Which version of Win7 to get? licensing issues are totally confusing

[Matt_Stevens]

Okay, WTF is with Windows now? I am reading that if you buy an OEM and your system's MB goes on you, you are not going to be able to use an OEM that was installed on that PC because that is a 'new' computer?

I am reading countless posts from people screaming hot mad the Windows they paid $150 is worthless after a crash and system upgrade.

So, what gives and what is the truth? Windows 7 is crazy expensive and I was lucky enough that my main system came with it. But my wife's computer badly needs a new OS and she wants Windows 7 professional (she has numerous XP programs that will only run under Win7 Pro).

However, if I pay $140 plus tax, then dammit, that had best not be for a single install on one computer. What if it goes bad? What if she upgrades?

Someone please clue me in.

 

[billyb0b]

Home Premium

If you need a XP environment to run those legacy apps then load up XP on a virtual machine within Win7

 

[beginner99]

Why does she need pro, for the "XP-Mode"? Are you sure that applications won't work in Windows 7?

About OEM, search the forum. If you can get the same motherboard, you will be able to re-install it. However you can see the issue if it dies after like 2 years when it sure isn't produced anymore and hence probably impossible to get the same one. Anyway some people here claim that calling Microsoft sometimes helps and you are actually able to activate it on a different PC.

Second question why does your wifes pc need a new OS? Is it slow? Then I would first try a complete re-install of XP. that can help wonders....

 

[JackMDS]

To Run XP Mode you need Pro or Ultimate.

If one needs Badly a new OS it sound sort of ""funny to Cry and carry on"" about $40 difference.

 

[Matt_Stevens]

I am not even considering Home Premium. Pro or nothing. She needs Win7 for Adobe CS5.5. She needs Pro for the XP compatibility.

So what can I buy that will allow her to transfer to another computer? WTF is Microsoft doing? Do I really need to spend $250 for the fricking OS? That is insane and if it is that case, no wonder people buy bootlegs. Seriously.

 

[rockyct]

Okay, WTF is with Windows now? I am reading that if you buy an OEM and your system's MB goes on you, you are not going to be able to use an OEM that was installed on that PC because that is a 'new' computer?

I am reading countless posts from people screaming hot mad the Windows they paid $150 is worthless after a crash and system upgrade.

So, what gives and what is the truth? Windows 7 is crazy expensive and I was lucky enough that my main system came with it. But my wife's computer badly needs a new OS and she wants Windows 7 professional (she has numerous XP programs that will only run under Win7 Pro).

However, if I pay $140 plus tax, then dammit, that had best not be for a single install on one computer. What if it goes bad? What if she upgrades?

Someone please clue me in.

I'm fairly sure that if you buy a retail version of Win7, upgrade or full, that can be installed multiple times if your mobo fails. OEM versions of Win7 (for system builders) are locked to one motherboard

If let's say you upgrade a Dell from XP to Win7 with a retail-upgrade license and the hard drive fails. Instead of installing XP then installing Win7, install Win7 without the key. Then install Win7 again but with the key this time.
This started with Vista but works with Win7:
http://www.windowsitpro.com/article...-upgrade-limitations-updated-with-workaround-

Basically, buy this: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Win..._31?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1328312419&sr=1-31

If you buy this, it will take 20 minutes less to install, but you can get burned later:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992

 

[Matt_Stevens]

Okay, good to know. The only issue i see is that since the wife has XP Pro, Windows wants you to have XP already installed or it will not install the new OS. That's kind of silly since I always wipe my drives before install and if you buy a new hard drive, do you need to install XP just so you can install Win7? Again, wtf is Microsoft doing?

 

[Bubbaleone]

You can't do an "in-place" upgrade from XP to Windows 7 even though that was offered as an XP to Vista "in-place" upgrade choice.

See this from Microsoft: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7

 

[mpo]

Microcenter's description of the Win 7 Pro OEM license:
"Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed."

Spend the extra $50 and get the retail version of the OS.

 

[General Kenobi]

I would buy the retail boxed version (Home Premium 64-bit w/ the SP1 update) if you plan on moving the installation from one computer to another, or if you upgrade your computer hardware often.

You may notice that I'm using Win 7 Pro 64-bit, but that's because I get free licences from MSDNAA.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I know that this won't help you, because you want Pro, but if you could deal with Home Premium, then try to find a Family Pack. $150 for three retail upgrade licenses. Best deal going, and you don't have to worry about losing your Windows license if you upgrade and change motherboards.