Installing Windows 7 pro 64bit OEM COA on Dell motherboard

Anyone's help would be appreciated.

A few years back, I bought a Dell Latitude with Windows 7 Pro SP1 64bit preinstalled with no COA disk.

I recently picked up a few viruses that I've determined require me to completely reformat the disk and start anew. However, I don't have the original OS disk but do intend to purchase one.

My question is: Can I install a new Windows 7 pro OS COA on a Dell motherboard without violating any of Dell's rules and requirements, and will it install and work properly? I fear that Dell is too proprietary with its components that could bar me from installing the OS properly.

Any unsolicited suggestions and comments will be appreciated.

Thanks.

An OEM copy is tied to the motherboard that it was installed on so unless you bought a special license for multiple computers it will not activate on the new motherboard even if it is also a dell. That is the downside to using an OEM license. You will need a retail copy to transfer it to a new motherboard.

Does the Dell have a Win 7 COA sticker with a readable key ?
If it's a laptop, it might be in the battery compartment.

townsbg said:

An OEM copy is tied to the motherboard that it was installed on so unless you bought a special license for multiple computers it will not activate on the new motherboard even if it is also a dell. That is the downside to using an OEM license. You will need a retail copy to transfer it to a new motherboard.

Thank you much for the response. However, I'm not sure I fully understand. I've always thought the term OEM mean't from the original manufacturer - in this case, Microsoft - and is the same as "retail". The motherboard is currently existing. The OS will be new once I purchase it. Are you saying, if I buy the OS, it will not install properly because it's a new motherboard to it? And, no, I don't have multiple licenses. Can you clarify, please?

If you have a Win 7 COA sticker with a readable key you should not need to purchase a new OS / license.

DavidE said:

Does the Dell have a Win 7 COA sticker with a readable key ?
If it's a laptop, it might be in the battery compartment.

Thank you for the response.

It is a laptop and it is in the shop getting a new internal display. I won't know the answer to your question until the maint. guy calls me back. Meanwhile, what does the COA (cert of authenticity) with a readable key imply?

If you have the readable COA key, you can do a clean install of Win 7 using that key.

townsbg said:

Sorry I misread your post. If you are intending upon using a new serial number then you shouldn't have any problems provided that it hasn't already been used. OEM copies are designed to be sold to manufacturers cheaper than retail however there are stipulations as to their use. They can only be used on one computer ever unless the license specifies that it is for multiple computers.

Ahhh, now I understand what you are saying. Yes, the OS software will, or should, have the ubiquitous serial number and would be new to my existing Dell motherboard, and never used. Thanks for explaining the difference between OEM and retail. I didn't know that. And, yes, I expect it to be one license.

I hope you are right that it will install without problems. However, if you think of anything else I should know, please do not hesitate.

Thanks.

DavidE said:

If you have a Win 7 COA sticker with a readable key you should not need to purchase a new OS / license.

I'm checking into that now. I don't have the laptop near me, it's at the shop getting a new display.

Thanks for the advice. I didn't know, really, what COA and readable key actually implied. Now I do. If it exists, that would be a financial coup since I was prepared to buy a new license version.

Thank you very much. Any further advice will be welcomed.

Thanks.

You guys on this site are very, very helpful.