Best Practices? Win7, AMD to Intel Upgrade: Chipset, MOBO, Memory & GPU

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Oddshot

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May 27, 2013
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Hi, and Thanks for reading my post!

I'm upgrading from an older AMD chipset to an Intel i7 Ivy Bridge.

I have a licensed copy of Win7 Home Premium that I bought at Fry's Electronics, but the box says it is an "OEM System Builders Pack"... however, I had no problem with it when I first built this computer a few years ago.... I am assuming I can re-install/re-activate if needed with new guts...

...and the guts are:

  • i7-3770K
    MSI Z77A-G45 MOBO
    Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB 1600
    MSI GTX-660 2GB
    CoolerMaster GeminII S524 CPU cooler
Hoping not to start a critique of what I chose (it is too late now anyway), just would like to get an idea of the best practices for swapping it all out and have Windows 7 like it :)

???

I am ok with re-installing if it is best, but would rather not... the main thing, of course, is that I don't want to lose access to my files or have it be glitchy... this is being built for video editing (on a budget) and I have many photos and clips I want to still work with on the source file drives.

I have seen some debates in the forums about re-installing 7, or not, first deleting drivers, using a fresh OS install with a new SSD, standing on one foot with tin-foil on your head and facing North... but really would like to find out the most recommended, fool-proof to-do list, BEFORE, and after swapping the parts.

THANK YOU! in advance for your time.

Cheers!
 
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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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Oddshot

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May 27, 2013
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Thanks SR71!

...well, I guess that means I am screwed on the OS front... I guess Microsoft isn't as ubiquitous as they are without having a lot of fine print.

When I bought the Win7, I assumed I owned it and could put it on whatever machine I was using, guess not... maybe I should just send it back to Bill, "...here Bill, thanks for letting me rent this from you."

...ah well, what's another 100 bucks anyway? MS could probably use the extra dough for developing other great products for us to rent from them :)

SO, if I have to get yet another !@#$%^ copy of Win7, does it make sense to get yet another new SSD C drive for the install... and then re-install all of my programs on there?

Or can I somehow, make it work well by installing a new version of Win7 over the top of the old one? Probably doesn't work that way though huh?

Any advice about that or whatever the most sensible way to approach this is would be most appreciated, THANKS!

 
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