Window 7 OEM install on new CPU/Motherboard?

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Guest

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Hi guys,

I am building a new PC. I am buying a new motherboard, CPU, Case and PSU, and WiFi card. Later on I will buy a new HDD and GPU. I am reusing the SSD and RAM. The only thing I am not reusing is the case, PSU and GPU.

I currently use an AM3+ motherboard. I am getting another AM3+ motherboard.Would Windows activate on it? I know about the automatic phone system, I was just wondering if it would work without having to call them up.

Many thanks,
AKNerd

 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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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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G

Guest

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I just talked to Microsoft on their live chat. I told them my motherboard had failed, and had taken my CPU out with it, and that I would be changing out the motherboard and cpu after Christmas. They were helpful and said I could do that, and to talk to them again after I had changed it out to get Windows re-activated. So it should all be fine, I'm guessing.
 
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bignastyid

bignastyid

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Jun 19, 2011
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Yep you should be good to go.
 
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G

Guest

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I think I asked the same thing before to a different person, who claimed I would need a new copy of Windows. Why he said this, when it does state in the EULA that if your motherboard fails, that is an exception to transfer over.
 
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G

Guest

Guest
I can certainly say I am impressed with thier customer service. I did not have to wait, and I was told everything I needed to know. Well done Microsoft!
 
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G

Guest

Guest
Okay! I just finished. The woman checked my product key and said it was "good to install" and looked it up on her system. She said I would need the "recovery disk" (proabaly assuming I was using a PC from a manufacturer) and said that it will let me activate fine, and all I have to do is enter the product key as normal, and I shoudn't have any issues. She said if I did get "the activation message" (I'm assuming this is if Windows cannot activate as I said I thought I would have to call them to activate) that I can live chat with them and they will be happy to help. So I'm assuming it's all good?!
 
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G

Guest

Guest
Thank you for your encouraging support. I wrote a tutorial on this so that other people in the same boat as me can be helped in this situation.
 
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