Silly question about windows 7.

A Windows 7 OEM license is similar to a Full Retail license in the respect that it doesn't require a copy of either Windows XP or Windows Vista already licensed to the system you're looking to install Windows 7 on, where as as Upgrade license does. However, where an OEM license does differentiate from a Full Retail license is that it's legally tied to the first system (motherboard) you install it on. So, if you change your motherboard for anything other than RMA purposes, you will need to purchase a new license. You are perfectly entitled to upgrade any other component in your system though. Also, whilst it may be physically possible to use a Windows 7 OEM license after you have changed your motherboard outside of RMA purposes, you will not be correctly licensed if you do so. A Full Retail license doesn't have this restriction so if you change your motherboard for performance purposes and reinstall Windows 7, you will still be correctly licensed.
 
Fire Wizard said:
A Windows 7 OEM license is similar to a Full Retail license in the respect that it doesn't require a copy of either Windows XP or Windows Vista already licensed to the system you're looking to install Windows 7 on, where as as Upgrade license does. However, where an OEM license does differentiate from a Full Retail license is that it's legally tied to the first system (motherboard) you install it on. So, if you change your motherboard for anything other than RMA purposes, you will need to purchase a new license. You are perfectly entitled to upgrade any other component in your system though. Also, whilst it may be physically possible to use a Windows 7 OEM license after you have changed your motherboard outside of RMA purposes, you will not be correctly licensed if you do so. A Full Retail license doesn't have this restriction so if you change your motherboard for performance purposes and reinstall Windows 7, you will still be correctly licensed.
Click to expand...

Or to answer your question in one word.

Full.

And 6 words:

Full but tied to original motherboard.

:p
 
Hey, let Fire post his very detailed replies. Gives me copy/paste material when these questions come up again! :D
 
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