After reading some reviews on Windows 7, I've noticed many people saying that the OEM version is only applicable to a single build configuration. Meaning that if I make any changes to my build, I have to buy a whole new copy of Windows to be able to run it. Is this true?
It's not if you make any changes to your build such as adding in more ram or a new graphics card, it's just if you reinstall windows (possible reformatting the HDD too), the key won't work twice.
I had dell oem windows 7 on a desktop I had ages ago and I upgraded it's hardware many times with no problems.
I think that's true if you change the motherboard, but if you choose parts well at all you shouldn't be changing your motherboard for a long while. So I think you can change any parts in the build without having to reinstall except for the motherboard. At least that's what I remember about the OEM copies.
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What if I put Windows on an HDD now, and try to move it to an SSD later? Would it let me do that?
Yes, that will work fine. It's tied to the motherboard, but if you swap your motherboard, you can request a new key from Microsoft if you explain your story.
Yes, that will work fine. It's tied to the motherboard, but if you swap your motherboard, you can request a new key from Microsoft if you explain your story.
Again though it's simply not true. Again, those people are clueless and have no idea what they are talking about. I've reinstalled OEM versions of windows on many different machines many times, including differing hardware and completely different machines altogether.
Also, what would happen if my motherboard died within the first week or so after I had already installed Windows?
You would simply reinstall and re-activate it. OEM windows can be activated as many times as you want, but each activation will deactivate the last machine.
Well who should I listen to? Some are saying no, some are saying yes, and it's just making me confused. Does anyone have solid proof from Microsoft itself that it is one way or the other?
Well who should I listen to? Some are saying no, some are saying yes, and it's just making me confused. Does anyone have solid proof from Microsoft itself that it is one way or the other?
I do this for a living.
I've installed and reinstalled the OEM version hundreds of times without issue on different systems, and systems with replaced parts.
You are fine.
At the very least, all you would need to do is call microsoft and enter in a 10(?) digit code if the activation does not work the second time.
I mean seriously, they are not going to tell you to buy a new copy.
If you honestly want "proof" I am a microsoft certified professional.
I've installed and reinstalled the OEM version hundreds of times without issue on different systems, and systems with replaced parts.
You are fine.
At the very least, all you would need to do is call microsoft and enter in a 10(?) digit code if the activation does not work the second time.
I mean seriously, they are not going to tell you to buy a new copy.
If you honestly want "proof" I am a microsoft certified professional.
Then whats the difference between OEM and full version?
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Proud member of the MCF AWA war of '13! if someone suggests Alienware or Cyberpower, wait for a custom-built list from someone who knows their stuff. Meh Rig
Then whats the difference between OEM and full version?
This is something any of you could have easily googled:
OEM copies are meant for system builders.
Retail copies are meant for joe shmoe.
OEM copies:
1) Are bound to the first computer installed on and are not transferable (can't be moved to a different computer) unless the first activation is deactivated. This process may or may not involve calling Microsoft. NOTE: this is still a valid copy if you change your build. It's only if you build a whole new one where you need to call and activate. Otherwise, it will reactivate perfectly fine.
2) Can not do an in place upgrade from older versions of Windows, only a clean/fresh install is possible.
3) Offer no free support from Microsoft.
OEM System Builder Software
Must be preinstalled on a PC and sold to another unrelated party.
Cannot be transferred from the PC on which it is preinstalled. See details.
Must be preinstalled onto a new PC using the OPK. See details.
System builder that preinstalled the software must provide support for the software.
License terms are granted by the system builder to the end user.
Retail copies:
1) Can be transferred to as many PCs as you wish (although after 5 you will need to enter a 4-12 digit activation code and call microsoft).
2) Can do upgrades from other windows versions
3) Get free support from MS.
Full Packaged Retail Product
Is intended to be re-sold separately from a PC for installation by the end user.
May be transferred with some limitations. See details.
Does not have an OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). Media inside the box can be used to install software onto a personal computer.
Microsoft provides support services.
License terms are granted by Microsoft to the end user.
They seem like they know what they're talking about, and many tend to agree with them.
Of course, that review was posted over a year ago...
I had dell oem windows 7 on a desktop I had ages ago and I upgraded it's hardware many times with no problems.
Well I would think no, because usually oem windows means it can only be installed once... This guy^ (BC_Programming) would think otherwise though...
I never actually tried reinstalling the oem windows when I had that dell so I can't say for sure whether it can be installed more than once...
Yes, that will work fine. It's tied to the motherboard, but if you swap your motherboard, you can request a new key from Microsoft if you explain your story.
Ok, good. I would get an SSD now but I don't have any more room in my budget right now D:
Also, what would happen if my motherboard died within the first week or so after I had already installed Windows?
You would simply reinstall and re-activate it. OEM windows can be activated as many times as you want, but each activation will deactivate the last machine.
I've installed and reinstalled the OEM version hundreds of times without issue on different systems, and systems with replaced parts.
You are fine.
At the very least, all you would need to do is call microsoft and enter in a 10(?) digit code if the activation does not work the second time.
I mean seriously, they are not going to tell you to buy a new copy.
If you honestly want "proof" I am a microsoft certified professional.
Then whats the difference between OEM and full version?
if someone suggests Alienware or Cyberpower, wait for a custom-built list from someone who knows their stuff. Meh Rig
OEM copies are meant for system builders.
Retail copies are meant for joe shmoe.
OEM copies:
1) Are bound to the first computer installed on and are not transferable (can't be moved to a different computer) unless the first activation is deactivated. This process may or may not involve calling Microsoft. NOTE: this is still a valid copy if you change your build. It's only if you build a whole new one where you need to call and activate. Otherwise, it will reactivate perfectly fine.
2) Can not do an in place upgrade from older versions of Windows, only a clean/fresh install is possible.
3) Offer no free support from Microsoft.
OEM System Builder Software
Must be preinstalled on a PC and sold to another unrelated party.
Cannot be transferred from the PC on which it is preinstalled. See details.
Must be preinstalled onto a new PC using the OPK. See details.
System builder that preinstalled the software must provide support for the software.
License terms are granted by the system builder to the end user.
Retail copies:
1) Can be transferred to as many PCs as you wish (although after 5 you will need to enter a 4-12 digit activation code and call microsoft).
2) Can do upgrades from other windows versions
3) Get free support from MS.
Full Packaged Retail Product
Is intended to be re-sold separately from a PC for installation by the end user.
May be transferred with some limitations. See details.
Does not have an OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). Media inside the box can be used to install software onto a personal computer.
Microsoft provides support services.
License terms are granted by Microsoft to the end user.