Will it de-activate windows if I upgrade MOBO with OEM?

cheesy_iron

Honorable
Feb 24, 2013
92
0
10,660
I'm getting a intel CPU and a ASROCK extreme 4 motherboard.(upgrading from an amd platform). I have windows oem system builder installed and activated. I know all the legal stuff (binds to one motherboard, cant use it on more than one system, can't change cpu, motherboard or ram). Will it actually disconnect my system. People told me it wouldn't be a problem. Others say it didn't do anything. Or, I would have to call and get it re-activated. A guy I talked to said he changed mobo's multiple times and he had to re-activate it once. I don't care about if its legal or not. Secret agents aren't going to track me down (though, microsoft might just do that lol). Will it work? If I do have to activate again, would it make my key unusable?
 
Solution
Boot from the WIndows DVD, select "Custom" instead of upgrade, and under "Advanced options" when selecting location, you should see an option to format the hard drive. That should give you a clean drive and a fresh install.

Obviously, if there is anything you want to save, back them up before doing this.

Casey

rostrow416

Distinguished
Nov 2, 2012
135
0
18,710
you can still reactivate. you may have to call in and key in a bunch of numbers and receive an activation code to punch in (a waste of time) but as a constant tweaker, ive activated windows 7, 8 and 8.1 several times with no issues.
 

cklaubur

Distinguished
Boot from the WIndows DVD, select "Custom" instead of upgrade, and under "Advanced options" when selecting location, you should see an option to format the hard drive. That should give you a clean drive and a fresh install.

Obviously, if there is anything you want to save, back them up before doing this.

Casey
 
Solution
1. You will need to do a clean install going from amd( or vice versa)
The reason is that your installed os will not have the drivers to boot.

2. On a clean install, you will be required to reactivate. If you don't, the os will grey out and lose all options except to activate or purchase a license. You get 30 days.
And... you can't spoof by changing the date in the bios either.

3. Legally, you will need a new license. But ms is very lenient about reactivating oem if you convince them that this copy is on a replacement motherboard and is used nowhere else.
 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
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.


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
 

rostrow416

Distinguished
Nov 2, 2012
135
0
18,710
You can use an oem license to activate windows 7 on another pc. (Legally only if you are going to erase your other copy) I lost my windows 7 DVD case with the key and used my laptops and it worked no problem.
Windows 8/8.1 doesn't even give you a key anymore it's tied to your systems bios.