windows 8 re-installation on a different hard drive inquiry.

dvzon · Aug 5, 2013

Hello, I'm new here, and this is my first post! I will greatly appreciate any help anyone could give me. Thank you I advance!

I'm going to build my first pc, and here is my first situation and a couple of questions:

I have an OEM HD. I know I can buy windows 8, and install it on it, and just reuse the OEM HD for new pc, BUT if in the future I bought a new HD, can I use the same windows 8 cd I bought and install it on that new HD? Also, the OEM HD and NEW HD will be used for the SAME MOTHERBOARD.

Also, and lastly, I'm confused as to which windows 8 to buy if I'm building a pc. I think there is oem, system builder, standard, pro, etc... Could anyone tell me which absolute version of windows 8 I should buy for my specific situation above?

Once again, I thank you!

Dark Lord of Tech · Aug 5, 2013

Yes, with Windows 8 OEM , you can make all the hardware changes you want to including motherboard.You can transfer it to another PC also,but only one computer at a time.Microsoft relaxed the rules with Windwos 8 OEM.

Windows 7 is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.

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

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

dvzon · Aug 5, 2013

Thank you very much for your help!

Yes, with Windows 8 OEM , you can make all the hardware changes you want to including motherboard.You can transfer it to another PC also,but only one computer at a time.Microsoft relaxed the rules with Windwos 8 OEM.

Windows 7 is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.

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

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

Dark Lord of Tech · Aug 5, 2013

Your welcome!

me686 · Aug 10, 2013

I have a question. The OEM from Newegg says it has a two different type of licenses. Can you use the OEM on one computer and then use the personal one on another computer?

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windows 8 re-installation on a different hard drive inquiry.

dvzon

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