New PC, using my version of windows from old PC

Forums › Microsoft Windows › New PC, using my version of windows from old PC

beenz

644 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 32

ID Verified

#154071 17-Oct-2014 09:38

Hi

Current PC is running windows.

I am upgrading my PC for a brand new system (without the OS)

Old PC is being sold for parts only, however want to use the windows disk for the new machine.

I believe I might have some activation issues, what is the best way to solve this (my version of windows is OEM so linked to hardware but has the activation stickers)

thanks

Bernard

Stu

Hammered
8738 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2390

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1156580 17-Oct-2014 09:42

Simply put, you'll need to buy a new licence. You cannot move an OEM licence to another computer.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies -

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? If so, please consider supporting us by subscribing.

No matter where you go, there you are.

1101

3141 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1143

#1156645 17-Oct-2014 10:25

You are basically asking how to pirate software .
No one here can really tell you how to do this .

Win7 OEM is really cheap, & still available. Just buy it.
Or Win8 OEM .

sidefx

3775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1295

Trusted

#1156666 17-Oct-2014 10:46

1101: You are basically asking how to pirate software .

Well that escalated quickly :P Perhaps the OP just doesn't know the ins and outs of how the OEM licensing\activation works for Windows. It's not like it's a simple subject...

For the OP: My understanding is that the license (and activation) for an OEM copy of Windows is tied to the motherboard of the computer. If this changes then from a legal (and activation) perspective you need to buy a new license.

EDIT: BTW, here's a fairly good breakdown of what you can and can't do with regards to an OEM license: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/replacing-motherboard-on-system-running-oem/9aed1ae6-99f9-477a-940b-d8d9003f9246
(It also illustrates why there is confusion. There's no way anything there could be interpreted as allowing what the OP is considering though.)

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." | Octopus Energy | Sharesies
- Richard Feynman

Dairyxox

1595 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 455

#1156670 17-Oct-2014 10:51

Retail YES, oem NO.

1101

3141 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1143

#1159154 21-Oct-2014 11:54

sidefx:
1101: You are basically asking how to pirate software .

Well that escalated quickly :P Perhaps the OP just doesn't know the ins and outs of how the OEM licensing\activation works for Windows. It's not like it's a simple subject...

He knew , he even said so in his post.
"my version of windows is OEM so linked to hardware but has the activation stickers"
"I believe I might have some activation issues"