Windows 7 OEM activation after an upgrade?

Radiation

Radiation

Radiation

Soldato
Joined
12 Oct 2003
Posts
4,027
Im interested in getting Win7 but have always been put off by the retail cost or the potential activation limitation with OEM versions, but from looking around i don't see many complaints, so is it even true that OEM is limited or can you just phone Microsoft and get it activated again after an upgrade?
 
OEM is tied to the motherboard. I believe you can upgrade everything else, but swap out the motherboard and its not legally licenced any more. Replacing motherboards due to damage, assuming they are like for like, and so on, is allowed.
 
The terms of the EULA state an OEM copy are to be used by a system builder and this individual must then pass the unit to an end user to use. The system builder will be required to provide all OS support.

Basically what they are saying is OEM is not for an end user to even install. You would not be licensed and are no more using a legal OS than Jonny Pirate.

Retail is the only way to go.
 
I built the pc im using and haven't had any issues activating xp after upgrades, i just found the info surrounding Win7 oem a bit confusing, thanks for the help, sounds like i will be ok just getting oem then. :)
 
Radiation said:
I built the pc im using and haven't had any issues activating xp after upgrades, i just found the info surrounding Win7 oem a bit confusing, thanks for the help, sounds like i will be ok just getting oem then. :)
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It's the same as it has always been. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean it makes it OK.

As above, upgrading your mobo/whole system and reactivating makes your OS no more legal than something you nicked off BitTorrent.

The only thing stopping you is your conscience. Which you appear to lack! :p
 
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