGA1155 still work with the OEM license?

Thanks,

Ben

Interesting question!

Under a strict reading of the license terms, the only allowed change has to be made under warranty replacement conditions – so the license would be invalidated on a non-warranty upgrade.

Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5:14 PM

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Hello there, just in case there is a glimmer of hope - you say if I buy a non-Dell mobo then the OEM license will be rendered invalid. Would buying a Dell mobo for the new LGA1155 still work with the OEM license?

Thanks,

Ben

Only if it is the Dell replacement part for an LGA1155. Not if it is an upgrade (even a Dell upgrade).
If you are thinking of ordering a mobo as a replacement part from a different model or buying a mobo out of a Dell on someplace like eBay that won't work unless it is the exact same make and model. It is not sufficient that it is Dell. It must be a Dell LGA1155.

It is the SLIC table in the BIOS that makes the difference. OEM SLP copies of Windows have an embedded product key that will only activate if the correct matching flag is in SLIC table in the BIOS on the mobo. Each make and model has its own unique flag. That is why you can't do an upgrade mobo but need to use a replacement mobo if you want to continue to use the same OEM SLP copy of Windows.

Dell is a royalty manufacturer, meaning that Dell pays a royalty to Microsoft to use Windows. Dell does not buy individual copies. The royalty is only a small fraction of the retail cost of Windows so you are not paying much at all compared to buying Windows from Microsoft yourself. Since Dell is only paying the royalty Microsoft is not letting Dell sell you the right to transfer the software like you would get when you buy Windows at retail.
Colin Barnhorst Windows 7 Ultimate x64 on DIY with 6GB ram.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5:34 PM

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