Are Windows 7 discs tied to a PC?

-Note this thread wasn't made by me, due to issues with the forum, the original post was empty, consider this the first reply-

The license key is if it is an OEM key. If it is a retail key it isn't tied to a computer, but you can use the key on only one computer or the number of computers specified on the box. You can use the same windows disc to install on multiple PCs provided you have a valid activation key for each computer.

 

Do you mean the OEM version of Win7 that sometimes comes with an new notebook, if so i do not know.

You can use an retail windows 7 and Digital River version work with an OEM pre-activated key i have tried, I use ABR to copy the key from the stock oem Win7 installation and then do a fresh install, and then use ABR to re-install the key, works great on other 20+ notebooks from various manufactures.

John.

 

As you stated in the keys are a valid activation key for each computer and yes then that should work without any problem. Just make sure the OEM windows isn't a HP or Gateway or Dell OEM install it will only work with that computer it came.

 

Hmm, wonder how you guys were able to post..

Anyway, I just plan on using a Windows 7 Home Premium disc that came with one laptop, on another. Of course I'll be using the Activation key that is located under the sticker of the computer I plan to use the disc on.

 

Do you currently have OEM version of Win7 on that machine? , If so you can use ABR to copy the pre-activated key and then re-install it later.

John.

 

We are experiencing problems with the forum right now, but a quick reply works. Just for future reference i am not the OP, the thread was empty due to the issues i mentioned. However the title was explicit enough that i could answer. I would use ABR to backup the activation and install with the disc you have. Note that if you have a disc from Dell it will put the dell logo in the computer properties even if the computer isn't dell. It's cosmetic and won't pose any problem.

 

Oh I see, thanks for clearing that up. And yes, this is an original Windows disc. What is this ABR? Could I have a link to it please?
.

 

Here's the dl link for ABR: ABR Beta 1.7, basically what this does is make a copy of the OEM activation of windows and you can then reactivate your copy of windows with it. Make sure to install ABR and make the backup on a drive other than the one you will be reinstalling windows on.

 

Another drive? Like partitions?

 

Partition, flash drive, external drive. Anything that won't be wiped when you reinstall windows.

 

Oh ok, really appreciate your help!

 

I don't mean to hijack a thread but with the forum difficulties and the search function not working (for me at least), I thought I would post my question here as it seemed sort of relevant and similar?

Basically, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around "Win7 upgrade" and "OEM" and all the legality around it. At the moment, I'm running an OEM Vista home premium on my ACER laptop. Basically, I'm thinking of getting a new laptop with Win7 pro on it but installing the OS myself as I can get it cheaper than with the laptop reseller.

I think I'm correct in saying that if I simply get Win7 pro upgrade version, that wouldn't cut it right (because I'm only Home premium)? Therefore if I wanted to go Pro, I would basically have to get the full version?

But what if I stuck with Win7 home? Would the upgrade version for that work then, even though I'm installing it onto a new laptop? If I am limited to installing it onto this current laptop, would it be legal for me to then copy all the contents from this HDD onto my new laptop's HDD (or even physically move the HDD)?

Thanks for all the help and sorry that it got a bit long.