'OEM' in my windows 7 product key ?

samborambo56 · Jul 31, 2014

So my product key shows as *****-OEM-*******-*****

What does this OEM mean, exactly? :s

Thanks

COLGeek · Jul 31, 2014

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer

COLGeek · Jul 31, 2014

It refers to a version of Windows provided to an OEM, or a system builder. An OEM version is identical to a retail version with one major exception. OEM versions are tied to the first motherboard they are installed to. So, moving to another motherboard in the future may not be allowed without manual intervention (activation) by MS.

samborambo56 · Jul 31, 2014

COLGeek :

So does it matter that I have this in my serial key? Do I have to buy a new one ? :s

COLGeek · Jul 31, 2014

Are you referring to the info presented under Control Panel/System under the Product ID in the Windows Activation section?

If so, no worries. The actual product key itself does not contain that info.

samborambo56 · Jul 31, 2014

COLGeek :

Yeah, but here's the deal, I have a windows 7 install disk that I used to install onto another computer. I used the product key that was on the back of said disk and now on my ORIGINAL desktop the product key has changed to this 'OEM' ...thing...

Are Microsoft gonna deactivate my windows 7 now? :')

COLGeek · Jul 31, 2014

Did you use the product key on more than one computer?

samborambo56 · Jul 31, 2014

COLGeek :

Yeah but I've used the product key many times before on new HDDs and MOBOs with no issue...I've upgraded just about every part on my system before and then done a complete reinstall of windows without even deactivating it, guess I might have pushed my luck a bit far on this one? :')

COLGeek · Jul 31, 2014

Probably one too many changes. If the system is still activated, then you'll likely be okay until you change the system again.

Time to buy another license.

samborambo56 · Jul 31, 2014

COLGeek :

Its okay, I invested a few minutes of my time into erm...acquiring.. software that removes the need for activation on windows. Screw you and your overpriced outdated Operating System Microsoft!

I'm sorry but 55 quid for something that isn't even up to date anymore...nah I'll pass ;D

Thanks a bunch for your help though - I've learnt something from this so we're all good

orlbuckeye · Jul 31, 2014

COLGeek :

The OEM software is the same as the retail version but the license is completely different. MS doesn't support OEM versions and do support retail version. Retail can be installed on multiple PC's (legally) OEM can't.

samborambo56 · Jul 31, 2014

orlbuckeye :

COLGeek :

The OEM software is the same as the retail version but the license is completely different. MS doesn't support OEM versions and do support retail version. Retail can be installed on multiple PC's (legally) OEM can't.

Thank you for the info

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'OEM' in my windows 7 product key ?

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