Changing to Win8, Win7 question

[GrouchoBarx]

Hope this isn't a dumb question...

If I install a full (not upgrade) Windows 8 on my Windows 7 computer, can I move Windows 7 to a different machine? I have a copy of Windows 7 that I purchased from Microsoft.

 

[senkasaw]

It depends on the version of Windows 7, if it is retail then yes. If it is OEM, then no.

Edit: if you are unsure of your windows 7 version just right-click 'My Computer' and select Properties. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and find the Product ID (it will be at the very bottom).

The Product ID should be in the form xxxxx-xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx. Look at the 3 characters in the second group, if those 3 characters are 'OEM', then you have an OEM version.

 

[orlbuckeye]

If you purchased Windows 7 from Microsoft it's the retail version and you will be able to move it to a new machine.

 

[GrouchoBarx]

Thanks, I've got retail!

 

[GrouchoBarx]

Thanks!

 

[senkasaw]

No problem!

You will be able to move that copy of windows to a different machine without issue! Good luck