Windows 7 Home Premium

[-ism]

Hey peeps,

I am building my PC this weekend and I was wondering if I could transfer the license from my Windows 7 Home Prem. laptop to my new PC. If you're wondering my laptop is an ASUS K53SV-XR1. Thanks a lot!

Also, would it be bad in any way to purchase this "OEM" version of Windows 7? I can still use it without blowing 200$ on a "retail" copy?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

[Dalewyn]

If the copy of Windows 7 on your laptop came pre-installed when you had first bought it, that would be an OEM copy of Windows (check your COA sticker). An "OEM" ("Original Equipment Manufacturer") license specifically forbids transfer of the licensed operating system from the computer it is first installed in and any subsequent attempt to use that OEM key to activate a copy of Windows on another computer will fail.

As for whether you can obtain and use an OEM copy of Windows, officially OEM copies of Windows are only meant to be bought and used by so-called "System Builders", people who build computers and then sell them to their customers. However, Microsoft has never actually enforced this policy so you can obtain and use an OEM copy if you prefer to go that route, just understand that the first computer you install and activate that OEM copy of Windows on is the only computer that copy of Windows will ever run on.

Another thing worth mentioning is that OEM copies of Windows do not come with customer support from Microsoft, the justification being any customer support will be provided by the System Builder who built and sold the computer.

[Eric Kazer]

Tried to tranfer OEM Win 7 from a Compaq to a build. Computer would not start. Error Message in my case.

When I built my second rig, I was able to use the hard drive with the Windows 7 on it. The drivers were similar. I did have to buy a new set of retail disks & use the key to reactivete. Would not reactivete once I changed all of the main hardware like the motherboard, CPU, & RAM. Reateil copys cost more, but they can be activated 5 times. I must have used them up over the years. Every install is a activation. Also every hardware change is a activation. Kind of sucks if for some reason the OS crashes. I found out the hard way when I built new PC. $200 for retail with 32 bit & 64 bit disks. I have a old lap top I use 32 bit on because I have some retail games that are old on disk that won't work on 64 bit win 7. 3 activations used for me. Other Laptop has 64 bit oem that won't work on anything else. It will end up like the Compaq OS and not work.

[Nirmal]

I probably wouldn't get an OEM copy of windows just because if you change your motherboard you will not be able to use that copy of windows.

[christoi]

OEM keys are tied to the motherboard, however it's possible to change the motherboard if you follow the proper steps before you actually transfer it:

http://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?t=47090

IMO, there's really no reason to pay the premium for the retail. Besides, if the method above doesn't work for whatever reason, you could just phone up MS and say your motherboard died, they are pretty lenient when it comes to handing out keys.