Solved Do i have to buy a new copy of windows 7 ultimate?

[stlette]

Hi, i have a desktop pc. i bought it from Puget Systems :: America's Custom Computer Leader 3 years ago. if i buy or build another pc can i use the serial number/license code from my former pc to install windows 7 ultimate without paying for it again?

 

[pbcopter]

If the version that was installed by Puget is an OEM version, and I suspect it is, you cannot transfer it to another computer. An OEM version is tied to the first hardware in which it was installed (motherboard).

If it was a retail version, then you may transfer it.

 

[stlette]

Thanks for the reply pbcopter. How can I find out if it's OEM or retail?

 

[SIW2]

If you are in European Union:

Directive 2009/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the legal protection of
computer programs (OJ 2009 L 111, p. 16).

Where the copyright holder makes available to his customer a copy – tangible or intangible
– and at the same time concludes, in return form payment of a fee, a licence agreement
granting the customer the right to use that copy for an unlimited period, that rightholder
sells the copy to the customer and thus exhausts his exclusive distribution right. Such a
transaction involves a transfer of the right of ownership of the copy. Therefore, even if the licence agreement prohibits a further transfer, the rightholder can no longer oppose the resale of
that copy.

http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2012-07/cp120094en.pdf

In the US they also have the basic doctrine of first sale. However, the "greed is good corporate profit before all else" mentality seems prevalent in the US establishment. Therefore, it is possible they let corporations apply various restraint of trade and other anti competitive practices. I don't know what the situation is outside of Europe.

 

[SIW2]

It will almost certainly be oem (system builder) , same as oem non slp

You can check it here: Online PIDChecker

If you are outside Europe, best thing is to ring MS. They will ask how many machines you are using it on. If you are only going to use it on one machine, they will almost certainly activate it for you. I don't recall them ever refusing.

 

[stlette]

I'm in the usa. It's an oem non slp. I used the online pidchecker. I hope it was secure and nobody has my product key. The downloadable Ultimate PID Checker v1.1.3.590 would have been safer. View image: screenshot 2014 08 13 at 13 11 40. Thanks SIW2.