NavyLCDR said:
It's not a grey area at all. Inside the warranty period, the "manufacturer" who installed the OEM Windows is responsible for replacement. Outside the warranty period, neither the manufacturer nor Microsoft is obligated to replace or transfer anything OEM for free. If they do, it is a bonus gift.
That was what I was trying to say - just did not word well. MS seem fairly lenient on this based on comments on other forums.