Reusable Windows?

[Stompinpangin]

Hi. So I'm getting ready to order parts to make my first computer (yay!). I was stocking up the list on Newegg when I thought of Windows. I wondered if I needed to buy it or if I could use the disk I got from a previous HP laptop. I don't know if the disk would work in this way, but it doesn't really matter because I can't find it.

I was in distress and I frantically searched everywhere, but it was useless. I looked up what to do on the internet, and I saw something about being able to boot up windows from a usb. Is there a way if I own windows to copy the files on to a usb and use it to boot up and run a brand new computer? Or do I need to buy Windows again? I have already downloaded the Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit ISO (I think) to my computer. Please feedback would be really appreciated as it could be the matter of spending $100 plus.

 

[dodger46]

You should be able to double click on the ISO and burn it to a DVD, that's the usual method for installation. If you want to go down the USB route
http://johnpapa.net/BootFromUSB

Meanwhile you'll have to licence your Windows install, you can bypass the licence key screen and run Windows for 30 days without a licence, but during that time you'll have to buy either a retail version or OEM version. The Retail version can be transferred to any computer any time as long as it's only on one at a time. Strictly speaking the OEM is locked to the 1st system on which it is installed,(you won't be able to transfer your laptop Licence to your new-build) but there is generally some leeway when,say, upgrading a machine with similar mobos. (This is at the discretion of call centres when you activate an OEM by telephone)

 

[Stompinpangin]

You should be able to double click on the ISO and burn it to a DVD, that's the usual method for installation. If you want to go down the USB route
http://johnpapa.net/BootFromUSB

Meanwhile you'll have to licence your Windows install, you can bypass the licence key screen and run Windows for 30 days without a licence, but during that time you'll have to buy either a retail version or OEM version. The Retail version can be transferred to any computer any time as long as it's only on one at a time. Strictly speaking the OEM is locked to the 1st system on which it is installed,(you won't be able to transfer your laptop Licence to your new-build) but there is generally some leeway when,say, upgrading a machine with similar mobos. (This is at the discretion of call centres when you activate an OEM by telephone)

Yeah, I've heard about that. But when I tried it, I couldn't complete the task because my DVD doesn't have enough memory or something. So I figured it would be more efficient to use a USB. But I'll look in to it, thanks. And also, do you know if these methods will boot a computer? I don't want to get a new computer that I can't even operate.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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 ^

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Your other license was OEM,you need to buy another copy of 7.

 

[Stompinpangin]

Ah.. so what you are saying is that I cannot get Windows freely on my new build because the version I have is the one-computer only kind. Okay. While that is disappointing, I guess it makes sense. So should I just order Windows 7 along with all of the other parts on Newegg? or is there a better way to go about getting it? Note that I will just probably get another OEM version for around $100. Thanks!

 

[dodger46]

Newegg is as competitive a deal as you can get anywhere...

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

So should I just order Windows 7 along with all of the other parts on Newegg? or is there a better way to go about getting it? Note that I will just probably get another OEM version for around $100. Thanks! Yes this is the way to go.....

 

[Stompinpangin]

Best answer selected by StompinPangin.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

This topic has been closed by Area51reopened