Will I have to buy a new copy of Windows 7?

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Knightmare25

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Apr 8, 2013
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I gave up on trying to fix a problem I had on my last PC so I'll just build a new one (Its only 3 months old, long story. I can return all the parts anyway). Can I use the copy of Windows 7 on this new PC?
 
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Guest

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If it was a retail version of Windows, then yes. If it was an OEM version, legally no. You may not even be able to return the software.
 
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jossrik

jossrik

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Sep 26, 2002
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Like the old one was prebuilt, and it's only three months old, and you want to use it's copy of Win 7 on your new one? Just to clarify, if that's it, then technically, no, unless you built the last computer and it's a retail version of Win 7, not an OEM version. OEM version is tied to the motherboard, Retail is supposed to be on only one computer at a time, because of how new it is, you might be able to call M$ and they might transfer the Win 7 to the new computer. Worth a shot.
 
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bdiddytampa

bdiddytampa

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Dec 2, 2012
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Your best option will be to call Microsoft. When you load on Windows 7 to your new PC you will get an option for a phone activation. Call the number and follow the steps. They may let you, they may not. Worth a try though. I had to do the same when I had a bad motherboard on a prebuilt machine and just opted to get a better one, I called the number and the only question they asked was if this copy of Windows was only gonna be installed on one machine. If they don't let you activate then yes, you will have to buy a new copy of windows.
 
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Stevemeister

Stevemeister

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Mar 18, 2006
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Usually if its been a while since you last install it will let you and it doesn't tell them your hard drive crashed - they'll usually give you a code to reactive it. They want to stop the pirates who do multiple installs from a single copy - not people who purchase copy and who genuinely have an issue. I had to do this with a copy of windows X64 I had - I built a computer but the hard drive was faulty. I had tried re-installing the OS a few time to the point that when I actually got a new HDD it would not longer let me install. One call to MS - they gave me a new activation code that fixed the problem.
 
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Guest

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If your Windows 7 CD looks like this, it is an OEM version.
CArxp.jpg
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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Windows7-2.jpg



OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com


Windows8-1_zps0f2f36f7.png



Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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Do your build, load the Win 7 then it will want to activate, and may give an error, if so it gives you a phone number to call, will connect with a MS computer, follow instructions and enter the error code, tehn they will activate or ask you how many systems you have this copy installed on, if this is the only computer say Yes and about 95+ % of the time they just give you a new activation code....
 
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Dragonburn

Dragonburn

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Nov 29, 2013
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I would say that if you bought the software separately then you should have no issues using it on your new system, because OEM software is only legally allowed to be sold with a new system and therefore, you copy would technically be a retail version
 
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arc1929

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Apr 25, 2014
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What was the outcome? I currently have the same dilemma.

 
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JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

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Oct 30, 2004
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That's not correct....hasn't been the case for many a year. Go here, you can "buy it separately" no problem.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416806
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416804

Since he paid $100, it's definitely an OEM version. Since he activated it on his old PC, that copy is "burnt" and can not be used again on a new build with all new parts. You can use it again, if you are replacing just a few components. Contrary to popular belief, you can even replace the MoBo and CPU and the activation code will sometimes still work ..... I'm 3 for 3 in doing 1156 => 1155 upgrades after users killed their MoBo doing cooler upgrades..... you want to stay same brand and same price range so that all of the on board components are as similar as possible but there are no guarantees.

I haven't seen a list of what Windows actually checks and how many items can vary since Win XP days .... if ya wanna read about that, read this

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457054.aspx
 
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