I am already on preorder for an OEM copy of 7 Pro x64, for my laptop. I am going to build a new computer soon and want the same version on that too. Since I am a student, I can take advantage of the Win741 promotion for an upgrade edition
Can I use the OEM disc for both computers, fresh install, and then use their respective keys to activate?
Hello foreversilent,
It depends. A OEM can only be installed and activated with the same product key on the original computer that it was first installed on. You will not be able to use that product key number to activate it on any other computer.
If this is a OEM upgrade offer from your laptop manufacturer instead, then it might not be able to be installed on any other computer than your laptop.
Hope this helps,
Shawn
Oh man, I forgot about the retail version....
So what is the difference between OEM and upgrade?
It would be a OEM Upgrade or OEM Full copy of Windows 7 instead.
Last edited by Brink; 13 Oct 2009 at 18:26. Reason: add more information
So the only way to get Windows 7 on any home made computer is to pay retail?
If you buy a OEM upgrade version of Windows 7, then you can use it to upgrade from your currently installed activated Vista. You will have to use the OEM product key number to activate it.
If you buy a OEM full version of Windows 7, then you can do a clean install with it.
OK great, thanks
So what's the deal with the retail version?
No problem. :)
A retail version of Windows 7 can be installed and activated with that product key number on any computer as long as it's uninstalled from any previous computer that it was installed on. You can get a upgrade retail Windows 7 or full retail Vista version as well.
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