Windows 7: new system built

i just built a new system, -board/cpu/hd/ram -



what i want to know am i able to use the same Windows 7 cd - OEM system builder copy that i used for another system, or will the key not work??

i really dont have it in my budget to to purchase another copy of windows...ugh

A OEM product key is tied to the motherboard of it was first activated on and cannot be moved to another PC

A Retail Product key is not tied to the motherboard but can only be activated on 1 PC at any 1 time - It can be moved to a new PC

This is one of the main reasons why OEM is cheaper also the fact that there is No support with the OEM disk (Designed for system builders like Packard Bell and Dell)

Sorry,
Josh

is there a way to call MS and have them transfer to a new board - that board died so i had to upgrade

MS deems a Motherboard Replacement as a new PC and will require a new copy of Windows

You can try to ring MS and then Explain what happened and see the alternatives needed to get that Computer activated

Activate Windows 7 by Phone


Josh

Hello patrick82, welcome to Seven Forums!


Unfortunately an OEM (system builder) Windows activation key is permanently tied to the first motherboard it's installed to and cannot be moved to another mobo without sometime insurmountable activation issues; have a look at this tutorial at the link below until you can afford to replace it.

Activation Trial Period - Extend Up to 120 Days

OEM product keys for system builder are for resellers only.

Have a read:
A "Must Read" for OEM license users

MS is known to sometimes make exceptions on reactivating OEM after mobo changes. Tell them you had to replace the mobo shortly after buying it. You may get lucky.

Let us know what happens.

So following some of the older threads.
I build a PC and install an OEM OS. I sell it to my son for $1 but I include in the fine print of my contract that if he doesn't top his class next term, the PC is forfeited. I meet the terms of the license agreement and almost certainly receive the PC back in my possession.

If we are talking legalities. MS state on their OS software "Do not lend or make illegal copies". You must borrow or get access to a copy of the installation disk to make a "Clean" install of Windows on an OEM (SLP) PC. This includes PCs from HP, Dell etc. "Clean" installs on these machines are therefore illegal unless you have purchased a retail OS.
Should this forum be giving advice on performing "clean" installs on OEM PCs?

These forums have helped thousands of users clean reinstall factory OEM with a clean copy of the OS they bought and own. This is something which almost all tech enthusiasts do, to get the most pristine installation possible without the factory bloat or useless utilities which have better versions built into Windows 7.

What we don't do is help with bootleg or pirated copies. A Product Key on COA sticker is required. How they get the installer is up to them as we cannot post download links here as it is thought to encourage piracy.

Just a few years ago most OEM's provided a clean-copy Installation DVD as well as the Recovery disks larded with bloatware. Under pressure from bloatware sponsors they gradually stopped providing the DVD's to try to enforce factory bloatware upon users who own the hardware and OS and should be able to use it any way they want.

Here are tips for getting a perfect clean reinstall of factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

I'm aware of all that. Morals and the law don't always mix. The law apparently changed with Windows 7.

I personally don't like the OEM (non SLP) issue. That is the one you buy for your own PC build. The packaged comes taped stating by opening the package you accept the terms. The seller of the software is passing on the legal responsibility to you the buyer. To be stricly legal the buyer must onsell the PC!

I also don't like the "clean" install OEM (SLP) issue. These are typical store bought PCs from HP, Dell etc. M$ state "Do not lend or make illegal copies" of the installation DVD. This must happen in order to do a clean install without a personally owned retail copy.

I consider myself part of "these forums" - I try to give enough help! But I can't change the facts.