Laptop and WIndows license


  1. Posts : 30
    Windows 7 plateform 64 bit
       #1

    Laptop and WIndows license


    Dear All,
    I have wonder related Laptop and Windows locense.
    If i buy a laptop no Hard Drive and after that, I want to install windows for that laptop.
    At first i need to buy a hard drive from market but i still wonder that, Can we buy a windows license from Microsoft to run on that laptop?

    Anyways, i always see a laptop from HP or Dell etc.. come with Restore drive, Can we do that restore drive on our computer as HP or Dell did?

    Best regards,
      My Computer


  2. Arc
    Posts : 35,373
    Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview 64-bit
       #2

    Hi veasnagmail.

    Laptops are always sold with HDDs already attached.

    But, it may has windows preinstalled (OEM license, tagged with the motherboard); or may not be (freeDOS).

    If it is windows preinstalled, the license key will be printed on a sticker, COA, on the bottom the laptop. For any later installation, you need to use that key.

    If it is freeDOS, you need to purchase windows 7 license from microsoft (or from any trustworthy vendor). This license may be of two types. OEM system builder license (cheaper, but restricted to use on only one motherboard on which it is installed for the first time) or retail (a bit more costly, but can be used on any computer/motherboard provided it is applied on a single computer at a time).

    The restore drive .... most of the laptop buyers get rid of that partition at the first chance by full formatting the HDD and performing a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

    But if you want to make one at your own, there are ways, too.

      My Computer


  3. Posts : 30
    Windows 7 plateform 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Dear Arc,
    Thanks for your great respond.
    Now i get some understanding about this what you explain me, but please let me ask some more bit.
    -What is OEM license?
    -What is preinstalled?
    -What is freeDOS?
    If you have some more related this, please provide me and after you explian these above what my wonders, i will
    more get indeep understanding.
    Any wrong, please forgive
    Best Regards,
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #4

    OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. In the case of a laptop it would be Dell, Acer, ASUS, HP etc. On the consumer side of things you have two license schemes, OEM and Retail. If you buy a new Windows laptop from a major manufacturer it will come with Windows preinstalled at the factory. You turn it on click a few settings and your good to go. It's an OEM license and thus cannot be transferred to another PC. You can buy Windows separately by itself and install it your self if you want. That product is usually a Retail version. It has different restrictions that the OEM version.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 30
    Windows 7 plateform 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Very useful and deep explaining! I learn alot from you.
    You are my superior.
    Regards,
      My Computer


 

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