Do i have to replace my O.S if i buy a new motherboard?

[Cowy]

Hi all, I currently have windows 7 64bit OEM version. I was thinking about upgrading my mobo and CPU and was wondering whether i needed to buy a new copy of my O.S? 

 

Thanks in advance!

[darkstar]

I've installed OEM versions on different systems without any issues. Do note that the OEM version can only be installed on one system at a time.

[Jeroen1322]

Nope!  

[Hans Christian | Teri]

Yeah in my experience it isn't a problem.

[DudeWazap]

No you just have to call Microsoft so that they can reactivate your version of Windows again. So that it will deactivate the one on your old motherboard since you can only have it active on one motherboard at a time.

[Mixzzz]

Call/contact microsoft to detach the windows key from the old motherboard so you can activate the windows on the new motherboard...

[GoodBytes]

Hi all, I currently have windows 7 64bit OEM version. I was thinking about upgrading my mobo and CPU and was wondering whether i needed to buy a new copy of my O.S? 

 

Thanks in advance!

The OEM license specifically states that you cannot transfer the license of Windows 7, unless your previous motherboard is broken. In such case a phone activation explaining the problem will be required.

Windows 8 System Builder (aka: OEM that you buy in retail stores, not the one from Dell, HP, Acer, etc..) you can transfer no problem, as long as, in some point in time, you agree at this license agreement: http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx, which pretty much turns Windows 8 System Builder license to Retail without box and support

[MeltyMoon]

I've used an oem copy of windows (on the same drive) on 4 different motherboards. It didn't care at all!

 

Edit- Oh that's why, it was a copy that came with the HDD from dell. So it wasn't an illegal activity after all. My apologies!

[GoodBytes]

I've used an oem copy of windows (on the same drive) on 4 different motherboards. It didn't care at all!

You can keep your illegal activities to yourself. It goes against forum rules.

[MeltyMoon]

You can keep your illegal activities to yourself. It goes against forum rules.

No idea it was illegal? I've asked this question before on this forum and others and people told me not to worry about it... Besides I'm using a disk copy of windows 7 ultimate now anyways 

 

 

Edit- Oh that's why, it was a copy that came with the HDD from dell. So it wasn't an illegal activity after all. My apologies!

[darkstar]

You can keep your illegal activities to yourself. It goes against forum rules.

In this situation, there's nothing illegal about it. 

 

2.   INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.

a.  One Copy per Computer. The software license is permanently assigned to the computer with 

which the software is distributed. That computer is the “licensed computer.”

 

b.   Licensed Computer. You may use the software on up to two processors on the licensed 

computer at one time. Unless otherwise provided in these license terms, you may not use the 

software on any other computer.

 

c.  Number of Users. Unless otherwise provided in these license terms, only one user may use the 

software at a time on the licensed computer.

 

d.   Alternative Versions.  The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 

64-bit. You may use only one version at one time. If the manufacturer or installer provides you 

with a one-time selection between language versions, you may use only the one language 

version you select.

Even if there was something against using it on a second computer, EULAs aren't generally legally binding.

[GoodBytes]

In this situation, there's nothing illegal about it. 

Even if there was something against using it on a second computer, EULAs aren't generally legally binding.

Explain that to Linus, and he will see if he will be happy about when Microsoft will come and force his hand to shut down the forum.

[darkstar]

Explain that to Linus, and he will see if he will be happy about when Microsoft will come and force his hand to shut down the forum.

What is there to explain?

[LogicalDrm]

Oh all the OEM controversy.... I'll have to make default answerr to this question to paste everytime ppl ask this. But before it, my opinion: OEM and Retail are same except higher price on retail and lack of offical support. So responsibility of OS is whoever installed it, not Microsofts. Branded OEMs (comes with laptops, branded desktops like HP and Dell) are different and they are bound to mobo (Win7).

 

If your OEM is not branded, you don't need to deactivate it or call to Microsoft. Just don't enter your key during installation process. You can do it later when activating copy. If its branded, then you have to do things mentioned above.