OEM software is permanently installed on one device. Here is the OEM license:
Quote:
| 2. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS. The software license is permanently assigned to the device with which you acquired the software. That device is the "licensed device." A hardware partition is considered to be a separate device. |
And here is the retail license:
Quote:
| 2. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS. Before you use the software under a license, you must assign that license to one device (physical hardware system). That device is the "licensed device." A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a separate device. |
So you are not supposed to transfer the license to another device but there is a big difference between the letter of the agreement and the practical implementation. Have a look at
this article which ends with this.
Quote:
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"It's important that people understand the OEM EULA when it says that your OEM Vista (XP is the same) can not be transferred to a new computer, and a new (upgraded) motherboard is also considered a new computer," the system builder added. "I've activated hundreds of PCs over the years and have never had an activation rep ask if I am transferring the OEM software to a new PC. The only question that you must answer correctly (no) in order to receive the activation code is: "Is this version of Windows on more than one PC?". Therefore the end user assumes that since they received an activation code they must be legal."
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If you have a full version Microsoft took out the restrictions on the number of times you could reinstall it on new gear because of the uproar in the "enthusiast community".
Windows Vista Team Blog : News: Revision to Windows Vista retail licensing terms
The license used to read
Quote:
a. Software Other than Windows Anytime Upgrade. The first user of the software may reassign the license to another device one time. If you reassign the license, that other device becomes the "licensed device."
b. Windows Anytime Upgrade Software. The first user of the software may reassign the license to another device one time, but only if the license terms of the software you upgraded from allows reassignment.
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but now reads
Quote:
a. Software Other than Windows Anytime Upgrade. You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between devices.
b. Windows Anytime Upgrade Software. The first user of the software may reassign the license to another device one time, but only if the license terms of the software you upgraded from allows reassignment.
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Microsofts license terms webpage is broken for me right now.
Retail Software License Terms