switching from win 7 to win 8

itsnateftw

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Aug 17, 2013
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I am planning on buying a build with windows 7 OEM. I might want to upgrade in the future.. can I do so? will the oem version stop that? thanks
 
Solution
Get Windows 8 OEM because it can be moved to another computer when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.Windows 7 OEM is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM


Windows7-2.jpg



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...

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Get Windows 8 OEM because it can be moved to another computer when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.Windows 7 OEM is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM


Windows7-2.jpg



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


Windows8-1_zps0f2f36f7.png



Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

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

itsnateftw

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Aug 17, 2013
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what do you mean it can be moved to another computer once i'm done? and ya windows 7 oem is tied to the motherboard but can you upgrade it to windows 8?
 

itsnateftw

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Aug 17, 2013
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I just think windows 8 is so annoying... but eventually windows 8 will be the only thing that gets updates etc... so I will have to switch sometime. I like windows 7 though.