Question About Window Licenses

[danerobert14]

Hey guys so I got a question. When do you need to contact Microsoft about switching windows to another computer. What components hold the pc's information? HDD or motherboard? And if its a OEM license how easy is it to change the hdd on the laptop and re install windows?

[The Great Lord Mccodi]

When you switch motherboards, the activation becomes invalid. I think OEM licenses do that.

 

Not sure about the retail copy though.

[xXxYOLOxSWAGxXx_420BlazeIt]

No, just install it and use the same key.

 

They might make you activate by phone if you have used it more than once though. It takes about three minutes and is pretty simple.

[Demonking]

the motherboard i think 

[Mecami]

All the info, including windows files are on your HDD. OEM means that it is not transferrable to other pcs.

The license however is locked in your mobo.

[danerobert14]

When you switch motherboards, the activation becomes invalid. I think OEM licenses do that.

 

Not sure about the retail copy though.

thought so.

 

No, just install it and use the same key.

 

They might make you activate by phone if you have used it more than once though. It takes about three minutes and is pretty simple.

okay that sounds easy enough.

 

All the info, including windows files are on your HDD. OEM means that it is not transferrable to other pcs.

The license however is locked in your mobo.

okay thanks!

[LogicalDrm]

Branded OEM's require phone activation (meaning those that come with laptops and prebuilt machines). Non-branded OEMs won't require such call. They work as retail ones.