Win7 OEM + upgrading MB

zvt

February 18, 2013 9:47:43 AM

So i have the Win 7 home prem. 64b currently and first i was thinking of updating my i3 processor to i5 but soon found out that many i5:ers dont fit to my current MB.
So i went and ordered a new one but another thing came on my way, the OEM..

So i went and thought, why not get that Win8 now that its cheap but went and bought the "win i pro UPGRADE" unfortunately. Now, 343€ poorer, i kept searching for what to do without resorting to illegal downloadings and it seems that few posts here and there say that the sticker on my pc has the code for the OP.

I am still waiting for the MB to arrive here so, im asking would that code work? Or do i need to resort to calling Microsoft and if so, what should i say? And i assume that the Win 8 upgrade works with the Win7 OEM.

More about : win7 oem upgrading

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spawnkiller

February 18, 2013 9:58:17 AM

Use that code and if it can't activate, call microsoft and explain that you had to change the motherboard, they will activate the key again...

PS: you can use the command "Sysprep" to change motherboard without reformatting and reinstall all your programs and generally (4-5 times i've done this) the windows re-activate by itself with the new motherboard...

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SR-71 Blackbird

Windows 7 Authority

February 18, 2013 4:39:09 PM

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 maker, not MS.

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

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.asp...

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