Is it worth it to buy a Full retail version when I move to another build? Different board, RAM, CPU

[0nard00]

I'm still quite confused as to how the OEM and Full retail thing works. No one can seem to give me a 100% clear answer on the question. Which is leading me to second guess my self on which one to buy.

I haven't had a stable system since I changed my board and used the old keys I had from another board, I really miss having no issues from the get go.

Really need help please.. ANYONE?!

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

An OEM version is non-transferable between motherboards, but a retail version can be transferred to another motherboard. Get the full retail version.

 

[0nard00]

An OEM version is non-transferable between motherboards, but a retail version can be transferred to another motherboard. Get the full retail version.

Alright, that's one.

 

[Eric Bentsen]

If I upgrade my Win 7 OEM to Win 10, will that be OEM or retail? Someday I'd like to put my old OS's into VM's with 5 years of programs and documents still on them.

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

If I upgrade my Win 7 OEM to Win 10, will that be OEM or retail? Someday I'd like to put my old OS's into VM's with 5 years of programs and documents still on them.

You cannot activate your OEM Windows 7 on a new motherboard. Even if you upgrade, Windows 10 will also be treated as OEM. The upgrade is tied to the original Windows 7 license. Therefore, you will need to buy a new Windows 10 license.

 

[0nard00]

If I upgrade my Win 7 OEM to Win 10, will that be OEM or retail? Someday I'd like to put my old OS's into VM's with 5 years of programs and documents still on them.

You cannot activate your OEM Windows 7 on a new motherboard. Even if you upgrade, Windows 10 will also be treated as OEM. The upgrade is tied to the original Windows 7 license. Therefore, you will need to buy a new Windows 10 license.

Hmmm.. That probably is the main reason why I never got stable ever again. If I do buy a new Windows, there's no need to do a clean up right? Just re-enter the key?

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

You'll need to do a clean install while entering the new key, then install your programs and restore files from backup.

 

[0nard00]

You'll need to do a clean install while entering the new key, then install your programs and restore files from backup.

Okay, I'll probably do that when I install my new PSU. I tried using the key, replacing the old one. Didn't fix the issue I was having.