Windows 7 dilemma after re-build

LCoNikeZ · Nov 30, 2013

For this upcoming Christmas, I am changing a lot of parts in my computer, these being: my motherboard; RAM modules; and PSU, and I am also buying a new case for more space, and I will be re-building my PC from scratch. I have been looking up some re-builds for tips, but the one step that I am dubious about is after I have changed all the hardware will my windows lock and have to be re-activated, and the problem I have is this is a originally a pre-built desktop, so it didn't come with windows 7 install disk with the activation code, so I don't have the code to re-activate if it comes to that.

So I need to know if my windows will lock, and how can I unlock it, or do I have to purchase another windows copy?

Thanks,

Matty

Extra Information:

PC specs:
CPU: Intel i7 2600 @ 3.4GHz
GPU: GIGABYTE GTX 660
RAM: 2x4GB @ 666MHz (upgrading to Corsair 2x4GB @1600MHz)
Motherboard: Dell 0Y2MRG (upgrading to Asus P8Z77-V PRO)
PSU: Dell 500W (upgrading to Corsair CX 750)
HDD(s): 1.5TB Western Digital Black (boot drive)
Case: Dell XPS 8300 standard case
OS: Windows 7 (64bit) (I am assuming this has the OEM license as it is a pre-built Dell PC)

USAFRet · Nov 30, 2013

With a Windows 7 OEM as you apparently have (pre-built), that license will not activate with the new motherboard.

So yes, you need to buy a new copy of Windows.

bryonhowley · Nov 30, 2013

^That was changed on Windows 8. But with Windows 7 the OEM version was locked to that hardware and will not carry forward to your new build.

Personally I would look into getting Windows 8 OEM because when/if you upgrade again you can carry the OS forward to the new build. Personally I am very happy with the performance of Windows 8 it is really a great gaming OS and despite the new UI it has a lot going for it on the backend that makes it better. For me games and app's start faster it boots faster which is nice.

Dark Lord of Tech · Nov 30, 2013

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 OEM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

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

LCoNikeZ · Nov 30, 2013

Thanks for all your great answers, but I have one more question, how can I check if my windows 7 is an OEM version? I know it will most likely be OEM, but I just want confirmation, before spending hundreds of pounds on a new windows disk.

Dark Lord of Tech · Nov 30, 2013

Prebuilt is most likely OEM.

LCoNikeZ · Nov 30, 2013

Ok well thanks for the answers, and because your answer is the most detailed, I will make it the solution.

USAFRet · Nov 30, 2013

LCoNikeZ :

Prebuilt Dell is almost certainly OEM.

From Amazon UK
£69.99 - Windows 7 OEM
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-software-intended-builders/dp/B004Q0PT3I

£144.50 - Full version if you ever want to change hardware again
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Premium-Version/dp/B002DUCMT2

LCoNikeZ · Nov 30, 2013

USAFRet :

I think I am going to go for the Windows 8 OEM version, so I can still change hard ware afterwards.

Search

Windows 7 dilemma after re-build

LCoNikeZ

Honorable

Dark Lord of Tech

USAFRet

Titan

bryonhowley

Splendid

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator

LCoNikeZ

Honorable

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator

LCoNikeZ

Honorable

USAFRet

Titan

LCoNikeZ

Honorable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page