Win7 OEM disks
I have read where OEM WIN7 disks are tied to the original computer and can never be reinstalled to another motherboard. Out of curiosity is this a just "licensing issue" or will the activation key si...
Forum Discussion
dryfly wrote:
Please don't think I'm ungrateful for your detailed explanations but I fully understand restore, OEM, retail, different versions, etc. I've build my own machines for 15 years and have had experienced with most all of these different versions at one time or another. I know it's not possible to have 2 copies running at the same time, restore only to same computer, etc, etc.
Please see my OP. I'm simply asking if it's hypothetically possible to install for a second time an OEM disc. Nothing more. This assumes the first PC was destroyed. Not if it is approved by MS licensing, but is it physically possible. Will it activate if no other computer is currently running on the same activation code.
Not to be argumentative, but how do Ebay sellers of software that will not function continue to get favorable results. Most are scrutinized pretty heavy and bad sales would be reported quickly. I know I'm getting off topic here......
thanks
THE DISC HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AMOUNT OF INSTALLATIONS.
IT IS THE LICENSE KEY THAT IS THE PROBLEM..
THE KEY THAT YOU MUST ENTER IS CAPTURED EVERY TIME YOU ACTIVATE.
MS COLLECTS EACH KEY ACTIVATION.
ONCE YOU REACH A THRESHOLD OF TIMES THAT KEY HAS BEEN ACTIVATED IT IS LOCKED OUT.
THE DISC CAN BE REUSED THOUSANDS OF TIMES ON THOUSANDS OF DIFFERENT PCS.
THE KEY CAN NOT BE REUSED ON MULTIPLE PCS.
UNDERSTAND?
It is for that reason you SHOULD be wary of buying supposed NEW license keys from any source other than MS (and yes MS will sell you a new key but don't expect any discounts).
You can buy discs which are used but those are not really legit or legal to do so.. The disc AND key are a package deal, MS never intended on the discs or keys to be sold separately to the public..
The ONLY exception to the activation rule is when you are dealing with a PC manufacturer restore disc.. Those discs as long as it is the SAME manufacturer DO NOT REQUIRE ACTIVATION..
Manufacturers like Dell and HP PREACTIVATE the PC, and as long as you use THEIR RESTORE DISC you should never ever ever be asked to activate the OS.. This is due to the special code string (which is not the actual key) that is created by that manufacturer and is put into the BIOS.. That code string tells Windows to ignore the activation..
Being you are building your own PCs you must activate the PC and the license key is your problem, not the disc.
