Buying a new windows 7, need help..........


  1. StupidDude
    Posts : 59
    Windows 7 Home (64bit)
       New #1

    Buying a new windows 7, need help..........


    I'm replacing W8 with W7 on my PC's, but some of the options say OEM and others don't. What's the difference? I heard some people say it is one time use on your PC, is this true? I want a version that I can transfer to different PC's as I get new ones. I bought W7 for my current PC and it cost $200 for home premium. I have moved it to a couple computers as I have bought new ones, so only one PC at a time.



    Somebody help please.............
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  3. Brink
    Posts : 72,535
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #2

    Hello Dude,

    Yes, that's correct. The product key from an OEM copy of Windows 7 can only be activated on the exact same PC that it was first activated on since it's permanently tied to the motherboard of that PC. It cannot be used on any other PC.

    You would want a full retail copy of Windows 7 instead to be able to install and activate it on any PC so long as it's not also activated on any other PC at the same time.

    Hope this helps. :)
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  4. Boozad
    Posts : 6,741
    W7 Pro x64 SP1 | W10 Pro IP x64 | W8.1 Pro x64 VM | Linux Mint VM
       New #3

    If you want to move Windows to different PCs (one installation on one machine at any given time) you don't want an OEM. OEM versions will tie themselves to the motherboard in the rig at the time of installation, if you want to reinstall on other rigs at a later date (after decommissioning the rig it was installed on) you'll need a retail copy.

    EDIT: Brink had quicker fingers.
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  6. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #4

    If you have any retail copy of XP or Vista on hand then you also qualify for Win7 Upgrade version which offers a similar price break to OEM. The qualifying OS doesn't even need to be installed since you can Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version.

    When you boot the Upgrade installer it will scan the HD for any other OS and allow use of Upgrade version key during install. If there is no OS on the HD then leave the key blank during install, then afterwards do the quick Option 3 workaround in tutorial to activate Upgrade version on a new or wiped HD.

    You are not a Stupid Dude at all for wanting WIn7 instead of 8.
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  7. StupidDude
    Posts : 59
    Windows 7 Home (64bit)
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    gregrocker said:
    You are not a Stupid Dude at all for wanting WIn7 instead of 8.

    Thank you. I have loved W7 over everything else. The other W7 are for the other people in my house. I can work on W7, W8 takes me days to get basic information.



    Is it possible to downgrade W8 to W7?
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  8. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #6

    Yes, on a Win8 PC it requires disabling Secure Boot in BIOS setup, then installing in UEFI mode or bypassing UEFI to install normally. If it's not a Win8 PC just delete the 8 partition during install of 7:
    Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7
    UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums
    UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS - YouTube
    Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7
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