I have read where OEM WIN7 disks are tied to the original computer and can never be reinstalled to another motherboard. Out of curiosity is this a just "licensing issue" or will the activation key simply not work on a second install.
Will the same thing occur on disks labeled "intended for distribution with a refurbished PC"?
A Windows 7 install disc/dvd (not disk) can be used on any PC you want, if the key is a retail key it can be used on any PC you want, as long as the reatail key that came with that disc is only used and activated on 1 PC, it can not be used on more then 1 PC at a time.
An OEM key is tied to the motherboard it is 1st used on, it can be used over and over again as many times as you want on that motherboard.
If that motherboard dies, you are supposed to buy another key.
But if that happens you can always call Microsoft, explain what happened, and see if they will issue you another key.
A Windows 7 install disc/dvd is not tied to any PC, it`s just an install disc.
Branded install discs (HP, Dell) etc are meant to be used on the PC they are sold with for automatic activation purposes.
PC manufacturers stopped giving out discs with their PC`s a long time ago.
Not sure if they came with a Vista PC as I bought Vista retail (Twice)
But seriously, I Loved Vista :)
I appreciate your taking time to respond but I am aware of everything you told me. Please see my OP. My question (only regarding OEM dvd) is it JUST a licensing issue, or is there a digital signature i.e.in rom to physically prevent the reinstall on another motherboard. I'm not asking if it's OK to do it, but is it actually possible to do it.A Windows 7 install disc/dvd (not disk) can be used on any PC you want, if the key is a retail key it can be used on any PC you want, as long as the reatail key that came with that disc is only used and activated on 1 PC, it can not be used on more then 1 PC at a time.
An OEM key is tied to the motherboard it is 1st used on, it can be used over and over again as many times as you want on that motherboard.
If that motherboard dies, you are supposed to buy another key.
But if that happens you can always call Microsoft, explain what happened, and see if they will issue you another key.
A Windows 7 install disc/dvd is not tied to any PC, it`s just an install disc.
Branded install discs (HP, Dell) etc are meant to be used on the PC they are sold with for automatic activation purposes.
PC manufacturers stopped giving out discs with their PC`s a long time ago.
Not sure if they came with a Vista PC as I bought Vista retail (Twice)
But seriously, I Loved Vista :)
Some OEM disks check for a response from BIOS. If they don't get the answer that they expect, they won't install. To me, that makes their being tied to a certain range of motherboards more than just a "licensing issue". Some people have used an OEM disk from Dell on an HP computer and then changed the key to match the sticker on the HP computer. The key needs to match info in BIOS.
I don't know about disks for refurbished computers.
The only way to find out is to try it :)
I don`t see why a disc given with a refurbished pc wouldn`t work on any other pc.
But why not just create the disc you want ?
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I think I answered your question quite clearly in my 1st post. :)
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