OEM License and Media for system Builder Use

[Apprentrice5]

Just a quick question, looking at buying my step dad a copy of windows 7 to upgrade him from vista (shudder)

And came across this windows 7 home premium 64 bit OEM License and Media for system Builder Use.

And was wondering how the licensing works, and if it was single use if i can use it.

I tried looking on the net but couldn't get a sensible answer.

Thanks in advance

Toby

 

[Layback Bear]

All of Microsoft's OEM Licenses are for one computer only. It is tied to the motherboard of that one computer. To the best of my knowledge system builder is OEM.
Full Retail Licenses are for one computer at a time. Meaning you can put it on a 2nd, 3rd ect. computers as long as you remove it from all other computer.

 

[bobkn]

Is it OK to use OEM Windows on your own PC? Don't ask Microsoft | ZDNet

The Windows 7 System Builder license is aimed as small PC builder businesses. It's a generic OEM license.

It's intended strictly for PCs to be resold. Technically, you are violating the EULA (end user license agreement) if you use it on a system for personal use. Maybe you could sell it to the intended recipient for $1. (It's more complicated than that, really.)

As far as I know, there is no enforcement of that. Companies like Newegg sell System Builder licenses without any restrictions. I have no information, but I wouldn't be surprised if the vast majority of buyers bought it for personal use.