Windows 7: Is a directly purchased copy of windows different from OEM legal use

jcol · 27 Oct 2012

If I purchase a copy of windows from newegg and install it on a machine, i can reinstall that copy as many times and use it in between as i wish.

I cannot do this with OEM copies of windows?

Where does it state that they own the copy?

I only want Microsoft perspective on this situation not the opinion of others (people associated with OEM manufacturers are welcome to share their companies policy).

Maguscreed · 27 Oct 2012

See here on MS answers, they've covered it as well as anyone could.

What's the difference between Windows 7 retail and OEM? - Microsoft Community

Layback Bear · 27 Oct 2012

You post sound a little snippy, lets hope not.
OEM can be installed on one computer. It's married to it by all practical purposes.
Retail can be installed on many computers but only one at a time. If you install a Retail version on computer (A) and then decide you want it on computer (B) you have to remove it from computer (A) before installing it on computer (B).
We really don't own the operating system. We pay for the privilege of using the operating system under the terms and agreements with Microsoft.
I hope this helps.

hArLtRoN · 27 Oct 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Layback Bear

You post sound a little snippy, lets hope not.
OEM can be installed on one computer. It's married to it by all practical purposes.
Retail can be installed on many computers but only one at a time. If you install a Retail version on computer (A) and then decide you want it on computer (B) you have to remove it from computer (A) before installing it on computer (B).
We really don't own the operating system. We pay for the privilege of using the operating system under the terms and agreements with Microsoft.
I hope this helps.

Say you had a laptop and a desktop, could you install on both but only be able to use it one at a time? Like only one computer turned on at a time?

Golden · 27 Oct 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by hArLtRoN

Say you had a laptop and a desktop, could you install on both but only be able to use it one at a time? Like only one computer turned on at a time?

No. Only one can be activated at a time.

Maguscreed · 27 Oct 2012

The activation is a bit smarter than that.
It will know it's being used from two different computers at the same time.
Even if they aren't both actually turned on at the same time.
They might even invalidate your key altogether were you to constantly jump back and forth like that.

jcol · 27 Oct 2012

I hope it specifies that in the Manufacturers agreements. When I activate my copy of windows the first time does any of the microsoft documentation specify this?

I meant if Computer A fails and I build computer B do I own the copy that I originally purchased through the OEM in order to install on Computer B

For that matter, can I take components from Computer A and rebuild them into a Computer C and install windows on that one.

I think its yes, as long as only one is operating at a time.

Layback Bear · 27 Oct 2012

You own the cd/dvd you do not own the operating system that comes on it. Microsoft own the operating system lock stock and barrel. OEM cost less than Retail so we all have less privileges when using OEM. When we buy the privilege to use the OEM we have less privileges than those who pay more for the the privilege to use a Retail version. It's the same system but with less privileges. It sounds like you want the privileges of a Retail version but only want to pay OEM prices. Great idea but I don't think Microsoft agrees.

hArLtRoN · 27 Oct 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Golden

Quote: Originally Posted by hArLtRoN

Say you had a laptop and a desktop, could you install on both but only be able to use it one at a time? Like only one computer turned on at a time?

No. Only one can be activated at a time.

Thanks

Layback Bear · 27 Oct 2012

Some very good information here.
Everything you need to know about Windows 7 license

Windows 7: Is a directly purchased copy of windows different from OEM legal use

Is a directly purchased copy of windows different from OEM legal use problems?