Advice Please!

Hey guys so my laptop died and I am replacing it with a desktop (that I'm building) and I have a much debated question to go with it.

Here is my question: My laptop was an Asus G73. I had OEM windows installed. My GPU went out on me. I really would like to use this copy of windows 7 but from everything I have read, that would violate the License Agreement. My new Motherboard is also an Asus. (if that makes any difference)

Is there any way I can legally install my copy of win 7 to my new desktop?

If not, what do you guys recommend? Drink the cool-aide and upgrade to windows 8? Im not a fan of win 8 right now but im sure it will grow on me. I need to be able to use MS Word, Chrome, Firefox, and would like BF3.

Thanks guys! Ive researched this issue a ton and I really dont want to do something illegal. From what Ive read, I can get my copy of windows to work on my new desktop and update, but it would be violating the contract.

 

No.

That is the difference between OEM and Retail licenses and why latter costs like 3x more. License wise, Retail can be transferred to a new computer when you feel like it and remove the old installation. OEM is tied to the setup it came with/was first activated in.

While that could be technically done, it is just as legit as some random keygenerator/activator install would be.

 

As the OEM key is intended for single use on that system alone, it does violate the terms of agreement (EULA).

Can i install windows 7 oem on a different computer? - general-discussion - windows-7

However - if you contact Microsoft support during activation and explain that you are trying to use this for a new system, they MAY issue you an activation code. I've read that someone else on tomshardware.com has never had an issue with doing this using XP, and they've done so multiple times.

Whether you get the automated system or a live rep, the important question from them is "how many systems will you be installing this on?". Obviously you want to answer "1". Otherwise, they will want you to purchase a multi-user license.

 

Even if one manages to activate the OEM license in another computer, it still doesn't make it legit.

 

Being Legit is one things(OEM wise) and asking MS to activate the license is another. If they are willing to allow for it then he did it legitimately and legally. If they refuse then so be it and thats that.

 

Thanks guys! I researched it a bit more and Prostar, I believe he was only able to do this because it was XP. The license agreement changed for win 7. I think I will contact someone at microsoft though. I am essentially replacing my computer with virtually the same, same Mobo brand etc. Its worth a shot, the worst they can say is no! I have heard rumors that people have gotten the OEM version to work on a new computer since the motherboard was essentially equivalent to the old one.

Otherwise, Ill look for a cheap legit copy of windows. Since win 8 is out now, win 7 may become available at cheaper prices. Not holding my breath tho...

 

Sounds good and will do! Who knows, sometimes CS can actually help? LOL If i cant do it, I can always just run the 30 day trial till I have the cash to buy a license.

@Indrek, I understand what you mean and sorry for my confusing. What I meant is that according to the license agreement the motherboard is the only part of the computer tied to the OEM license (I'm sure its tied by model number not just brand or something like that).

In cases where a motherboard replacement is needed, the customer can call Microsoft to tell them that the motherboard was replaced (Granted this is not my case because I am building a desktop and coming from a laptop)

So im with you guys. I doubt I can use my old license. But if I cant, Ill pick a copy up at my college bookstore

 

Well it doesn't hurt to try. Let us know what they say! Does your school give you a discount? You can probably find W7 at a discount at this time of year - especially with the etailers (I think the retailers don't stock it anymore).