Can i use my current Windows 7 retail product key on my new build?

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Rifter89

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Dec 14, 2012
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I have a retail version of windows 7 running on my old PC and want to know if i can transfer the product key for windows from this computer to my new PC that i'm building, and if so how can i do this? Do i just put the installation disc into my new computer and install it or do I need to deactivate the code from my old PC first?

Also, can i use my old hard drive on my new build as well?

Thank You!
 
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Do i just put the installation disc into my new computer and install it or do I need to deactivate the code from my old PC first? < Yes and you must remove it from your old PC.


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...

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Do i just put the installation disc into my new computer and install it or do I need to deactivate the code from my old PC first? < Yes and you must remove it from your old PC.


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
 
Solution
You do not have to deactivate the old PC - legally you must only have the installation of Windows activated on a single PC. You can use your old hard drive on the build (if it is more than 5 years old - I would suggest buying a new one). If you want to keep the current install (do a backup first!), go to a command prompt and type: sysprep /oobe /generalize /shutdown.

When you install your new components, the first time you boot, it will be an "Out of the Box Experience" (OOBE) - you create a new user, load the new drivers, move your data files, and you are set!
 
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