I have installed OEM W7 and now have an urge to upgrade the pc, is this going to cause problems? I read you can change up to 7 things in the pc, is that correct and even worst case you just call the activation line and it gets sorted. Would i be able to change m/b cpu ram and stuff?
What can you upgrade once OEM W7 is on?
- Thread starter schnipps
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It is pretty much tied to the motherboard, once you replace that you will need a new license to continue using it.
You can ring up the automated line and get it reactivated, but it will still be breaking the terms of the license, and is akin to using a pirate copy.
You can ring up the automated line and get it reactivated, but it will still be breaking the terms of the license, and is akin to using a pirate copy.
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Hi, With an OEM system, you can install what you want, when you want, and you wont have to activate your OS via Microsoft. If you have an retail version of Windows, then an change of parts will mean your OS will need to be activated.
Wrong, on pretty much every point!
OEM will mean that the licence is tied to the motherboard that it was originally installed with. If you change the motherboard, you will need to purchase a new licence. You may get it activated, but you won't be licenced.
Retail will allow you to use the same licence on different PCs (motherboards), providing it is only installed to one PC at a time.
This has been covered SO many times, in much more detail!
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You have OEM and retail licenses mixed up
Double check that you didn't put your pants on before your underwear this morning, you have that completely the wrong way around.
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I have upgraded the hardware on my Dell when running OEM OS, from Ram to hard drive, and never had to get it activated. Though with Win 7 retail it is different, IE, If you upgrade your Hard Drive, then Microsoft will want to know about it.
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer, the license is designed for system builders who include Windows with their systems, it is locked to the motherboard.
Retail = Designed for anyone to use on any PC at any time, as long as there is only one install with that license in use.
Retail = Designed for anyone to use on any PC at any time, as long as there is only one install with that license in use.
For further information, please see Burnsy2023's post HERE.
Three quarters of the way down the post is an article entitled "What are the differences between OEM and Retail editions?"
I suggest you read it very carefully.
Three quarters of the way down the post is an article entitled "What are the differences between OEM and Retail editions?"
I suggest you read it very carefully.
Although others are saying you sound confused, in your situation you are actually sort of correct.
Dell and other 'royalty' OEMs preinstall windows and activate it against a security hash present in the BIOS (called SLIC). They then use a generic OEM key (not the one on the label stuck to it). This removes any need to contact Microsoft for activation.
As such, you can swap all your components and the Windows will never be bothered. If you swap the motherboard, though, it ain't going to work at all.
This does also mean there's a bit of a flaw in the system - the SLIC doesn't change, only the 'generic' key. So you could actually install and have 'activated' any edition of windows without the PC calling MS. But that's not very honest, is it?
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No, you can upgrade everything bar the Motherboard.
Man of Honour
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Well that's a lot more than "i cant upgrade or do anything"
Aye fair enough, it still isnt great though i wish i had waited and did the install after i had got the new bits.
What about broken mobos and OEM ?
Genuinelly broken, NOT i fancy an upgrade 'broken'
Mine has died and i'm in the throws of changing it.
Would the same copy of Vista OEM be ok ?
If the motherboard dies and is out of warranty then I believe the license will die with the motherboard, if you RMA your board and get a different one back then you are allowed to activate / re-install.
Hopefully someone can double confirm this.
Back in the XP days I replaced an obsolete dying motherboard / CPU (read terminally and progressively becoming more unstable and couldn't get a direct replacement), when I could no longer run it with a massive underclock and having explained the situation to Microsoft on the phone, they let me reactivate my OEM copy. Because I couldn't get direct replacements for the CPU and mohterboard at retail, I effectively upgraded.
Whether or not it was technically within the EULA I'm not sure. I thought broken motherboard was the one occasion when you can continue your OEM licence. Having been completely open with Microsoft, I felt my concience was clear. I certainly wouldn't have felt comfortable doing it if the motherboard had been fine.
I bought a retail copy of W7 when it was discounted as it's a pain getting a new OS licence when you want to upgrade the motherboard.
Whether or not it was technically within the EULA I'm not sure. I thought broken motherboard was the one occasion when you can continue your OEM licence. Having been completely open with Microsoft, I felt my concience was clear. I certainly wouldn't have felt comfortable doing it if the motherboard had been fine.
I bought a retail copy of W7 when it was discounted as it's a pain getting a new OS licence when you want to upgrade the motherboard.