Windows 7: Building pc with win7 64bit OEM

whats with the OEM version? It's apparently for system builder who make then sell the pc.



So, will i be able to use it and keep the pc for personal use?

Prior to Windows 7, the system builder EULA used to say its meant for assemblers and manufacturers and not for the end user UNLESS the end user actually assembles his own rig. But in Windows 7, that crucial part has been removed and now as per the EULA, the system builder license can only be used on a PC meant for resale. So technically it does appear you would be breachibg the EULA by installing it for personal use.

However, let me state at the risk of annoying some people that here again there is a gap between idea and practice. System builder copies are freely available at respected stores, if MS didnt want them to be there, they wouldnt be there. MS doesnt care whether you are an assembler or not provided you buy a genuine copy and install it on a single computer.

My 7 Home Premium 64 bit OEM, that I bought at Tiger Direct, was a system builder version. I used it on a bare bones system also bought at Tiger Direct, but not at the same time. I've activated it several times on that PC since I've owned it, with no problems. The price was right and I didn't have to buy any other hardware with it, so it was a good deal for me.

thanks for the info, i will just use the oem version since its readily available to the public and its cheaper, it ms didnt want people to buy it, they wouldnt have allwed people to sell it commercially to the general public.

Also, one more thing, i heard that the OS records the serial number or something of your MOBO, is this true? And if so will it mean that if i were to change MOBO's later on, the windows that i bought wouldnt work?

Yes, OEM license is tied to the mobo its first installed on. Thats the advantage of buying a retail license since it is freely transferrable to another PC after its uninstalled on the first. True, system builder is the cheapest option out there but if you plan to switch machines/mobos anytime, go for an Upgrade license, if you possess any of the qualifying, underlying OSs (Vista, XP).

Yes like Bill2 said, OEM once activated cannot be transfered to another PC. If your motherboard failed and you couldn't find an exact replacement, I think you could plead you case to Microsoft. If the new one had the same chip-set or very similar you could probably swap them without any hassle. So far I've upgraded my video card, went from the onboard to a PCIe. Upgraded from an IDE to Sata II hard drive. Added 2 more gigs of RAM and a DVD-ROM drive. The only time I had to activate again was after the hard drive swap and that was only because I did a clean install.

Yep. Same here and (I guess within EULA) i bought one for a PC i built my mum.

I give her the help she needs as well.

@OP - With a OEM you will NOT be able to get support from microsoft if something happens generally like a windows issue. I am afraid its down to you to sort that problem. Apart from major issues, like stated above, you need to transfer the license. Or at least that what the T&C's say in the license.

I get mine from Amazon, cheap as chips imo.

Lucky

I forgot about that little tid bit. If you buy a system builder edition, and you are the system builder, you are your own tech support.

Many times, the upgrade is only about $10 more over the OEM.
(or at least at NewEgg At the time of this posting)

You may want to consider just going the Upgrade route.

If for some reason you decide to upgrade the MOBO, (or you have to to) , build another PC whatever, it will make things much easier in the long run.

As these are not limited to 1 PC only. Upgrade can be any PC you want to put it on so long as its only active on 1 PC at a time.
Worse case scenario you need to call MS and say, I moved to a new PC help me activate.

Plus, as mentioned, you'll get MS support.


That alone is worth the extra $10 IMHO.

sorry but an upgrade isnt an option for me, im building it from scratch and therefore have no previous OS installed.
I also lost my xp disc a while ago.
I'm definitely not going to buy the retail version as im on a tight budget and the retail version costs almost double ($200 instead of $100) so i think im going to have to take the risk and get the OEM version and hope the MOBO works (it probably will). Also, i don't really plan on upgrading my computer that much 'till a few years at least and by then another windows version will probably be out.