Can I reuse an OEM HDD with Windows 7 on a completely new PC?

[a2242364]

Or will I have to buy a new HDD and Windows 7 for another whopping $250....

Please if there is a way to bypass this tell me! I was so excited to build a $500 PC, but If I need to pay another 250 bucks I won't even be able to built the PC at all :/.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

No , the OEM license is tied to the other motherboard.

Your copy of Windows is locked to the PC on which you purchased it. You cannot transfer that license to another PC.
You can upgrade any components or peripherals on your PC and keep your license intact. You can replace the motherboard with an identical model or an equivalent model from the OEM if it fails. However, if you personally replace or upgrade the motherboard, your OEM Windows license is null and void.

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 (No more OEM versions) you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[thenewnumber2]

This is from the licensing FAQ on Microsoft's web site:

Q. My customer bought a new PC and wants to move the OEM software from the old PC to the new one. Can't users do whatever they want with their software?

A. No, the OEM software is licensed with the computer system on which it was originally installed and is tied to that original machine. OEM licenses are single-use licenses that cannot be installed on more than one computer system, even if the original machine is no longer in use. The End User Software License Terms, which the end user must accept before using the software, state that the license may not be shared, transferred to, or used concurrently on different computers. System builders must provide end-user support for the Windows license on computers they build, but cannot support licenses on computers they didn’t build. This is a fundamental reason why OEM System Builder licenses can't be transferred.

You need to buy a new Win7 license.

 

[USAFRet]

A new physical drive? No.
A new Windows license? Yes.

 

[a2242364]

A new physical drive? No.
A new Windows license? Yes.

Wait can I reuse the Hard Drive I buy another windows 7 OS or is the HDD completely not reusable? Sorry I know it's a really dumb question 🙁

 

[USAFRet]

A new physical drive? No.
A new Windows license? Yes.

Wait can I reuse the Hard Drive I buy another windows 7 OS or is the HDD completely not reusable? Sorry I know it's a really dumb question 🙁

The actual drive is fine. It, and the OS license, does not care what you put on it.

 

[popatim]

Win7 OEM keys are not transferrrable,
Full (not upgrade) Retail editions ARE transferrable to a new system.