Thread: win 7 OEM question

ok so as i understand it my win 7 OEM for system builders means i can insall it legaly on other computers so how do i do this just use the CD key or is there a process involved?

you will be fine. Once you install, it will run the Online Reg. If it says to call a number to reg just make sure one thing. When asked the question "How many computers have you installed this disk with" Just say, ONE.

You will need the key every time.

I have OEM 7 and have used it over 15 times.

but if there is 2 computers online with the same key shouldnt i say 2 ?

Originally Posted by moving-target

ok so as i understand it my win 7 OEM for system builders means i can insall it legaly on other computers so how do i do this just use the CD key or is there a process involved?

NO!

The only way you can use the OEM key legally is if you are a manufacturer. The key on the computer itself is the OEM-Resale key which differs from the key that was on your machine from the factory. You can only use this key on 1 machine. The OEM key itself (different from what is on your sticker ) is actually the Corporations VLK(Volume license key)

The only way to have multiple legal activations is to have a VLK

If you bought the OEM copy from newegg or somewhere similar then: yes you can install it on other machines.... BUT only 1 at a time. Thus the 'I have it installed on ONE computer.' is true.

If it is an OEM copy that came with a computer from Dell, HP, or some similar manufacturer then: NO you cannot install it somewhere else. It is not licensed for this.

If it is a student OEM license that you bought then: see retail licensing

If it is a retail 'in a box' copy that you bought either at a store or online then: you can install this one 5 computers simultaneously. After activation #2 or #3 you will have to call to activate and they may hassle you, but you are allowed to do it if they are all your computers and you are the main user of each. These activations are recorded and after a set number (I don't recall how many) they will not allow further activations (and might ban the key and investigate for fraud). This is only a problem if you re-format each year on all five computers..... for like 6 years....

I found out that you can't use it on laptops. I believe it states for desktop only.

You can use OEM on laptops... In fact, my laptop, I use the DVD I have for my PC (OEM) and just use the Win7 license code printed on the bottom of the laptop. Works just dandy.

Originally Posted by WileECyte

You can use OEM on laptops... In fact, my laptop, I use the DVD I have for my PC (OEM) and just use the Win7 license code printed on the bottom of the laptop. Works just dandy.

Yeah I didn't try that, just used it the same way I have many times on desktops and when I tried to use it on a new ssd got an error saying this copy is no longer valid due to license agreement violation.

If there is a significant hardware change then microsoft will track that and assume its a different computer.

Normally you can call them up and they'll reactivate it. Last time that happened to me, I just told them I had to replace the motherboard and that did the trick.