Win 8.1 OEM Purchase Help

[mealto]

Hey gang,

 

Before I buy Win 8.1 to install for a friend, I want to confirm that if I buy the OEM version (as opposed to retail), this version is licensed only to the PC that they own now right? If in the future, they replace a MB or get a new system, they will need to call in to Microsoft to re-activate the OEM key? Wanted to make sure I got it right before making the purchase. Retail seems to be almost $20 more so thought to save the senior person some money.

[flibberdipper]

I believe so, but I'm using the school's master keys so.......Tells you a lot.

[UnderADyingSun]

Just get retail what's another 20 bucks?

[Julin]

I believe the idea is that you cant reuse the licence on another motherboard then the one you originally install the license on. However I've heard of multiple instances of people having success calling Microsoft in order to re-activate the key on new hardware. Unfortunately i haven't seen anything official to support this claim.

[Recon-UK]

Just get retail what's another 20 bucks?

A piss up or food?

[mealto]

Just get retail what's another 20 bucks?

Damn remarks like this pisses me off. Finding so many 16 yr old remarks on this forum, almost ready to cancel my account. Did you even read? I am trying to help a senior fix their PC. Trying to save them money and donating my time ass wipe.

[UnderADyingSun]

Damn remarks like this pisses me off. Finding so many 16 yr old remarks on this forum, almost ready to cancel my account. Did you even read? I am trying to help a senior fix their PC. Trying to save them money and donating my time ass wipe.

 

Curt reply, sure. You're too salty bro, relax. The difference in pricepoint is , in my humble opinion, worth it. I don't know that there are any assurances with regards what you mentioned. If you're donating your time, which is praiseworthy, why not just foot the difference? Or not. Whatever you decide, your actions are commendable.

[Common_Courtesy]

Aye they are indeed tied to the motherboard meaning you are supposed to buy a new copy when you replace the motherboard, everything else can be replaced though. I have heard of people simply calling Microsoft asking them to reactivate the code and that working as well, but I've never tried that myself so I can't really say much about it.

[mgsstar]

Hey gang,

 

Before I buy Win 8.1 to install for a friend, I want to confirm that if I buy the OEM version (as opposed to retail), this version is licensed only to the PC that they own now right? If in the future, they replace a MB or get a new system, they will need to call in to Microsoft to re-activate the OEM key? Wanted to make sure I got it right before making the purchase. Retail seems to be almost $20 more so thought to save the senior person some money.

You are able to install the OEM version of Windows 8 on multiple motherboards but its only allowed on one computer. Use phone activation to activate:http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

 

Source: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-windows_install/how-many-time-can-you-change-the-motherboard-on-a/edff52ca-908e-4a1e-9b4a-45c34b336766

[Harvey]

While the link above suggests you can. The link the moderator at answers.microsoft.com offers as proof, doesn't load so it's impossible to confirm. 

 

My understanding has always been that the OEM license is not transferable to another PC but when you ring MS they _MAY_ out of the kindness of their hearts transfer it for you, but technically it's not allowed.

 

Here is proof from microsoft.com with a working link:

 

 

Q Can my customers transfer or sell their OEM software licenses?

 

A  After an OEM software license has been installed on a PC, the license may not be installed on or transferred to another PC. However, the entire PC may be transferred to another end user along with the software license rights. When transferring the PC to the new end user, the software media, manuals (if applicable), and Certificate of Authenticity label must be included. It is also advisable to include the original purchase invoice or receipt. The original end user cannot keep any copies of the software.

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#fbid=356k_xZd55n

 

So transfer of owner not of OS license to another system.

 

EDIT: After refreshing the link that didn't work before now it does... magic. Seems to contradict their other license FAQ. *Shrugs* No wonder there is so much confusion.