Question about Windows 7 OEM.

[Beefcake]

I'm getting ready to start assembling my first PC (after a year of buying parts) and the only thing I have left to get is the OS. I want to use Windows 7 but since it's rather outmoded the only thing I can find is Windows 7 OEM. From what I can gather if you use an OEM product and suffer say a hard drive crash that you then cannot reinstall the OS. Is this true? Or am I just confused as usual.

[TequilaChaser]

You can reinstall it....

Depending on how many times you do reinstall/activate it, you might have to call MS Support and get a new key....

Hope this helps

TC

[Chalenge]

What it comes down to is that the OS is married to the motherboard.

[Beefcake]

Thanks TC. Do you know if it comes with a key or do I have jump though MS's hoops to get it?

Hopefully I'll only have to install it once and unless something major happens.

[Beefcake]

What it comes down to is that the OS is married to the motherboard.

That's what I read but I wanted to be sure, I don't think I'll be swapping motherboards until it's time to upgrade again, and that shouldn't be for another 6-8 years.

[TequilaChaser]

Yep, it comes with a key

Retail disc comes with user manual, OEM disc doesn't there for it is cheaper

TC

[Bizman]

I haven't had to call Microsoft for activating a reinstall of Windows 7. With XP I had to use their answering machine quite often and even had to talk to a living person a couple of times.

One thing I've noticed especially when using the code on the sticker on <brand> computers: Although you type the code exactly right during the installation process and although the system checks for it to be correctly formulated and although you opt for the system to automatically activate it, the activation may not actually work! So during the first days when you've installed every critical update - you'll probably have to check the update settings a couple of times, the optional update check mark tends to reappear - go to Control Panel>System and manually activate your system online. It may say that the code you used during the installation is not valid despite all of the above, so click the option for giving a new code. Then simply type the same code you used for the installation. 

Again, right from the start during the installation, don't let Windows install optional updates with the critical ones, check the update settings after every bunch of updates and finally hide the ones preparing your system for Win10 per Skuzzy's list in http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,71591.msg4998528.html#msg4998528

[guncrasher]

I have reinstalled win 7 oem that I bought to a gateway computer replacing win vista then to my first build 6 months later, then to a new built 3 years later and then to my current mobo 2 years ago, after the last one failed.  so a total of 4 mobos and 2 complete different builds.  also on my current build, I have win 7 installed on 3 different HD's.  I only use 1 hd at a time then other 2 sit unconnected.  sometimes I'll swuitch just for the hell of it.

never had a problem.


semp


edit: 1 time I did have to call ms took me 5 minutes and that was it.

[MADe]

start>control panel>systems

On the tab at bottom should be listed your w7 product key, its with mine. You should be able to use that key with any fresh install of windows, keep your name associated with it. MS will look for multiple installs with that product key, as long as its the only active unit you should be alright. Or you never try an update or activate.

With that product code, you can use any install disc. At least I was able to use a single XP disc with 2 pc, separate id's............................ ...I had purchased 2 separate discs, 1 became damaged, kept the product keys.
luck

[MADe]

Read an article today, MS is forcing W 10 onto peeps.

Make sure you have auto updates disabled.
Make sure you remove the MS kb file................

http://betanews.com/2016/02/02/how-to-block-the-windows-10-recommended-update-on-windows-7-and-8-1/

[Skuzzy]

As far as the Windows 10 nagware goes, this might help: http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,71591.msg4998528.html#msg4998528

[guncrasher]

I have yet to receive a win10 nagware.

[Bizman]

I can verify the Win10 ad and the rest on Skuzzy's list still stay away by having the Recommended updates unchecked as has been described on MADe's post, even with automatic updates.

However, as some updates tend to put that check mark back, I've lately hidden the ones on the list.

Thank you Skuzzy, I have your list printed and when I explain what I'm doing according to the instructions written in a foreign language including technical terms my customers think I'm a highly qualified pro!

[Skuzzy]

You are welcome Bizman.

guncrasher, just crank up IE11 on Windows 7 and it will nag you, if you feel like you are missing out.

I have never gotten any nagging either and none of the computers at work have nagged any one about upgrading to Windows 10.

[guncrasher]

lol skuzzy, thanks to your recommendations I dont use IE for anything other than to download firefox and now pale moon.  cant remember the last time I used IE.


semp

edit: i actually had to google what IE was, I thought it was some code word you were using.