New Build - Windows is valid?

mark.swandells · 9 Feb 2013 at 11:26

Hi, I've just completed my first build and transferred my existing SSD with Windows - originally OEM 7 and upgraded to 64 bit Pro.

Everything I read said I would need a fresh Windows install so I purchased an OEM copy of 7. I've just finished the build and the original Windows is running and still valid - any ideas how this might have happened?

Thanks

nightmare99 · 9 Feb 2013 at 15:30

Its not an exact science, generally if you are moving between chipsets of the same vendor it tends to work i.e Intel to Intel

It would be recommended to do a fresh install though.

mark.swandells · 9 Feb 2013 at 16:41

Thanks for the advice, I backed up before I started so I can always do a fresh install if things don't go to plan.

I didn't realise that Intel to Intel might work - various things I read said it was tied to motherboard - if you have an OEM version then new motherboard = new Windows.

Wish I'd known that, could have saved me £60!

mmj_uk · 9 Feb 2013 at 17:13

Even if it wouldn't activate automatically you could have done it via telephone, OEM is no different to retail despite all of the propaganda flying about to get people to pay extra for retail.

Microsoft's EULA which claims OEM license can't be transferred wouldn't stand up in the EU courts and hence they don't enforce it, as long as people fall for it and pay extra for retail or buy extra copies of OEM they're in business.

Anox · 9 Feb 2013 at 18:54

mmj_uk said:
Even if it wouldn't activate automatically you could have done it via telephone, OEM is no different to retail despite all of the propaganda flying about to get people to pay extra for retail.

Microsoft's EULA which claims OEM license can't be transferred wouldn't stand up in the EU courts and hence they don't enforce it, as long as people fall for it and pay extra for retail or buy extra copies of OEM they're in business.

Couldn't you just say a little white lie and tell them the mobo is bust?

mark.swandells · 9 Feb 2013 at 22:05

Thanks guys, I'll know in future. This is my first build, I've thoroughly enjoyed it but it's been a steep learning curve - here's the spec - go gently on me

http://uk.************.com/p/Co35

On Holiday · 9 Feb 2013 at 22:29

You aren't allowed to link to competitors on these forums mark

mark.swandells · 9 Feb 2013 at 22:34

Really - I find that amazing - if OC were the cheapest they wouldn't mind

. Thanks for the heads up. As I said, it's a steep learning curve.

Pawnless Endgame · 10 Feb 2013 at 20:16

I went from a Pentium D build to a Q9500 with the same licence of Win XP Pro OEM and it activated fine. The main thing is that you're not running the same licence on 2 machines simultaneously as that's against the law.