Quick question about Win 7
- Thread starter @Li3n
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Depends on which version is installed.
MSFT releases 2 main versions of their OS...the OEM version and the retail version. The retail version usually costs $100 or so more than the OEM one.
-OEM version can only be installed on one computer. Ever. Try to install it on another computer (whether the first one is still working or not) and it will fail the activation (unless you whine enough on the phone). Even if it is the same computer but a different motherboard, it will still fail. The activation code is tied to that specific hardware and will never work again unless that hardware is the same as the first activation. Yes, MSFT does account for upgrades (new video cards, etc) but you can't change too much too fast or again, you fail.
-Retail version can be moved to another computer, but no two computers can use the same activation code at the same time.
--Patrick
MSFT releases 2 main versions of their OS...the OEM version and the retail version. The retail version usually costs $100 or so more than the OEM one.
-OEM version can only be installed on one computer. Ever. Try to install it on another computer (whether the first one is still working or not) and it will fail the activation (unless you whine enough on the phone). Even if it is the same computer but a different motherboard, it will still fail. The activation code is tied to that specific hardware and will never work again unless that hardware is the same as the first activation. Yes, MSFT does account for upgrades (new video cards, etc) but you can't change too much too fast or again, you fail.
-Retail version can be moved to another computer, but no two computers can use the same activation code at the same time.
--Patrick
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TotalFusionOne
I haven't heard of a University Download thing with Win 7. I've heard of a "Give us your email and we'll email auth key while sending discs."
Also, keep in mind that with both the OEM and Retail the key works on 32 bit and 64 bit. You get to choose which version you actually want to install. Protip: It's 64.
Also, keep in mind that with both the OEM and Retail the key works on 32 bit and 64 bit. You get to choose which version you actually want to install. Protip: It's 64.
University student deal ($30 for download, $13 extra for a shipped disc) found at http://www.win741.com
Looking it over, it seems like a normal retail version, not OEM.
Looking it over, it seems like a normal retail version, not OEM.
Thing is, this one was for free... as was the XP i'm on right now... under this it seems: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/default.aspx
Not for the PC my brother has (but we d/l both).
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TotalFusionOne
My Win7 disc was shipped yesterday but I really, really want to start installing it tonight. Does anyone know if there is a way to change the key once you install it from a less-than-legal site? I mean I have obtained the software legally already so I don't feel like I'd be doing anything wrong by installing it before the disc actually gets here.
Note to ed: If it isn't okay to ask this question, feel free to redact. As far as I can tell I don't think I'm pushing against any rules...
figmentPez
Staff member
This is a case of YMMV. OEM copies of XP were supposed to be this way, but when my old PC died I used my OEM copy from it to set up dual-booting on my current computer, and I didn't have any problems installing at all. It had been a couple years since I changed hardware at all, but moving to new Mobo, CPU, video card, hard drive, etc. should have triggered it, but didn't.
---------- Post added at 08:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:20 PM ----------
I thought that was an upgrade version? In that case the EULA probably says it's for install on a singe PC and isn't eligible for transfer to different hardware.
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GeneralOrder24
XP was very lenient OEM wise. Since manufacturers shipped out thousands of identical machines, the majority of them shipped registered with a *default* key instead of registering the key that came with the machine. This meant that the OEM keys could theoretically be used to install on another machine with no issue, as the hardware was never associated with that key.
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TotalFusionOne
Just so you know? Windows 7 is awesome.
Just installed my version and, even though I lost 120gb of saved games and such, I couldn't be happier (However for some reason I never noticed how dirty my screen was in Vista.. Hrm)
Just installed my version and, even though I lost 120gb of saved games and such, I couldn't be happier (However for some reason I never noticed how dirty my screen was in Vista.. Hrm)
Yeah i saw, my brother installed it on his old PC (took out the net cable) and the mouse icon didn't lag behind like it did in XP (and even Linux).
For what it's worth, my old XP OEM key didn't work for some reason when installing anew (I had it running on 2 PC's at the time), so I rang up MS, got an automated system where I entered my old key and got myself a new one without even talking to anyone.
I would assume something similar is set up for Vista/7.
I would assume something similar is set up for Vista/7.
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TotalFusionOne
I'd just like to add that my Windows 7 64bit install is finished and, while I do have a couple of bugs using things like mIRC and such, it's faster and better than ever.
I'm getting a third again more FPS in WoW than I was before this install (From an average of 20 fps to 32fps in Taverns and the like) with greater graphical settings than I originally had. When I set everything to "Low" I'm getting 30 in the wilderness and 40 in the empty areas.
I'm getting a third again more FPS in WoW than I was before this install (From an average of 20 fps to 32fps in Taverns and the like) with greater graphical settings than I originally had. When I set everything to "Low" I'm getting 30 in the wilderness and 40 in the empty areas.
I wonder if that even available over here...
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TotalFusionOne
Uh, just so you guys know...
I've been bluescreening like a mofo. And having issues with my hard drive.Ran chkdisk over and over, but nothing seems to be fixing it.
I've been bluescreening like a mofo. And having issues with my hard drive.Ran chkdisk over and over, but nothing seems to be fixing it.
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TotalFusionOne
I actually have to come back and say "Sorry," because it turns out the bluescreens were being caused by PandaCloud which is what I used to use for Anti-virus.
Also, vis a vis my FPS in WoW? I lied. I'm getting 45+ in low populated areas and about 30+ all the time on Med-low settings. I bumped it up to med-high settings and I'm back to my old framerate that I'm used to, except now it looks like I'm watching a cartoon on TV. This is on a Dell Inspiron 1545 Dual Core with 3gb of ram and onboard video (Intel GM45)
Also, vis a vis my FPS in WoW? I lied. I'm getting 45+ in low populated areas and about 30+ all the time on Med-low settings. I bumped it up to med-high settings and I'm back to my old framerate that I'm used to, except now it looks like I'm watching a cartoon on TV. This is on a Dell Inspiron 1545 Dual Core with 3gb of ram and onboard video (Intel GM45)
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