is it true that windows 7 can only be installed on 1 computer?

Question

I bought windows 7 last week and today my motherboard died so i ordered a better motherboard. I then saw online some people talking on threads about not being able to upgrade their motherboard with windows 7 that you need to buy a new copy of windows 7 because when it is installed it binds itself to the motherboard you have. is this true? I will be pretty upset if I have to get another windows 7 disc after only a week

Answer 1

Hello. I am a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and spent many years working as a Microsoft Certified Trainer as well. I have seen this scenario often.



It is not 'completely' true that you can only install Windows 7 on 1 computer.



The EULA (end user licensing agreement) that many people like to quote as saying 1 license (purchase) per computer can scare off legitimate users such as yourself.



You have a genuine need to install your windows a second time because you have 'upgraded' your PC.



In your case simply re-install windows using your original serial number. This will often work with no problems at all. However if Windows 7 detects that you have installed your OS (operating system) too many times you will usually get a popup window when trying to "activate" windows. This window will provide you with an automated telephone number to call in order to activate.



You will then simply cal a toll free number and type in your serial number with your telephone handset. It will then provide you with a validation code to allow you to complete your activation !



I have done this several times due to frequent upgrades and a closet full of old parts.



Your statement "I bought windows 7 last week and today my motherboard died so I ordered a better motherboard." - leads us to believe that Windows 7 was not bundled with your system and likely purchased at retail (motherboard dying 1 week after purchase would have qualified for a warranty replacement at most retailers and you would not be in this situation if that was the case).



Enjoy

Answer 2

No.



Just use OOBE (Out-Of the-Box-Experience).



1. Press the Start button.

2. Type sysprep.exe and then hit enter.

3. Make sure it's set to "Enter System Out-Of the-Box-Experience" and the second line is set to "Shutdown."

4. Hit okay.



It should shutdown and boot from the beginning. It will make you create a new account as if you just turned on your computer for the first time. After you make another account, you should be able to access your old account with all your files intact (excluding the start menu from having all your program shortcuts.) When you check system properties though, it will say that you need to activate windows. Just use the serial code that is on the side of your case and you should be all set.



I believe you can only do this once with an OEM copy of Win7 and there is a chance you may lose all your data, or have to contact Microsoft for another key. Fortunately for me, I did it this way after ordering a new mobo and it works perfectly fine.



If you can't find sysprep through the search bar, then just go to Computer\Windows\System32\sysprep and go from there (sysprep.exe). You can also use Google.



So again, you DO NOT have to purchase a new copy of Win7. Just make sure you back up your data, just in case.

Answer 3

depends on what kind of windows 7 you are talking about!!



Mostly on laptop, you'll see underneath a little "hologram", it's a certificate of authenticity(COA) - it's the hologram that supposedly shows that a piece of software is genuine and legitimate!



when you've purchased a laptop genuinely, it came up with a Windows 7 DVD+the serial number!

Then serial number should match with the COA then you can install it on the laptop!



But an OEM windows, you can install it that on every computer you want!!

Answer 4

> OEM pre-installed = not transferable



> OEM system builder = not transferable



> Retail FPP(Full Packaged Product) = Transferable



you can replace every component in the system on either OEM types except the motherboard

replacing the motherboard even if you reuse every other component from the original system MS calls it a new system and requires another OS purchase

Answer 5

Yes