Refurbished PC Purchase - OEM Product Key - Legitimate?

[danxaz]

This is my first post here. I recently bought a refurbished PC. It's one that was likely used in an office situation. It was originally loaded with Windows XP Professional. Now it has a fresh install of Windows 7 Home Premium. I got a really good price on the computer and I would just like to be sure that the software on it is genuine and legitimate. I looked up on the "System" tab in the Control Panel and saw that it has the Genuine Windows Logo down there. It says windows is activated but I noticed that the Product ID has "OEM" in it. I was under the impression that only "Pre-loaded" pc's coming directly from the manufacturer had OEM product Id's and Keys. Is this a clue that the software is NOT Legitimate? Are there any other ways to tell if the software is Legit?

Thanks

 

[pparks1]

Anybody can actually buy an OEM copy of a Windows OS and install it to a computer. Lots of people do in order to get the lowest price for Windows. With this method, that copy of Windows is now permanently tied to that computer. So, you won't be able to reuse the license key again on another computer down the road.

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Although proprietary computer manufacturers pre-install an OEM copy of Windows on their computers there is nothing to stop an individual installing an OEM version either.

Many people do it because the software is cheaper than a retail version, but the drawback is you cannot transfer an OEM version to another computer as it is tied to the first computer you install it on.

If you see the Genuine Windows logo and Windows is activated you can safely assume the software is genuine.

The product ID is a way of telling Microsoft what support is available to you when you call them. Generally speaking, they will not offer support for an OEM copy of Windows so if you see a product ID with the letters OEM you'll know that support should be sought from the computer manufacturer.

If you buy and install an OEM copy of Windows then you are the one responsible for any support.

 

[gregrocker]

Do you have an OEM sticker for Win7 on machine or which was given to you as required by law for reselling a Windows OS?