Windows 7 OEM or Retail? Which? and How?

Question

So, I was reading up on PC building, and I was gonna build myself a gaming rig.
But when it comes to installing an OS, I'm lost.
I did read up that OEMs are single-use licenses and can only be used once.
But with retail, I can use it as many times as I want on multiple computers, only one at a time.
Also, the retail has an upgrade option?

Was wondering. I have an old laptop still running windows vista, and I was planning on building a new PC. If I get Retail, could I install Windows 7 on my new PC, and at the same time upgrade my old laptop to it? That way I can have two Windows 7 computers, or would that not work? I'd think it would since the upgrade already has genuine windows licensing from Vista, while the new PC I'm building is the only one getting an actual new license.

Also, how do I install an OS onto a naked system? Do I just stick it into the optical drive and it'll do it automatically when I turn on my PC for the first time?

I know. I condensed like 3 questions into one. If anyone knows, I'd really appreciate your answers.

Answer 1

Your question is kinda complicated but here we go.



First, you'll need either the OEM or a full retail copy to install Windows 7 to a new hard drive. The upgrade copy can only upgrade a qualifying version of Windows already installed on the hard drive.



You will need to buy either an OEM or retail copy of Windows 7 for your new PC. To install it to a new computer, all you have to do is put it in the optical drive. The PC will start and tell you to hit a key to boot from the CD/DVD drive. If not you'll have to set the boot order in BIOS to make the CD/DVD drive the first boot device. The instructions for that will be in the manual for your motherboard.



To upgrade your laptop you have to buy the upgrade version of Windows 7 or an OEM or full retail copy. The upgrade version can do an in-place installation. You don't have to backup your files or programs. Just turn on the laptop, wait for Windows to start, then put in the DVD and being the installation. All your old programs and files will be kept.



I don't recommend the upgrade version. If you ever have to re-install the OS, you have to install Vista first, then use the Windows 7 upgrade DVD again. It's best to just get the OEM or retail copy. Copy the files you want to keep to an external hard drive then do a clean install (custom install). That way you can reinstall the OS in one go instead of two.

Answer 2

1.) OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer means the operating system is tied to the machine, usually the motherboard. If you are building a PC and you choose to use an OEM license that copy or really the Product Key can never be used on another computer. I believe it usually marks what type of motherboard it is being used on.



Retail - Can be used like you said, as many times as I want on multiple computers, only one at a time.



Upgrade - Is used to upgrade from an XP or Vista Install. However in reality this can be used to do a "clean" install http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media legality is in a grey area there.



2.) No, the PC laptop scenario would require two licenses. One retail or OEM for the computer you are building and one Upgrade or Retail for the laptop.



3.) When your computer turn on/boots it look for an operating system to run usually this is already installed on your hard drive and the computer is set to look there. However if it finds nothing on the hard drive it will continue through the boot order. Next is usually an optical drive and that is where it would find the Windows DVD and ask you if you want to boot to it. The boot order can be changed by going into the computer's BIOS and changing the option. To get into the BIOS a key usually something like F2 F10 F12 or Delete is pressed and tapped when you first turn on the computer. Google it depending on motherboard manufacturer or Computer manfacturer

Answer 3

First, licensing is for one machine only. No matter which version you buy, you cannot use the same key on two computers. The Vista license is only for Vista. You still need a Windows 7 license.



As for installation, make sure the BIOS is configured to boot from the optical drive. That should take care of it.

Answer 4

good day, right it incredibly is the thank you to confirm each thing on your device. obtain and run "computing gadget Wizard 2008" it incredibly is a unfastened application (you do not even could set up it...purely obtain and run the report). whilst it finishes scanning your device (takes a jiffy) purely click on "Configuration" then click on "working device". If the serial selection has "OEM" in the serial selection it incredibly is an o.e.m version. click on the working device serial selection and the 25 character product key would be displayed for you. this reachable application has been very reachable for me each and each time I had any questions approximately my device. desire this facilitates you too, Al