Can I re-install my OEM version of Windows 7 on an upgraded PC?

JohnJSal

JohnJSal

Active Member
I'm thinking about upgrading my PC in the next few months, which would include motherboard/CPU/GPU upgrades. Probably I'll just keep the same HDD I have now, so I'm wondering, would it just boot up like normal with the new hardware, or would there be a problem since I have an OEM version of Windows?

If I'm forced to re-install, would I still be able to, since it would still only be on one machine?

Thanks,
John
 
Legally, an OEM license can only be used one machine period(its tied to the motherboard its originally installed on). So legally, you need a new copy of windows 7.
 
Yeah that sucks but that is the Windows way. You could always call M$ though and explain your situation and they might be able to help you out. I have heard of people doing this and getting a hold of M$, explaining there situation and getting a new product key for free.
 
In my opinion, if you are upgrading your computer you can use the same copy of Windows. It's if you upgrade while keeping your old computer running that is the issue.

Just call up Microsoft, tell them you upgraded some components, and they will give you an activation code to activate.
 
When my asus motherboard crapped out and I installed a gigabyte motherboard... windows xp came up as not genuine... I called microsoft but they would not give me a new key... when I bent the pins of my old gigabyte and upgraded to another gigabyte (current board) .... windows 7 was still genuine.

Matt
 
[-0MEGA-];1696465 said:
In my opinion, if you are upgrading your computer you can use the same copy of Windows. It's if you upgrade while keeping your old computer running that is the issue.

Just call up Microsoft, tell them you upgraded some components, and they will give you an activation code to activate.
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That's what I'm hoping. I guess it's worth a try. But how would it work if I get a new key? Will I still have to re-install, or will it still boot from the existing HDD?
 
Ive changed a motherboard then another occasion a video card. Its a trigger.
Yes, microsoft authorized a new key. changing on a oem may be a different problem.
For sure it should be the same im guessing. better call first and verify or your wasting your time.
 
I have got a new key for OEM ungrading the motherboard. You just have to be smart on what you tell them the upgrade was for.
 
Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the End User Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by that End User Software License Terms. The End User Software License Terms is a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#faq1
 
JohnJSal said:
Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the End User Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by that End User Software License Terms. The End User Software License Terms is a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#faq1
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Hint, that was the reason I siad it depends on he reason you tell them the motherboard had to replaced. The key word is where they say it has to be a ( If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent,) (equivalent) That applies even if the new board needd a new processor. Can claim the the replacement to so hard to get and order, that a newer board that is equivalent and with a new processor was cheaper. Then after that you start adding memory/Video card.
 
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StrangleHold said:
Hint, that was the reason I siad it depends on he reason you tell them the motherboard had to replaced. The key word is where they say it has to be a ( If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent,) (equivalent) That applies even if the new board needd a new processor. Can claim the the replacement to so hard to get and order, that a newer board that is equivalent and with a new processor was cheaper. Then after that you start adding memory/Video card.
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Yeah, but four years since I built my PC, I don't think the motherboard I'm going to buy will ever be considered equivalent to my current one. :)
 
You don't even speak to them. Call the free call number, press, 1, 1, 3 and they give you a new code. Done it many many times.
 
StrangleHold said:
I have got a new key for OEM ungrading the motherboard. You just have to be smart on what you tell them the upgrade was for.
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This.

If you tell them that something died and needed replacing, they'll do it for you. If you tell them you just changed a part out, they'll want you to fork out for a new license.
 
linkin said:
This.

If you tell them that something died and needed replacing, they'll do it for you. If you tell them you just changed a part out, they'll want you to fork out for a new license.
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But will they ask for proof that you replaced the part with something similar?
 
No.......ive done before as mentioned. Changed motherboard or and video card. Maybe i wanted better performance. the motherboard and video is the trigger. They always gave it to me. need a simple explanation. give them your key then they issue another.
It will be verified when installing the key. Ive done it twice. All mine have been builds though. Not oem. Just because i want increased performance like a video card i should not have to buy 7 pro again. can be a obstacle though.
 
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some say no and some yes. been brought up before.
Im saying call and ask and say the board is bad or video card.
Some have posted and said you can get it. Its an oem and never owned one.
If direct replacement it wont be a problem. its the same.
Call if not secure with it. they always gave me a key.
I don't know your answer for oem.
call. tell them its bad and updating something better and died.
 
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