Windows 7 Product Key question?

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TYLERisMiSfIt

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so on the top of my computer i have a product key and something that says Windows 7 Home Prem OA, is it possible to use those on a different hard drive so i could install Windows 7 on it? or has it been used already? when i bought my computer i do believe Windows came preloaded
 
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USAFRet


New HDD, new motherboard = new install.
You can install it from your existing media. You have 30 days to activate it.

It almost certainly will not activate. You may or may not be able to convince MS to allow that same license on the new hardware. At the very least, you'll have to go through the phone robot to activate. You may have to call and talk to a human. But it is entirely up to them.

But the preinstalled OEM license states that your current OS license is for that original motherboard.
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Windows 8.1 will also receive Direct X updates.


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 makes.

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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USAFRet

USAFRet

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You can reinstall it, in that same PC, on a new hard drive.
1 license, 1 PC.
 
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TYLERisMiSfIt

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what makes it the "same PC"? because im just adding parts to my computer so would that mean its the same PC?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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"PC" as defined by Microsoft for licensing purposes = the motherboard. Change that, and you run into licensing issues. Anything else, no problem.
 
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TYLERisMiSfIt

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damn i have a new motherboard too :/ so what should i do then?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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New HDD, new motherboard = new install.
You can install it from your existing media. You have 30 days to activate it.

It almost certainly will not activate. You may or may not be able to convince MS to allow that same license on the new hardware. At the very least, you'll have to go through the phone robot to activate. You may have to call and talk to a human. But it is entirely up to them.

But the preinstalled OEM license states that your current OS license is for that original motherboard.
 
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