BSOD (?) when playing games!

Azuriae · 25 Mar 2015

So if I buy a new copy of Win 7 Professional, will it be possible to just change the key without having to do a clean install?

Also, I am most likely going to be buying a new computer in a few months. Will I be able to transfer the key?

Gator · 25 Mar 2015

Layback Bear said:

Let me try to explain.

According to what Gator is seeing.
You have a Windows 7 COA key to activate your system that belongs on a Acer computer.

Because you have a Gigabyte motherboard your computer is considered a Gigabyte computer not a Acer computer.

You can not properly activate Windows 7 with out the proper COA key that matches that computer and version of Windows 7. Any COA key will not due.

This will explain what COA means.

What is the Windows Certificate of Authenticity?

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacture. Like a Dell or a Acer.

You can buy Windows 7 from many places. Local computer store, Amazon, Walmart ect. Just stay away from places like Ebay.

Once you buy a legal Windows 7 we will gladly give guidance on how to do a Clean Install.

Great explanation.

Layback Bear said:

Thank you Gator for your help.

No problem, thanks for the explanation on OEM/COA

Gator · 25 Mar 2015

Azuriae said:

So if I buy a new copy of Win 7 Professional, will it be possible to just change the key without having to do a clean install?

Also, I am most likely going to be buying a new computer in a few months. Will I be able to transfer the key?

It depends on the license you buy and to be honest, someone else is more qualified to answer this (I welcome their input) but I believe buying licenses like that allow you to transfer them to at least one PC.

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

You shouldn't have to do a clean install.

Azuriae · 25 Mar 2015

From what I understand, if I buy a key like the website you linked, I couldn't transfer it; I would have to buy a retail copy? I just don't want to mess this up and end up having to buy two copies :)

Layback Bear · 25 Mar 2015

Microsoft is doing some strange thing with proper licensing. Here are some ideas.

A Retail copy of Windows 7 would be nice to have but probable will never find a legal one. They are gone.

The next one down the latter is a OEM Builders. That is available.
What a OEM Builders Windows is very simple.
When you install the OEM Builders and activate it on your system it is locked to that system. You can not legally move it to another system with out Microsoft permission.

I have always used OEM Builders. When I build a new computer I just buy another OEM Builders of Windows 7 to install.