Oem or Retail Windows for used laptop
- Thread starter Drecannon
- Start date
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basroil
Glorious
- Oct 19, 2013
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Laptops generally have OEM license keys built into the motherboard, so before you buy a new one make sure there isn't one already. Just follow the instructions at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media to try installing Windows 8 first, and only buy if you have issues.
As for OEM vs Retail, I would suggest retail on used devices because if anything goes wrong with the motherboard (or entire machine), it's not wasted money and you can re-use it on a different machine.
As for OEM vs Retail, I would suggest retail on used devices because if anything goes wrong with the motherboard (or entire machine), it's not wasted money and you can re-use it on a different machine.
- Aug 3, 2006
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For the most part, you should have received a recovery disk (or instructions on creating one) when you purchased your system. If you do not have a recovery disk, you may need to purchase one from your laptop manufacturer.
Your laptop came with an OEM license. That plus the recovery disk you should have is likely the reason Microsoft disallows OS downloads when using an OEM license key.
The good news is that ordering a recovery disk is often much cheaper than an actual new license. The bad news is that it may take some time for it to be delivered (unless they allow you do download it from their web site).
-Wolf sends
Your laptop came with an OEM license. That plus the recovery disk you should have is likely the reason Microsoft disallows OS downloads when using an OEM license key.
The good news is that ordering a recovery disk is often much cheaper than an actual new license. The bad news is that it may take some time for it to be delivered (unless they allow you do download it from their web site).
-Wolf sends
basroil
Glorious
- Oct 19, 2013
- 8,698
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That was only true of early 7/8 downloads. You don't need a key to download 8.1 or 10 though the link provided. I have used that on several OEM machines already with no issue. The only issue you will have is upgrading directly to 10 without first installing 8 and then using Windows Update.
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