Solved Windows 7 OEM vs Full

[coolecho]

On OEM (System builder) versions it states "cannot be transferred to another computer". What if the motherboard, or whatever it links itself to goes bad? I assume there's a way to do this, but user would probably would have to call Microsoft to explain the reason??
Has anyone had experience with it?
Thanks.

 

[edwar]

Yes some have but in the end a System Builder OEM version is not transferable. So if the MB fails and you can't (EDIT) get one of the same make and model you will need to buy another copy of Windows.

 

[coolecho]

Ouch! That may change my mind on getting OEM.

 

[cmmtch]

That's what decided it for me when I rebuilt/upgraded my box last year. I had XP Pro SP3, bought Win7 Home Premium Upgrade (retail) on special deal from newegg for $89 with $10 rebate. The extra $$ for retail instead of OEM were worth it to be able to reinstall as often as I needed. So far I haven't had to reinstall, and hope I never have to, but if I do it'll be no problem.

I'd recommend getting a retail version so you have a reinstall available if you need it. That's just my opinion. Good luck whatever you choose to do

 

[bobkn]

Windows 7 System Builder license terms:

http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/...censes/OEM_System_Builder_License_English.pdf

One feature is that it is intended only for resale; you're not supposed to install it on a system for personal use. (As far as I know, it's not enforced.)

As for other details, see the FAQ:

Licensing FAQ

Microsoft may choose to allow activation on a new motherboard if they regard it as a repair, replacing a defective motherboard. It's up to their discretion, though. (From what I've read, MS has activated repair installations on hardware that was quite different from the original.)

 

[OvenMaster]

Every single time I've had to reinstall any OEM Windows OS (XP or 7) that required activation, after I installed new hardware (hard drive, motherboard, etc) it always went without a hitch and was activated with no issues or phone calls needed.
If it ever was necessary to reactivate it via the phone, I'd just tell them I got a new hard drive.

 

[coolecho]

Sounds like iffy situations may come into play. I've got 5 systems/laptop. I'm occasionally mucking with hardware. i'll go for the full win7. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[edwar]

Sounds like iffy situations may come into play. I've got 5 systems/laptop. I'm occasionally mucking with hardware. i'll go for the full win7. Thanks for your suggestions!

Well you can go for the Upgrade versions. And you can use the Upgrade DVD to do clean installs

 

[fireberd]

I had an OEM version with an Intel DP35DP motherboard and the motherboard went bad. Intel replaced it with another DP35DP motherboard under warranty. One would assume that an identical part would not be considered a change but it was, in my case, and I had to call Microsoft (their "off shore" support) to get it reactivated.

 

[coolecho]

So if you go with the Upgrade version wouldn't you have to install XP first? (if it'll install from XP) I don't have Vista. Is that a hassle?

 

[edwar]

There is a tutorial on doing a clean install with an upgrade version of Win 7. Basically you either do not input the key or do not do the auto online activation, or both (I forget) during the install and then activate after the install is completed.

IIRC you enter the key but uncheck Auto activate. But check the tutorial for the correct procedure.

Here's the link.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?ltr=C

 

[coolecho]

Awesome! Thanks all for the info.