Can I use "OEM" Windows 7 in a system I build?

AiGaming1776 · Dec 13, 2015

I'm trying to build a computer, and I just like Windows 7, so I'd like to use it. I've done some shopping for Windows 7, but all I'm finding is OEM DVD's. If I buy one of those, will it work in a computer that I'm building, myself? Also, is it still possible to buy retail copies of Windows 7?

USAFRet · Dec 13, 2015

Yes, you can use that for your new PC.
Assuming that you are buying it from a valid source.

Note...that license will be tied to that original motherboard.

MS does not allow Retail sales of Win 7, since the release of Win 8.

Why are you thinking of Win 7, vs 8.1 or 10?

JackNaylorPE · Dec 13, 2015

AiGaming1776 :

If you build the computer, YOU are the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Used to be you couldn't buy OEM copy as MS wanted the extra $40 for the retail version, the vendors would only sell you a OEM copy if you bought a piece of hardware (some folds would buy a cable

. At some point MS realized that they made more money selling the cheaper OEM version and not having to provide tech support and all purchase requirements, while possibly technically still in effect, are not enforced.

Retail versions have become quire rare since 8 and now 10 was released, tho some still remain in the channel.

ingtar33 · Dec 13, 2015

AiGaming1776 :

yes. you can, however, the only "main" difference between an OEM version and a normal version is an OEM version gives you just ONE install. if you replace your motherboard it will treat your system as a new system and stop working.

AiGaming1776 · Dec 13, 2015

USAFRet :

I'm buying off the shelf parts from various parts makers and cobbling together a computer... So you're saying that I can definitely build a computer and use an OEM Windows 7 disk?

The long and short of "why" is: I already have one Windows 7 machine I use for testing, and I am trying to build a similar machine and use the same operating system. Most of the time, it doesn't matter, but there are some areas where having the same operating system will be useful. I might just put Windows 10 on both machines, in the long run, but as of right now, I would like to stick with Windows 7.

AiGaming1776 · Dec 13, 2015

ingtar33 :

As I'm building the computer, myself, if the motherboard turns out to be defective, will I be hosed? I'm assuming I'm hosed, in this scenario.

USAFRet · Dec 13, 2015

AiGaming1776 :

Assuming it is from a valid source, yes.

JackNaylorPE · Dec 13, 2015

ingtar33 :

You can install it as many times as you want without issue, once installed and activated, what you can't do is install on "substantially different hardware". I have replaced failed motherboards and CPUs on numepus occasions and the reinstall re-activated without issue.

In 3 instances with failed 1156 boards, replacing the 1156 MoBo with 1155 board (as no 1156 boards were still on sale, required a CPU replacement also. All 3 went smooth as silk, no activation issues.

This was clearly spelled out in numerous articles when MS started this with windows XP

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/activation.html
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457054.aspx

Tho it has no doubt changes somewhat since that time, it still works...the following quote is from above MS link

Scenario A:

PC One has the full assortment of hardware components listed in Table 1 above. User swaps the motherboard and CPU chip for an upgraded one, swaps the video adapter, adds a second hard drive for additional storage, doubles the amount of RAM, and swaps the CD ROM drive for a faster one.

Result: Reactivation is NOT required.

I'm buying off the shelf parts from various parts makers and cobbling together a computer... So you're saying that I can definitely build a computer and use an OEM Windows 7 disk?

I have build many Windows Machines over the past 23 years and have never used anything but OEM since they became available.

As I'm building the computer, myself, if the motherboard turns out to be defective, will I be hosed? I'm assuming I'm hosed, in this scenario.

No, see above.... you're fine. If the original media is legit, you can reuse it as many times as you like forever .... well at least till January 14, 2020.

USAFRet · Dec 13, 2015

AiGaming1776 :

In the rare event of an actual broken motherboard, you are fine.
At most, a call to MS to get that license reactivated. Probably through the phone robot.

AiGaming1776 · Dec 13, 2015

JackNaylorPE :

ingtar33 :

You can install it as many times as you want without issue, once installed and activated, what you can't do is install on "substantially different hardware". I have replaced failed motherboards and CPUs on numepus occasions and the reinstall re-activated without issue.

In 3 instances with failed 1156 boards, replacing the 1156 MoBo with 1155 board (as no 1156 boards were still on sale, required a CPU replacement also. All 3 went smooth as silk, no activation issues.

This was clearly spelled out in numerous articles when MS started this with windows XP

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/activation.html
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457054.aspx

Tho it has no doubt changes somewhat since that time, it still works...the following quote is from above MS link

Scenario A:

PC One has the full assortment of hardware components listed in Table 1 above. User swaps the motherboard and CPU chip for an upgraded one, swaps the video adapter, adds a second hard drive for additional storage, doubles the amount of RAM, and swaps the CD ROM drive for a faster one.

Result: Reactivation is NOT required.

I'm buying off the shelf parts from various parts makers and cobbling together a computer... So you're saying that I can definitely build a computer and use an OEM Windows 7 disk?

I have build many Windows Machines over the past 23 years and have never used anything but OEM since they became available.

As I'm building the computer, myself, if the motherboard turns out to be defective, will I be hosed? I'm assuming I'm hosed, in this scenario.

No, see above.... you're fine. If the original media is legit, you can reuse it as many times as you like forever .... well at least till January 14, 2020.

Thank you. I pulled the trigger on a refurb OEM disk. I checked the reviews, and people stated that it was working for them, and it had a very high rating out of hundreds of samples. (they all said the registration key worked without a hitch... some even stated there were using the refurb OEM disk to immediately upgrade to Windows 10, as a cheaper method to get the operating system)

USAFRet · Dec 13, 2015

AiGaming1776 :

That may be a different issue.

Where, spcifically, did you purchase this from?

JackNaylorPE · Dec 13, 2015

AiGaming1776 :

How does one "refurbish" installation media ?

When you buy a motherboard refurb for example, that means someone bought the MoBo, installed it and for whatever reason, sent it back. It then is checked for workability and if it passes the tests, will be offered for resale as refurb at a reduced price. Now if someone bought a Windows CD, opened the package and installed / activated it, that product key is dead. As per the above, it is hardly likely that your hardware identifiers will be substantially the same as the box it was originally installed on.

If you paid less than $99 for the home version (most sources are charging $140 now as peeps are looking to avoid 10), I'd be highly suspect of its viability

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