Operating System Problem

[Doco]

Hello folks, I stumbled across a problem last night about my O/S, I bought my first pc pre-built a few years ago (on a different website) and just realised the limitations of OEM, I had originally planned to reuse my old o/s and copy it across to my new hard drive and use it in the new system I'm going to be building ( So my old system wouldnt have an o/s anymore ).
Of course I now realise my O/s is binded to my motherboard and I cant do this.

So buying a retail version of windows, was wondering how windows 7 is?
I would like a non-biased view if possible, Ive been running vista 64 bit now for a few years, and only problems I encountered was at the very start with some sound issues, I dont see why vista has been condemned as completely disastrous, but seeing as I've to buy a new operating system, how does windows 7 compare to vista now that it's been out a while? Is it really that much better than vista or was that people just hating on vista too much?


Apologies btw if this should have been posted in software :-/.

 

[olivier renault]

Hello folks, I stumbled across a problem last night about my O/S, I bought my first pc pre-built a few years ago (on a different website) and just realised the limitations of OEM, I had originally planned to reuse my old o/s and copy it across to my new hard drive and use it in the new system I'm going to be building ( So my old system wouldnt have an o/s anymore ).
Of course I now realise my O/s is binded to my motherboard and I cant do this.

Try phone up Microsoft. It's a bit cheeky, but explain your motherboard failed, and they had no replacement in stock.

 

[Surveyor]

If you want to you should be able to re-use your old Windows licence on the new PC.

You might have to phone Microsoft to activate Windows on the new PC, and confirm that it's the only PC the licence is used on, but it can be done.

It's an automated process so you don't actually speak to anyone.

Obviously that would leave your old PC without a valid licence for Windows.

 

[olivier renault]

So buying a retail version of windows, was wondering how windows 7 is?
I would like a non-biased view if possible, Ive been running vista 64 bit now for a few years, and only problems I encountered was at the very start with some sound issues, I dont see why vista has been condemned as completely disastrous, but seeing as I've to buy a new operating system, how does windows 7 compare to vista now that it's been out a while? Is it really that much better than vista or was that people just hating on vista too much?

Never used Vista, went from XP to Win 7 and it's great.

 

[Doco]

Yeh I read a lot of "just lie and say your mobo broke", anyone have any experience on how well Microsoft are for transferring over OEM to new builds? ( minus the lies? ).
I know this would leaver my old PC with no O/S but it wouldnt really bother me as I havnt really decided what I'm going to do with the pc lol.

P.s - could always download Windows 8 beta XD

 

[beejjacobs]

I'd get Windows 7, Vista is not as efficient, 7 has a few more features and the much improved taskbar. Also its the current OS so most supported atm, if you could still get vista on your new machine then an upgrade I think is cheaper. So might still be worth giving them a ring. Win7 OEM is £80 on OCUK

 

[Surveyor]

anyone have any experience on how well Microsoft are for transferring over OEM to new builds? ( minus the lies? ).

I did it myself recently with a Windows 7 OEM licence after changing Sandy Bridge motherboards.

As part of the activation process I just had to confirm on the phone that the licence I was activating was only being used on one PC. It was as the old motherboard is sitting in its box.

Nothing dishonest about it.

 

[Doco]

I did it myself recently with a Windows 7 OEM licence after changing Sandy Bridge motherboards.

As part of the activation process I just had to confirm on the phone that the licence I was activating was only being used on one PC. It was as the old motherboard is sitting in its box.

Nothing dishonest about it.

So it is possible to change OEM motherboards then, just tell Microsoft the old PC wont be in use...sounds good to me