Windows 7 OEM

M0T · 2 Nov 2010 at 08:21

I got a message on my pc last night telling me that my copy of Vista was not genuine (thanks car boot sale). I have ordered a copy of Win 7 OEM and have since found that it is tied to the motherboard on installation.

I had been thinking about upgrading the pc to an I7, if I do this am I going to have to buy another copy of Windows? How does this work with people who upgrade their OEM builds?

Admiral Huddy · 2 Nov 2010 at 08:26

Simple, you will have to buy a new license. You could try ringing MS afterward installation and see if they will activate but this is against policy and license laws.

To be honest, there is little difference in price for a retail version over OEM which isn't so restricted.

Expensive lesson learnt.

CaptainCrash · 2 Nov 2010 at 08:28

As long as the motherboard is the same, you'll be fine - if not, then you need to buy a new copy (I'd suggest you get the full retail version in future, it's only a few quid more and doesn't restrict your future options so much).

More OEM info here: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#faq1

/edit: snap

Duke · 2 Nov 2010 at 08:36

Going by the T&C, yes you will. Man and dog says no however.

CaptainCrash · 2 Nov 2010 at 08:59

Duke said:
Going by the T&C, yes you will. Man and dog says no however.

They do indeed, but I thought it best not to go there, in order to keep everyone's blood pressure below stroke-threatening levels.

Burnsy2023 · 2 Nov 2010 at 09:48

Admiral Huddy said:
Simple, you will have to buy a new license. You could try ringing MS afterward installation and see if they will activate but this is against policy and license laws.

To be honest, there is little difference in price for a retail version over OEM which isn't so restricted.

Expensive lesson learnt.

M0T · 2 Nov 2010 at 10:52

If I don't activate windows for a week or so would I be able to make the change and still activate ?

Hagar · 2 Nov 2010 at 11:07

M0T said:
If I don't activate windows for a week or so would I be able to make the change and still activate ?

If you dont activate on your curent hardware, you can change the motherboard and activate on that. The activation will confirm the hardware at that point.

andy