OEM or Retail

BigBoy

BigBoy

BigBoy

Soldato
Joined
19 Oct 2002
Posts
6,899
Location
Bath
Guys im having to take the cdkey from a current install and build a new install for the same comp i just need to know if i have oem or retail key.

Is there any software that will tell me what version of windows is currently installed.?

its XP Home BTW just dont know if its oem or retail.
 
If your pc is still operational go to System in control panel and look at the product ID if your system is OEM it will say this half way through your product ID details, or check the COA sticker on your case this will say OEM if you have an OEM license.

Are you just to a format or building new pc, if your changing your motherboard and your operating system is OEM then you will need to buy a new license, as the license is tied to the motherboard it was originaly activated on, Retail you will be fine belongs your only running it on one PC.

Rob
 
RJC said:
If your pc is still operational go to System in control panel and look at the product ID if your system is OEM it will say this half way through your product ID details, or check the COA sticker on your case this will say OEM if you have an OEM license.

Are you just to a format or building new pc, if your changing your motherboard and your operating system is OEM then you will need to buy a new license, as the license is tied to the motherboard it was originaly activated on, Retail you will be fine belongs your only running it on one PC.

Rob
Click to expand...

When I got someone to change my motherboard, he mentioned nothing about buying a new license. He said all he had to do was repair the OS?

Johnny.
 
hibeesmad said:
When I got someone to change my motherboard, he mentioned nothing about buying a new license. He said all he had to do was repair the OS?

Johnny.
Click to expand...
if your license is oem u should buy a new license when u change/upgrade your motherboard... oem licenses are tired to the motherboard so once u clicked i agree, that license is tired to that motherboard and can't be transfered... retail licenses can...

if the motherboard was replaced under warranty then u can still use your oen license..
 
Last edited:
gareth170 said:
if your license is oem u should buy a new license when u change/upgrade your motherboard... oem licenses are tired to the motherboard so once u clicked i agree, that license is tired to that motherboard and can't be transfered.../ retail licenses can...
Click to expand...

Well how did it work when he changed my motherboard? Sorry I'm quite new to all this.

Johnny.
 
I purchased a new motherboard and hired someone to fit it for me. He mentioned nothing about having to purchase a new license. He only mentioned he had to do a repair. I am planning to do a format this weekend for the first time and this has worried me a little. Cheers.
 
hibeesmad said:
Well how did it work when he changed my motherboard? Sorry I'm quite new to all this.

Johnny.
Click to expand...
was the motherboard replaced under warranty?

if it wasn't and your continueing to use your oem license on a new motherboard , it means you've broken the license and your not licensed..
 
gareth170 said:
was the motherboard replaced under warranty?

if it wasn't and your continueing to use your oem license on a new motherboard , it means you've broken the license and your not licensed..
Click to expand...

No, I sold my old one and upgraded. I did not know I had to do this as the guy who done it all for me never mentioned anything. As I said in a previous post, I am planning to format my hard drive and reinstall XP. If you could please advise me that would be great. Thanks.
 
hibeesmad said:
No, I sold my old one and upgraded. I did not know I had to do this as the guy who done it all for me never mentioned anything. As I said in a previous post, I am planning to format my hard drive and reinstall XP. If you could please advise me that would be great. Thanks.
Click to expand...
is it an oem license or retail license??

if is an oem license you'll new to buy another license. if it's retail license you'll be fine.
 
I really wouldn't worry about it. If you reinstall on a new motherboard and it activates then great, if it doesn't you can either convince MS you replaced your mobo coz it was faulty or you just buy a new OEM license. Yes, you're breaking the license agreement but your not gonna get the Police or FAST knocking on your door, so who cares. Just let your conscience decide.

Oh an before I get slated for giving this answer, it's just my opinion - which I hope I'm allowed with free speech an all
 
Last edited:
korbk said:
I really wouldn't worry about it. If you reinstall on a new motherboard and it activates then great, if it doesn't you can either convince MS you replaced your mobo coz it was faulty or you just buy a new OEM license. Yes, you're breaking the license agreement but your not gonna get the Police or FAST knocking on your door, so who cares. Just let your conscience decide.
Click to expand...

Well I did have to replace my old board because it didn't support SLI :p So I considered it faulty!

Will I be able to format my hard drive and reinstall it ok using my current serial code etc?

Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom