Windows Forum
Hello all,
I have a system without a version of a Windows OS. I now want to go to Windows 7. Am I legally allowed to purchase Windows 7 OEM and install on this machine? Or must OEM be purchased at the time of build? Or be purchased with new hardware?
by philldmc Accepted solution
by seanferd Accepted solution
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
Carey Frisch (An MS MVP)
Oops. Source:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/fae7b2ab-c530-45e6-aeb3-cc55cf7b9231
by philldmc Accepted solution
Here is a system, lets say had Linux on it. Can Windows 7 OEM be installed?
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
Not an issue, support not needed
- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
This would be the very first computer. Just not a new PC, therefore by this statement the answer would be yes?
- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
Not an upgrade.
- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
No previous versions Windows at all.
I thought this was pretty cut and dry..but given that it is not a new PC but never had windows on it..therefore does it qualify for OEM? I was under the impression that hardware must be purchased at the time of OEM.
by seanferd Accepted solution
If none of the other points listed are a problem (e.g., you can never change the motherboard or install 7 on a different machine later), then no problem.
Now, you just need to know where to buy the OEM copy. You will be sure to find out if there are any other requirements to purchase. (E.g., prior OEM versions were sold with some bit of hardware, like a fan or heatsink.)
http://www.google.com/search?q=purchase+windows+7+oem
Qualify: See http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/what-microsoft-wont-tell-you-about-windows-7-licensing/1514?pg=2 "System Builder" section and addendum for the technicalities.
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