win7 64bit OEM questions

[next-apex]

Hey guys, I recently got my new computer up and running, everything is going great But i have a couple questions about an ssd upgrade im planning next month.....

I always planned to have this rig running an OCZ vertex3 120GB boot drive, but as i didnt have the money at the time and wanted to make sure everything was working, i installed WIN7 OEM on a WD Cav Blk HDD.....

First Question - Do i have to buy a new WIN7 OEM for the SSD? or can i use the one i have already installed on the HDD?

thanks

[glc]

Reinstall what you have, and if you have activation issues call Microsoft and explain what you did.

[next-apex]

im just guna get a new lic.
:S

[glc]

You won't need a new license.

[kilgoretrout]

According to MS's rules, OEM copies of any Windows OS are tied to one particular motherboard and CPU. Change either of those components and, in theory, you need to buy a new license. You are free to change any other components so long as the motherboard and CPU remain the same.

As glc noted, changing components other than the CPU or motherboard, may trigger issues with MS's automatic activation and then you need to call MS; a phone number is provided if an activation issue is encountered. It's a routine process and you are not asking for anything you are not entitled to. In fact, in the past, MS would routinely give you an activation code for an OEM copy of windows even if you changed out the CPU or motherboard.

[RE2]

I have the same OEM version of XP I purchased eight years ago and technically yes it's tied to the system, however Microsoft has activated it every single time for me without argument over the years. When I call in to activate the main question that they want answered, "Is this copy installed on one machine only?" Of course they want to hear "Yes", and since I have always used it on only one machine at a time and there aren't a zillion copies of my key out there, they activate it. I bet if you started giving out your keys or you install it on several machines at once they will see tons of different hardware hashes for the same key and it will raise some red flags on their end.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Microsoft gives people the benefit of the doubt on account of failing hardware that needs to be replaced, sometimes with newer parts as the old ones become unavailable.

[rwest]

I also have activated my copy of XP multiple times. Calling MS has become an expected routine everytime I reload that OS. No need to buy a new license, they will activate it, as long its only on one unit.

It's even automated now, you may not even get to speak to a rep. One of the prompts will be: Have you installed a new....?

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by kilgoretrout According to MS's rules, OEM copies of any Windows OS are tied to one particular motherboard and CPU. Change either of those components and, in theory, you need to buy a new license. You are free to change any other components so long as the motherboard and CPU remain the same. As glc noted, changing components other than the CPU or motherboard, may trigger issues with MS's automatic activation and then you need to call MS; a phone number is provided if an activation issue is encountered. It's a routine process and you are not asking for anything you are not entitled to. In fact, in the past, MS would routinely give you an activation code for an OEM copy of windows even if you changed out the CPU or motherboard.

I have had it ask to reactivate when replacing DVD Burners.
Micro$oft paranoia!