Windows 7 Home Premium OEM....I have questions

[Remobz]

Hello all,

I am finally upgrading from Windows XP pro after all these years. My local computer store has Windows 7 Home Premium but its the OEM version only for use in Latin America and Caribbean region.

How will this OEM version affect me if I want to upgrade my computer (motherboard, video card etc.) in the future?

Any other limitations as compared to retail version?

 

[cl-scott]

Yes. OEM versions do not have transfer rights, so they are locked to the hardware they are first activated on. You can upgrade a few things, like video card, but the motherboard would be a step too far according to Microsoft.

 

[Remobz]

Yes. OEM versions do not have transfer rights, so they are locked to the hardware they are first activated on. You can upgrade a few things, like video card, but the motherboard would be a step too far according to Microsoft.

That sucks. I pray my motherboard does not die anytime soon.

Now some people are telling me I should of waited for Windows 8.

OEM versions cannot upgrade.......argh!

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

That sucks. I pray my motherboard does not die anytime soon.

Now some people are telling me I should of waited for Windows 8.

OEM versions cannot upgrade.......argh!

Maybe I'm misunderstanding but OEM versions can upgrade to Windows 8. In practice, the same version MB or even a similar chip set MB from the same manufacturer usually has no problem being installed without having to reinstall the OS. I can also tell you from personal experience, MS is very lenient with regards to reactivating the license if you replace a dead MB.

 

[JackMDS]

As long as you do Not do it very often, if you have to change major component you can call the activation support and they will help you to activate.

 

[Leros]

I've installed my OEM copy of Windows 7 on four different hardware systems (none at the same time). The first 3 times, it activated over the internet. On my latest install, it failed internet activation, but I was able to activate using the automated phone system.

 

[wilson0416]

I've installed my OEM copy of Windows 7 on four different hardware systems (none at the same time). The first 3 times, it activated over the internet. On my latest install, it failed internet activation, but I was able to activate using the automated phone system.

Congrats, you still able to activate it! :whiste:

 

[SimMike2]

The person who said have a big gap between installs certainly does help, at least in my experience. Like the person said, don't freak if it won't activate online, or even if automated phone won't activate. You can talk with someone and most likely get it activated.

 

[piasabird]

I have always believed that the key to the Microsoft Software License is that Microsoft wrote they license in such a way to give all the benefits to the seller and no protection to the buyer. In other words you have to accept the license or not install it. It is an agreement made under duress. As such it is not completely enforcable. Where is the protection of the individual's rights? This is why in the EU the government ruled that an OEM license is transferable. So why is the US Government in bed with Microsoft?

All I can say is be careful because Microsoft has lots of Lawyers, lots of money and the USA Government is their slave.