What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing

The only confusion is with users of the OEM assuming 'I bought it I can do whatever I wish'. How many times have we seen the OEM debate in this very forum. People do not seem to understand that there is an excellent reason why OEM is 3 times cheaper than retail.
 
NathanE said:
"Must be preinstalled on a PC and sold to another unrelated party"

This clause doesn't really matter. Technically, all you need to do to get around it is purchase the OEM license using a credit card. Because then it is your credit card company that is purchasing it. Then once you pay your next credit card bill the transfer of ownership of the OEM license is complete.
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That wouldn't work. It's not about ownership per se. The system builder must preinstall the OS using the OPK and then transfer to another third party. You'd need someone else to take part of system builder.
 
The other week my brother wanted a new PC. So I ordered all the parts and built it for him. Installed W7 OEM Ultimate too.

I boxed the PC back up after finishing it. He came and picked it up the next day. And he paid me a month later.

Was this legal then, under the strictest interpretation of the rules?
 
NathanE said:
The other week my brother wanted a new PC. So I ordered all the parts and built it for him. Installed W7 OEM Ultimate too.

I boxed the PC back up after finishing it. He came and picked it up the next day. And he paid me a month later.

Was this legal then, under the strictest interpretation of the rules?
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As long as you used the OPK that's a textbook example of what is allowed.
 
You might not go to Hell, but your brother is unlicensed! :p

It seems to me that the whole OEM licensing is such a grey area that the only way to ensure people are properly licensed is to completely ban OEM editions to individuals that can't meet a certain criteria. IE: Prove they're a system builder, whether as a company or sole trader.

The whole selling of OEM Windows along with say a single hard drive to just anybody needs to stop.
 
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