My OEM key worked Twice, Will it cancel after a period of time.?

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xRiizo

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Jan 13, 2014
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I recently spent a few pound on upgrading my pc but because I was getting a new Motherboard I was told I have to get a new version of windows as my previous one was an OEM copy and would not work with the new Motherboard. So after ordering everything and setting up the pc I loaded windows 30day trial while I waited on my new copy of W7 arriving, but out of curiosity I tried my old W7 OEM key and it worked. The old Mobo is sitting in a box not being used and the new W7 is a Fresh install on an SSD. My question is, after a period of time will MS deactivate my current OEM or will it just continue to work with no bother? In "my computer" where is says the key it states it's an OEM key. I just want to clear it up before sending back my "new" copy of windows as it would be a waste of money having it laying around seeing as the OEM code is currently working.
Thanks,
Brian.
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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It may stay genuine , it may not.

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 (No more OEM versions) you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 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 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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xRiizo

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Jan 13, 2014
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I knew about it being tied to the motherboard but from the research I did online I was under the impression it wouldn't work at all that's why I'm both surprised and worried that it might deactivate after a certain period of time. I don't really want to use the product key from the new OEM copy I have in the mail if this one is working but at the same time I don't want to risk sending it back then my current key gets deactivated. Does it take a while for MS to realize it's an OEM copy which has already been installed and is tied to another Mobo or now that's it activated will it just stay activated. :/ I'm really not sure how to proceed.
 
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xRiizo

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Jan 13, 2014
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I don't quite get why it did activate in the first place when everyone I heard online said it CANNOT be used more than once. :/ I just hope it doesn't deactivate. Here's hoping...
Thanks for the fast reply.
 
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