copy of Windows not Genuine

03tellis said:
OK thanks.

So to sum up, OEM versions (like my current one) can only be used legally on 1 machine, and after changing motherboard it can be reactivated via phone, but this is technically illegal. (against the rules of the EULA)

Whereas if I get a retail copy then I can transfer it ad infinitum?

Retail copy sounds ideal then, except I have no money that won't instantly go on food and rent for another year. I'll see what I can scrape together.
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100% correct :)
 
Memphis said:
Why are so many people so sure of themselves on this when they are totally and utterly wrong?
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Becuase it works. I have done this many times before when I used to buy OEM versions to save cash. Yes I know its technically wrong and frowned upon, but it doesnt change the fact that every time I went through the automated system, which gave me a activation number. Which when entered re activated windows.

Retail all the way for me now but the above way does work. If it was a choice between not eating to get a new license, or feeling bad about telling porkies to MS, I know what I would do.
 
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I don't think it even amounts to telling porkies.

I'd bet MS are only concerned if you are putting a single license on more than one PC at the same time tbh.

Well, I'm sure they would rather that everyone bought retail, OEMs included, but not everyone would be willing to pay full retail price when there are cheaper, even free, alternatives to Windows available.
 
Upgrading from vista in itself is worth doing to have a much betetr pc/experience than vista anyway. For the sake of £70 or whatever. I've used xp/vista and 7 and 7 is so far my favourite and the best I've used!

Can probably pick a copy up on the mm very reasonable these days.
 
03tellis said:
OK thanks.

So to sum up, OEM versions (like my current one) can only be used legally on 1 machine, and after changing motherboard it can be reactivated via phone, but this is technically illegal. (against the rules of the EULA)
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What happens if your motherboard were to malfunction and you had to replace it?

Surely legally you don't have to buy another copy of windows to go with your replacement motherboard?....
 
Andy__C said:
What happens if your motherboard were to malfunction and you had to replace it?

Surely legally you don't have to buy another copy of windows to go with your replacement motherboard?....
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A new motherboard is ok under the OEM Licence, as long as the motherboard is an RMA replacement for a fault. The replacement should be a like-for-like or as close as possible and must be done as part of a repair (RMA).

If your motherboard fails on an old PC and you choose to 'upgrade' to a brand new spec. Your OEM licence would then be invalid.
 
I had this message come up on my laptop the other day VERY random indeed as I bought the copy from ocuk MM. & I've not changed anything in the laptop what so ever! Anyway to find out of a key is being used twice?

Looked at System and all still seems to be fine & Genuine so no idea why I had the message!
 
sorry to hijack this thread but I bought a version WIN7 when it first came out to upgrade my computer but my son had huge issues with XP so i installed it on his, i have since thrown his computer away can i now legally install this copy of WIN7 on my own computer?
 
Same concern as Kayliss, I too bought Retail windows 7 and am doing major upgrade, changing mobo, ram and processor, does this mean I have to buy another OS. If so Microsoft will be getting a very strongly worded letter and I would demand a refund on return of my first purchase of the OS. We as consumers have rights to.
 
oh, sorry. Just read that retail windows can be used after upgrade but am still shocked to hear OEM users have to buy again and again and again, customers should be made fully aware of this when ever they purchase an OEM version of windows.
 
Just checked the OEM version of windows 7 on overclockers and there is no indication whatsoever that an upgrade to major components will result in having to buy another copy of Windows.
 
izit said:
Once you change a certain amount of hardware it will block it like that. You just need to give Microsoft a phone call and get a activation code for it, it's fully automated.

You certainly don't need to buy a new OS for upgrading a PC.
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You certainly do if you bought an oem dell, and then changed the motherboard and other components to basically make a new pc.
Else although a call to ms might activate it, you will still be breaking the licence agreement.
 
spankingtexan said:
oh, sorry. Just read that retail windows can be used after upgrade but am still shocked to hear OEM users have to buy again and again and again, customers should be made fully aware of this when ever they purchase an OEM version of windows.
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What you think oem means and why do you thin it is considerably cheaper.
Limited lifespan as linked to one mobo.
 
spankingtexan said:
Just checked the OEM version of windows 7 on overclockers and there is no indication whatsoever that an upgrade to major components will result in having to buy another copy of Windows.
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And why should Overclockers be responsible for your knowledge of a specific product?
 
izit said:
Once you change a certain amount of hardware it will block it like that. You just need to give Microsoft a phone call and get a activation code for it, it's fully automated.

You certainly don't need to buy a new OS for upgrading a PC.
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Agree, done this several times.
 
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