A question about OEM copies of Windows 7.

[Goomb4_]

So here's the problem,

I have recently put together a rig and had put Windows 7 OEM on my HDD. Now that some time has past, I have gotten a SSD to use as a boot drive, and plan leave the HDD as a media storage drive. Question is, can I just format the HDD and then re-install Win 7 on my ssd, or is Windows going to explode when I go to activate it again and say that the product key is no longer valid or null? (I've heard that OEM copies of WIndows can only be activated once and after that you have to buy another copy.)

 

[BlackPseudicide]

From Microsoft:
"Windows can be activated any number of times, but your re-activation experience will vary based on the way you acquired Windows.

If you acquired Windows via retail purchase (boxed product), you may activate via the Internet the first five times. Subsequent activations are allowed but must be completed via telephone.

If you acquire Windows pre-installed on a computer, re-installation would not require additional activation steps unless significant hardware changes were made.

To activate Windows on this computer, do the following:

Open Windows Activation by clicking the Start button > click Computer > click Properties > click "Click here to activate Windows now". If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

For more information on Activating Windows, please click the following link: Activating Windows: frequently asked questions"

Basically, if you use the same activate windows with the same key and you don't have it running anywhere else it will be fine

 

[Dogsnake]

You will have to activate. Changing to the SSD will be seen as a new system. The original OEM key will probably not work. Before you make the swap call MS and talk to their support and explain what you are doing. Often they will deactivate and provide a new key. OEM are meant for one system configuration only. Changing graphics, PSU or memory do not matter. MB, CPU, and HDD system drive do.

 

[Goomb4_]

All right guys thanks for the help. I ended up calling MS and they reactivated Windows and everything seems to be fine. Again, thanks!