Windows 7 OEM/Retail

Skilid

Skilid

Skilid

Soldato
Joined
20 Sep 2006
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Hampshire
Hi guys,

Just a quick one.

If I buy an Acer windows 7 laptop, can I use my OEM license (on the bottom) to do a fresh install of a retail copy of windows 7?

So basically use my Windows 7 retail copy, but use the license off the bottom of the laptop.

I want to format everything and do a clean install and partition with Linux.

Cheers.

Cripple.
 
No. The OEM Product key in all likelihood will not work on the Retail install. Even if it did work it wouldn't be legal.
 
If you have a Product Key for your Retail copy then why don't you use that?

The licensing for Retail and OEM copies of Windows is very strict. MS say if you want a Retail version of the OS you must buy a Retail key.

OEM versions are tied to one computer [technically one motherboard, but you get the idea] and as such it is cheaper. You basically aren't supposed to install that OEM copy anywhere else. Retail lets you install wherever you want, when you want [one machine at anyone time though of course].

So in short, if you want to use your Retail copy of Windows - use the Product Key it came with.

[As a technical aside, you do not own the software. Just the license to use it.]

EDIT: If you want to reinstall to the same hardware, ACER may be able to send you an OEM disc.
 
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An OEM windows 7 dvd is exactly the same as a Retail windows 7 dvd.

The difference between OEM and Retail is the license key which then tells your O/S its product ID.

If you open control panel & go into system, the product ID (usually found at the bottom) should be for example:

12345-678-9876543-21222 :for retail

&

12345-OEM-9876543-21222 :for oem (note the letters OEM in the product key)
 
It is annoying that manufacturers don't include a clean copy of the software you have bought with their machine. Between daft partitioning, tonnes of pap apps and limited re-installation options it is a PITA. Personally I would look on the internet for a clean OEM image, that way your key will work and you will definitely be using the correct license for your system.
 
I have used the retail license on my new pc that I have just built already, so I can't use it again. I just wanted to have a clean install on the new laptop without any of the annoying software that comes with it, plus I can then format and partition the hard drive so I can have more than one OS on it.

If the discs are suposedly(sp?) the same, why wouldn't I just be able to use the OEM license that is on the bottom of the new laptop.

If I can't that's just ridiculous. All I want is a clean OS.

I am aware it is only the license I own, not the software, it was just a figure of speech.

Cripple.
 
You can alter a file on the DVD that will let you Activate Windows with the OEM key, but you would have to rip the DVD, find the file, change it, then burn the DVD.

However, it is not endorsed by MS and you would receive no support from MS or Acer [assuming you told them and/or they sussed it out on their own].

A few choice Google searches should highlight methods of using a Retail DVD.
 
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