System-locked pre-installation
System-Locked Preinstallation (SLP) describes a form of Windows installation by an OEM computer manufacturer in which the end customer does not have to activate the product , which has otherwise been mandatory since Windows XP .
functionality
An SLP installation of Windows searches for certain information in the BIOS of the computer system when it starts , which identifies the respective OEM manufacturer. If this information is found, Windows will be activated automatically. If the relevant data is missing, Windows behaves like a normal retail version and must be activated at Microsoft within 30 days.
Due to this fact it is possible to change practically all hardware components on OEM systems with SLP installations of Windows without losing the activation status. It is even possible to replace the motherboard , as long as the replacement comes from the respective OEM manufacturer and contains the necessary data in the BIOS.
Web links
- Preserving OEM Pre-Activation when Re-installing Windows Server 2003 R2. Microsoft TechNet, 2005
- Preserving OEM Pre-Activation when Re-installing Windows XP. Microsoft TechNet, 2009
Individual evidence
- ↑ Microsoft Technet: Technical Details on Microsoft Product Activation for Windows XP