Windows 7 Activation Error

[mduque]

I have upgraded my computer recently with whole new hardware, motherboard, cpu, graphics card, rams...etc. Sold my old computer to a friend, WITHOUT the hard disk.

However, after formatting my old hard disk and installing Windows 7 with the new computer, windows won't activate saying that I need to buy a new key?

The computer ID has changed and hardware. Are these the reasons of why Win7 doesn't get activated once connects to internet? How can I activate my Windows 7 license with the new system?

Thank you and appreciated for any help.
Regards.

 

[Jim_L9]

It doesn't activate because it doesn't know that you took it off the "old" PC. Was it the OEM version? Call MS and see if they will activate it over the phone. I was able to do that with an OEM version where I replaced a failed motherboard with a different new motherboard.

 

[warezme]

I could be wrong but OEM keys are supposed to be tied to the manufacture model they were originally installed on. Hence the hardware no longer matches and it would ask for a non-OEM key. You used to be able to call and get your key activated but I don't know if they do that anymore. Also, even if they happen to activate it, the OEM version will keep looking for the manufacture registration. It may be part of the OS but if it is part of the BIOS it will fail again. I have seen registration hacks that fool OEM into seeing whatever manufacture you choose but that is a whole other ball of wax.

 

[Kindredsouls]

If it is an OEM product key you can only use that key with the computer it was installed on. That is part of the OEM license agreement. In order to have a license that you can shift from computer to computer you need to buy a retail key, which are usually $100 (example: Home Premium Upgrade) to $400 (example: Ultimate edition full installation) depending on the version of Windows.

 

[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 ^


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.aspx