Windows 8 OEM reusable?

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OrbitalTrooper

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Jun 29, 2014
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I built a PC back when windows 8 released and that computer had had HDD failures and now the whole thing is just toast. I'm going to build a new PC but I don't have the budget of being able to re-buy windows 8 so can I just use the old Win 8 install disc and activation key?
 
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Dark Lord of Tech
Yes it is reusable as long as you only have the license active on one computer.


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 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...
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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Yes it is reusable as long as you only have the license active on one computer.


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 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




Activate using the telephone:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows#1TC=windows-7

If Windows isn't able to activate online, you'll have the option to activate Windows 7 using an automated phone system.

Open Windows Activation by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, right-clicking Computer, clicking Properties, and then clicking Activate Windows now.‌

Click Show me other ways to activate.

Type your Windows 7 product key, and then click Next.

Click Use the automated phone system. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Click the location nearest you from the drop-down list, and then click Next.

Call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.

When prompted, enter the installation ID that's listed on your screen into your phone's keypad.

Write down the confirmation ID that the phone system gives you.

Type the confirmation ID into the space provided under Step 3 in the activation dialog, click Next, and then follow the instructions.
 
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Solution
Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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May 9, 2013
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Please note a few keywords to make sure we are ALL discussing the same thing. As SR-71 linked to, if you used a System Builder edition of Windows, then you can move it from one PC to another, BUT you will have to do some telephone dancing with Microsoft to get them to manually activate it with you (type in the numbers to activate by phone / have a person assist). Secondly with Windows 8.1 you can NOT backup your data via Windows Easy Transfer, this has been permanently disabled. All data should be in the folders that sync with Windows LIVE! This will cause you on your new computer, to login to your LIVE! account and pull down all your data it has stored on the Microsoft servers.

IF your talking you had a PC that WAS built by a OEM (HP, Dell, etc.) and you may have swapped ALMOST all the parts out yourself EXCEPT CPU and Mobo, then that OEM is still LICENSED to the same old terms it can't move to any new hardware, and is ONLY tied to that hardware it was sold with.

As for the last part " or will I need one of those programs that illegally activates it for you"; Tom's Hardware does NOT support nor allow discussions about illegal activities like PIRATING SOFTWARE. The mods are very quick to not only delete posts, but ban whole accounts of those violating the outlined rules you agreed to when you joined the forums.
 
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