Windows 7 oem

silverstormz · 11 Feb 2012

Hey guys i was wondering windows 7 oem version if i were to replace my motherboard in the feature would it make me pay again or will this one be useable no mater what parts i upgrade?
thanks -stormz

Golden · 11 Feb 2012

Hi,

OEM's are "tied" specifically to the hardware of your current system. If you were to replace your motherboard, Windows would recognise itself as not being validated. You can only overcome this by installing a retail retail version of Windows.

Regards,
Golden

whs · 11 Feb 2012

Depends, if you have a valid reason (e.g. because the mobo died) and you just replace what you had before, MS will probably revalidate your license. If you rebuild the whole system to upgraded specs, the chances are slim.

silverstormz · 11 Feb 2012

How would i come by a retail retail version of Windows.

Golden · 11 Feb 2012

Try this:

Windows - Microsoft Store Online

mjf · 11 Feb 2012

For the boxed version
From MS US Home Premium = US$200
MS Australia = Au$299 = US$320
MS UK = 150 pound = US$235

Interesting.

NoelDP · 12 Feb 2012

Check out the real store prices before buying from MS - in the UK there are significant discounts available of up to 20%. In the US, there's very little discounting. I have no idea what sort of discounts are available in Oz.

Zepher · 12 Feb 2012

whs said:

Depends, if you have a valid reason (e.g. because the mobo died) and you just replace what you had before, MS will probably revalidate your license. If you rebuild the whole system to upgraded specs, the chances are slim.

We called in to activate an xp system back in the day and i just said the mobo died and we replaced it with a different one. They gave us a new activation key.

mjf · 12 Feb 2012

NoelDP said:

Check out the real store prices before buying from MS - in the UK there are significant discounts available of up to 20%. In the US, there's very little discounting. I have no idea what sort of discounts are available in Oz.

Very little discounting. Most places quote the Au$299 in Australia when I have checked. I believe price gouging is not illegal in Australia and barriers are put place by some (many?) in purchasing directly from overseas. Australian buyers get ripped off big time.

silverstormz · 12 Feb 2012

What number /email should i go about contacting for this? (uk)