will windows 7 oem still work if i replace certain parts?

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MisfitJoker

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Jul 6, 2013
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as the question says, will it work if i replace like my cpu. i heard oem can only be used once on a build. so what is considered a new build. is it that it just needs to stay on one hard drive? im thinking of upgrading my motherboard, cpu, and memory in a year or 2, and i just wanna be ready if i have to buy a new OS. even if you're not positive any feed back will help.
 
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Wolfshadw
Windows 7 OEM is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on. If you change the motherboard, you're required* to purchase a new Windows License. Changing any other component does not require a new Windows license.

* - After re-installation of the OS after changing the motherboard (usually required), you will be required to re-activate Windows. Normally, the online activation will fail as the license is tied to the old motherboard. However, if you call in to Microsoft to re-activate Windows, they *MAY* grant you a new re-activation code.

-Wolf sends
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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The only relevant part is the motherboard. New motherboard = new PC.

Having said that, MS is often lenient on allowing reuse of a license with a new motherboard. They are under absolutely no obligation to do so, though.

You will need to reactivate, and you may need to go through the phone robot to do so.
In some instances, you may need to speak to an actual human at MS.
 
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Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

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Windows 7 OEM is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on. If you change the motherboard, you're required* to purchase a new Windows License. Changing any other component does not require a new Windows license.

* - After re-installation of the OS after changing the motherboard (usually required), you will be required to re-activate Windows. Normally, the online activation will fail as the license is tied to the old motherboard. However, if you call in to Microsoft to re-activate Windows, they *MAY* grant you a new re-activation code.

-Wolf sends
 
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Solution
photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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Wrong.
1) You can't transfer Windows 7 to a different motherboard. You can only use one with the same SOCKET which is considered a "repair" build.

2) Windows 8 is a different story. If you buy your OWN COPY (OEM) it is transferable. You can't transfer it to a different PC if the computer was pre-built though and it came pre-installed.

3) You can change anything else you want on a PC aside from the motherboard. If you make a lot of changes you may see a pop-up asking you to Activate again but that's a single click and takes a few seconds only.
 
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faalin

faalin

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Feb 22, 2012
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oem keys are mainly tied to the motherboard. cpu, viedocards, and memory swaps will not cause you to need a new key, it may on the other hand ask you to re activate the key. Ether re entering the key or doing the activate over the phone will solve the problem 99% of the time. For that 1% of the time when you call Microsoft just tell them what you changed (except for the motherboard, unless it was replaced for a failler) they will almost always reactivate the key for you.
 
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shinerthetech

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Jan 16, 2012
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;tldr
If you read the OP, he did not change his Motherboard, therefore he CAN still use his same windows installation.
 
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