quick question about partitioning..

Walsandrew · 21 Dec 2010 at 16:28

hi all,

was just wondering. i have been using windows 7 on a partition on my macbook pro for the past year or so. however i have recently purchased/built a gaming desktop and want to use this copy of windows on it. will removing said partition automatically unistall and remove the licensing of this copy of windows on my mac and allow me to install on my new pc? because it is only licensed for use on one machine, and it would be crazy to purchase a new os for my new system.

thanks for any help!

Confused · 21 Dec 2010 at 16:33

Did you purchase a retail version of Windows 7, or OEM?

If OEM, you cannot re-use the licence. You will require a new licence for your new PC.

If Retail, then you can just install to the new computer, and removing the partition on your MBP will suffice. There is no "un-registering" of a currently installed operating system.

joey1211 · 21 Dec 2010 at 16:35

I don't think you can legally install an OEM copy on a mac. Therefore, we'll assume it's a retail.

Walsandrew · 21 Dec 2010 at 16:36

cheers, and yes fortunately it was retail

Walsandrew · 21 Dec 2010 at 16:36

joey1211 said:
I don't think you can legally install an OEM copy on a mac. Therefore, we'll assume it's a retail.

good point, not sure how you would go about that actually. certainly beyond my technical expertise anyway!

joey1211 · 21 Dec 2010 at 16:39

You'd just buy an OEM and install it. Wouldn't be legal though.

Walsandrew · 21 Dec 2010 at 16:49

ah ok. just assumed there would be something written in the oem copy to stop you installing it on a mac. my bad.