Windows 7: Windows 7 System Builder Question

Hello all, I am thinking of building a new computer and installing Windows 7 Professional. If I were to build it, I'd probably purchase the System Builder Version. Would I be able to still take and install images with that version? Is that version okay? Thanks in advance for your help!

System Builder Version, means that the OS is tied to that machine forever. You cannot use that version of Windows 7 on any other machine. You may install it on the same machine 10 times if you wish and you make back up images to be restored on the same machine. Hope that helps. -WS

Thanks for your response! So, if Windows were to ever crash and I wouldn't happen to have an image, I could reinstall up to 10 times? And, I can make unlimited image back ups and image restorations? Also, just out of curiosity, would I be able to ever dual boot with another OS such as Linux? Thanks once again!

1) The system builder version of Windows 7 (any edition) is relatively cheap but comes with some restrictions. It is tied to the first computer it is installed on and the license cannot be transfered to another computer. But otherwise, there is no difference in functionality or features from the retail version, you can image and restore images using any app you like (such as Acronis or the free Macrium Reflect).

2) If you are a typical home user (word processing/ emailing/ surfing/ watching videos), even home premium will be good enough for you. Pro provides some additional features over home premium such as XP mode, ability to join a domain, and backing up to network. Heres a comparison of various editions.

Which one is right for you? - Microsoft Windows

Windows 7 editions - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks! I really appreciate your advice! Currently I am running Pro on one machine, but I don't use half of the features (such as XP mode). Maybe Home Premium would work okay for me. It is like a $40 savings.

It is not limited to 10 times I just picked that number.

Please check but as far as I know, the system builder editions come with only one disk- either 32 bit or 64 bit, depending on what you order. So please make up your mind beforehand. This is different from retail which comes with both 32 bit and 64 bit disks.

Also, the activation is basically tied to the motherboard of the first computer the license is installed on. As long as mobo remains unchanged, you can change minor stuff like adding ram or changing the optical drive without requiring reactivation. Having said that, please remember imaging is the most hassle free way of re-installing.

Thanks for the support Bill2!

Okay. I think I remember reading it also ties itself to the CPU as well. I better plan on never upgrading it. The Backup and Restore in Professional looks nice, but I don't use it now and I probably will never use it since I just take backup images. Thanks for everyone's help!