Windows 7 Upgrade Edition (Help!?)

[Steveh_monkey]

Hello there, I'm sorry if this quesiton has been asked a million times before but I just can't seem to find myself a 100% solid answer.

I'm Windows XP. I think it's probably OEM but I can't be sure exactly, anyway I've had it for ages and have done multiple fresh installs on my PC and it's all gone swimmingly.

I'm want to get Windows 7 Upgrade edition to upgrade edition, I'm a student it's the cheapest upgrade path for me. My questions are this.

1) Once I have used the upgrade edition to change my OS to windows 7, will I be able to perform a fresh install should the need arise? I think it is possible, I believe all you can reinstall Windows XP from scratch and then again upgrade to windows 7 to get a fresh install. I'd just like clarification.

And more importantly

2) It's very likely that I'm going to upgrade my PC this year, probably after I have installed Windows 7. Do Hardware changes affect the my Windows license?

I'm worried once I have changed the Mobo or even changed the hard drive the OS is installed on my license will be invalid and I'll have to purchase a completely new version.

Thanks very much for any help. I think I may being overcautious and everything is fine but I'd just like clarification
Regards
Steve

 

[SiriusB]

1) You can clean install Windows 7 Upgrade editions using the double-install method or registry tweak. Both of these methods can be found with a Google search. The double-install method is what MS recommends. As long as you have a valid license for a qualifying previous OS, then how you install the Upgrade is not an issue.

2) If you do indeed have OEM XP, your Windows 7 will inherit the OEM license. Meaning that it is tied to the motherboard it is installed on. Which in turn means you cannot upgrade the motherboard or install it elsewhere.

There are no technical limitations to prevent or enforce the OEM rules, but if you do decide to upgrade the motherboard or install to a new PC entirely, your installation wont be legitimate. It is down to your own conscience, really. I doubt anyone will be beating down your door.

 

[Steveh_monkey]

Woop dee do. Thanks very much, that's just what I needed to hear. Good to know I can clean install. It may not be a OEM edition, but as for the matter of conscience, well I guess I'll just have to bring it up with my priest in confession.