Windows 8 version for home built systems over time?

[ncwat]

It seems the OEM license says it's only for "one computer" but I'm looking for the right version that I can be installed on new systems I build (when discarding the other), or otherwise be able to change many of the components.

I am on Windows 7 (upgrade) which in turn was an upgrade of Vista and an upgrade on XP. In my last install, on a whole new system, I had to call in for a new license key.

Does anyone know if the new "upgrade" Windows 8 version still requires first installing multiple old versions of Windows first? If I can get away with just the Win 8 upgrade and my Win 7 DVD (without installing), that'd be ideal.

 

[JasonCoder]

Honestly I've never heard of a legitimate OEM licensee having any issues with getting a new license for a replaced motherboard. You may have to call in, etc. but even that's rare... I think the software tolerates around 5 component changes automatically without the need for a phone call.

Not sure about the Win8 upgrade question... I'd be interested in an answer there as well.

 

[Zap]

The OS you want is Windows 8 System Builder OEM. It is a full version (no need to install an older OS first) and it is licensed for you to use on one computer. That "one computer" can change, as long as it is one computer.

 

[Nothinman]

The OS you want is Windows 8 System Builder OEM. It is a full version (no need to install an older OS first) and it is licensed for you to use on one computer. That "one computer" can change, as long as it is one computer.

Unless "System Builder OEM" is different than normal OEM, no it can't. Once it's installed on a PC it's tied to that motherboard and in order to remain legal, needs to be discarded and a new license bought when a new PC is built.

 

[lxskllr]

Unless "System Builder OEM" is different than normal OEM, no it can't. Once it's installed on a PC it's tied to that motherboard and in order to remain legal, needs to be discarded and a new license bought when a new PC is built.

It's different now. System Builder is the old Retail, which apparently got dropped.

Edit:
Checkout this thread...

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2278325

 

[Nothinman]

Thanks for the correction. I guess this means MS realized the issue with making OEM licenses available to regular consumers, but I don't see why they don't just drop the OEM licenses altogether and drop the retail price accordingly. They'll still have special license deals with the OEMs and it would remove all of the confusion.

 

[lxskllr]

Thanks for the correction. I guess this means MS realized the issue with making OEM licenses available to regular consumers, but I don't see why they don't just drop the OEM licenses altogether and drop the retail price accordingly. They'll still have special license deals with the OEMs and it would remove all of the confusion.

Yea, I'd like to see them streamline the whole process. They make arbitrary restrictions that serve only to boost the word count of the EULA, and confuse the users. People are gonna pirate Windows regardless of what MS does. Trying to dazzle people with words won't prevent that, and you piss off customers that wouldn't otherwise mind giving you money.