Second Win7 key help

{T5K}TT · 8 Apr 2011 at 23:55

I need some advice. I've got Win7 OEM, and installed it on my old computer. I've just built a new system and installed my original copy of Win7 on my new system. I used the hard drive from my old comp in my new comp, so naturally wiped it before installing. I don't have two computers sharing one copy of Win7, as I know that's not permitted. But, I would like to buy a second Win7 product key, which I'd like to use on my old machine. Can I do this? Or, must I buy a whole new Win7 OEM?

Thanks.

SiriusB · 9 Apr 2011 at 08:40

Windows installation discs are worthless. They are nothing but shiny tea coasters to MS. So even if you could buy a Product Key without media, it wouldn't cost you any less.

So, in short, just buy a new copy of Windows 7. I would also not buy OEM.

First, technically, unless selling the PC you shouldn't be using OEM. Second, for not much more money you can get Retail which has none of the restrictions of using OEM.

{T5K}TT · 9 Apr 2011 at 10:50

SiriusB said:
Windows installation discs are worthless. They are nothing but shiny tea coasters to MS. So even if you could buy a Product Key without media, it wouldn't cost you any less.

So, in short, just buy a new copy of Windows 7. I would also not buy OEM.

First, technically, unless selling the PC you shouldn't be using OEM. Second, for not much more money you can get Retail which has none of the restrictions of using OEM.

Thanks for the reply. Where can I read about the restrictions of Win7's OEM and Retail packages?

SiriusB · 9 Apr 2011 at 11:06

I am sure a bit of Googling will get you your answers, but some of the important ones are:

OEM installations are permenantly tied to the motherboard of the first computer they are installed on. This means you are not permitted to install the OEM software on any other machine, even if you remove it from the first machine.

The only exception to the above is if you require the motherboard be replaced due to damage/failure and the exact same motherboard can no longer be sourced.

OEM is meant for system builders. A system builder is someone who builds a system with the intent to sell. Building a PC for personal use does not make you a system builder. [This is rarely, if ever, enforced by anyone.]

Retail allows you to reinstall Windows on as many different machines as you like as long as it is only ever on one machine at a time. With Retail you may replace any hardware you wish.

{T5K}TT · 9 Apr 2011 at 12:44

SiriusB said:
I am sure a bit of Googling will get you your answers, but some of the important ones are:

OEM installations are permenantly tied to the motherboard of the first computer they are installed on. This means you are not permitted to install the OEM software on any other machine, even if you remove it from the first machine.

The only exception to the above is if you require the motherboard be replaced due to damage/failure and the exact same motherboard can no longer be sourced.

OEM is meant for system builders. A system builder is someone who builds a system with the intent to sell. Building a PC for personal use does not make you a system builder. [This is rarely, if ever, enforced by anyone.]

Retail allows you to reinstall Windows on as many different machines as you like as long as it is only ever on one machine at a time. With Retail you may replace any hardware you wish.

Ah thanks, that's very clear. Retail is then definitely the way to go. I'll order a copy