Another thing, im looking at getting the OEM version. Reading sites this means i can only install it on 1 machine and if i change a part of the machine e.g. Motherboard the license is void and i would either need to reactivate or buy another copy?
Is this correct?
my dad has a strange idea that 1 oem disk can be installed on loads of computers and then these computers sold on however there would only be 1 product key so how does that work?
I tend to agree with your dad, in part. Take the following example:-
Your firm buys 25 identical HP PCs. Each PC comes with Windows XP pre-loaded, a Windows XP Pro OEM key clearly displayed on the side of the PC case and a Windows XP SP2 install CD.
6 months into your PC network running a-ok, one PC develops a serious CTD issue and another devours it's system32 directory for whatever reason.
No problem, whip out one of those HP CDs and reformat - using the OEM licence key on the side of the PC case. Right?
Wrong. Each one of those 25 CDs is set aside for each specific PC. Hopefully, you've made a note of which one's which?
Microsoft could solve the problem in 10 seconds flat, but choose not too. Why? Because they want you on Volume Licensing at the very least - or ideally, a 3-year OSL agreement.
MSoft wins whichever way and you're left with slightly worn anus. Barstewards.
D.