Windows 7

[lostsoul62]

I have XP, Vista, and Windows 7. On one computer I have the real Windows 7 (no upgrade or system builder) On the 2nd computer I have XP on one HD and Vista upgreade on another and Windows 7 on another HD which I can only use if my 1st computer goes down. Anyway I'm sick of XP and Vista and I think it might be so much easy if I just buy a system builder Windows 7 and put on my 2 computer so I can have two computer the same so I don't have to worry about any downtime. My understanding is a System builder Windows 7 is good for that computer only and when the motherboard goes out you have to throw the Windows 7 away that was on that computer. Is this correct?

 

[zigzag3143]

I have XP, Vista, and Windows 7. On one computer I have the real Windows 7 (no upgrade or system builder) On the 2nd computer I have XP on one HD and Vista upgreade on another and Windows 7 on another HD which I can only use if my 1st computer goes down. Anyway I'm sick of XP and Vista and I think it might be so much easy if I just buy a system builder Windows 7 and put on my 2 computer so I can have two computer the same so I don't have to worry about any downtime. My understanding is a System builder Windows 7 is good for that computer only and when the motherboard goes out you have to throw the Windows 7 away that was on that computer. Is this correct?

System builder=OEM?

 

[EvilOzzmess]

A "System Builder" Windows 7 is the same as what OEM System Manufacturer's use. It is not the same as a full retail version that you can switch from one system to another, and if the Mobo (BIOS) bites the dust, the OS goes with it because OEM versions tie themselves to that. This, however, does not apply if the HDD goes (more likely to occur than a fried Mobo).

I'm not exactly sure how a RTM version works, if you can use it to install multiple copies of 7 on different systems, or if you would still have to buy separate licenses for each one (probably how it does work)... I'm sure somebody else will come along who can tell you that.

If you went with the System Builder Home Premium it would be cheaper in the long run at $99 than the $160-$200 the RTM version of Home Premium is currently going for online.


That all said, I believe if you call Microsoft and explain what happened to the system the Builder's license is tied to, they MAY allow you to reuse it on another Mobo/BIOS... they can reset it. No guarantees however.

On a personal note, in 8 years I have never had an issue with my OEM Operating Systems (XP, Vista and 7). But then, I've never had a Mobo fry out on me (that an OEM mfg didn't fix - Dell replaced one and put the Vista back on it) either (*knock on wood*).

 

[TBoyd]

That all said, I believe if you call Microsoft and explain what happened to the system the Builder's license is tied to, they MAY allow you to reuse it on another Mobo/BIOS... they can reset it. No guarantees however.

I can testify to that statement. I was able to do this with MS over the phone a couple of years ago. I can't guarantee that they have not changed the rules since then. Sometimes it depends on the rep that you get. Some are more accommodating than others.