Question on Windows vista/7 on a new system

Well this may be an easy answer but I guess I am confused by all the options and packaging and now disclaimers. Ok I am building a system from scratch a basic gaming computer and I need to buy an OS. The vista has the free upgrade coupon available which is attractive since the price is lower then what 7 will be released at. But the disclaimer on new egg is getting me nervous. I would like an OS that if I choose to put a new Motherboard / hard drive later on I can put it in and move on. I have a board with one express slot well what if later I want to got sli / crossfire I will need to get a new motherboard. Or worse yet the board burns out and they board was obsoleted and you can no longer find an exact replacement. Anyway I ask what would be my best priced option. I shop primarily new egg but if it’s a reputable site I could switch.

Example;

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee – OEM

Disclaimer
Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.

Thanks,

Pain

If you're a regular upgrader, the simple act of changing your motherboard necessitates you buying a full, retail version of Windows.

There are various workarounds, but they're not 100% guaranteed to work and their legality is dubious at best.

So what happens if you lose (burn-out) the motherboard ? you lose the OS as well ?

In some cases if it doesn't let you use the key you can call up Microsoft and explain the reason for needing to reinstall and they can reactivate the license.

Alternatively a Retail license of Windows will give you more flexibility for installs.

To save costs in the short term you can always get the Windows 7 Release Candidate.

No. You just buy a new motherboard and reinstall Vista simple as that.

I ran into the same thing you're wondering Painbringer, I've reinstalled it 3 times (all on purpose) on 3 different rigs, all worked wonderfully

It does work. I've done it many times myself. But I can't guarantee it.

"Legally," an OEM OS is tied to the machine on which it was installed and, to all intents and purposes, this means the motherboard. You will usually find that calling the re-activation hotline is a simple fix, but you just can't be certain.

Do you have a retail or OEM edition? Retail version is higher price and allows "I think" you to do it multiple times but you can have only one running at a time.

The OEM versions of Windows are tied to the particular machine they are installed on. If, for example, the motherboard fried in your OEM machine you should be able to replace the motherboard with the same model with no problems. On some pre-built units, (Dell, etc.) you can sometimes replace parts with MS/vendor approved replacements without trouble - you'd have to check with the manufacturer.

If you are buying Windows for use in your own machine and you tend to upgrade/replace things often, the overall best trouble-free approach is (unfortunately) to buy the full Retail version.

yeah, retail is the safe way to go, but I have installed Windows many times with the same OEM disc and not had a problem (yes the installs were legit), sometimes you have to call Microsoft's hotline; which usually takes 5-6 minutes if you call during non-peak times (ie don't call at 7pm Friday).

LOL at spambot

Like Snog clearly said, with OEM you get no guarantee that "workarounds" will work, so you can be forced to buy an OS again with any hardware change. Most people will be ok with that, but make sure you're not likely to buy a hardware upgrade in the next year or so. Weight carefully the price advantage against the freedom to modify your hardware, only you should know what's likely to happen in your future (i.e., if someone offers you a new graphics card or CPU, or you get more money and go and buy them).

This may be of help to you:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/3515...t-oem-versions

Very interesting thanks for the link

So I guess its OEM for a hunderd and if something goes wrong call and beg to reactivate. Worse comes to worse buy a new cope of OEM and you would have spent the same amount of money.

Until the 3rd upgrade.....