Will i need to buy a new windows 7?

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AshLMX

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Dec 13, 2013
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So i recently decided to build my first ever PC and I'm just double checking everything before i go ahead and purchase everything but i have a few questions before i do so. So firstly, i am going to be using my old hard drive from my current PC to put into my new PC, but the windows 7 i currently have on this PC is an 'OEM' and i don't think that i will be able to use it on my new build as it will be a different motherboard.


So i was wondering if i have to purchase a new OS, what is the difference between me purchasing an OEM windows 7 or a retail one. and is it possible for me to buy a OEM version as it seems to be a lot cheaper.
 
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The rule is generally, one key per "computer".
If you were to upgrade only a few parts, MS will let you keep your copy of the OS.

But if the only part you are keeping is the HDD, and "upgrading" everything else, then yes, they will make you buy a new copy because it sure looks like a whole new system.
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yoji

yoji

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Jul 1, 2011
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OEM = the problem you have.. its tied to a single machine. so if you change machine/motherboard.. you need a new licence
Retail = a version you can transfer to any machine you like (but you must remove from old machines.. you can only have one version active at any one time).

HTH
Cheers
 
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2x4b

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Oct 28, 2013
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The rule is generally, one key per "computer".
If you were to upgrade only a few parts, MS will let you keep your copy of the OS.

But if the only part you are keeping is the HDD, and "upgrading" everything else, then yes, they will make you buy a new copy because it sure looks like a whole new system.
 
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Solution
tc983x

tc983x

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Oct 9, 2013
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NOT TRUE!!! its 1 MACHINE.. so as long as you keep your verification key from *my computer *properties, than at the bottom write that # down. and when you talk to support, tell them your mobo went bad and you are upgrading your pc. they will probably give you a hard time, but stick it to them, they will give you the key. i went through this just the other day!!
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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I assume that you plan to abandon your old pc.

1. MS is surprisingly lenient about letting you reactivate a oem license on a replacement motherboard.
It would not hurt to try. The key is to let them know that the copy is used nowhere else.

2. Failing that, look for a windows 7 upgrade package. It will cost the same as OEM, but is considered as retail and can be transferred in the future.
 
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rakadedo

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Nov 14, 2012
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Even simpler, when activating the key choose to acitvate via phone activation rather than online. It will give you a phone number to call which is an automated service. You read it your key, it gives you a code to enter into a prompt on your computer and then you're all set.
 
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rolli59

rolli59

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Oct 27, 2007
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It can reject a OEM license as well and you will have to speak to a person.
 
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