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

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  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
       #1

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


    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).
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #2

    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
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #3

    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.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 191
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #4

    Layback Bear said:
    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?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #5

    hArLtRoN said:
    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.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #6

    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.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    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.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #8

    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.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 191
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #9

    Golden said:
    hArLtRoN said:
    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
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #10
      My Computer


 
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