dragosmp

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of upgrading the PCs in my home to Windows 7, and I was thinking of buying upgrade licenses since all the PCs are eligible.

My question is what happens if I massively upgrade a PC (like the sig rig). Will I be able to use the upgrade license again on the new build?

...putting it differently, is an upgrade license an OEM or Retail license, or does it follow the same regime as the upgraded license.

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tubesaddict

I don't have an answer, I'm not sure how the upgrade license works. My 2 minutes of googling found that others were saying it is tied to the license it is upgrading, so if that license is migratable, then Windows 7 will be. However, I do suggest an alternative. A Microsoft Technet subscription is $350. You get 10 licenses for every OS version. I don't know how many computers you have to upgrade, but the Technet subscription would be worth looking into.

TwoCables

Bump. I am wondering something similar. I used the double-install trick to install the Win7 Upgrade on my drive after having the installer wipe it completely clean. So, what I am concerned about is if it will allow me to do it again if I need to reformat and start over. lol

So, it would be great to learn from others who already have the experience.

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Willage

Upgrade follows the same licence rules as full retail copy does
so long as you upgraded from a full copy of windows (retail) you can change what you wish and easily reactivate

how ever if you upgraded from an OEM licence, it will follow the OEM rules
(the upgrade will be tied to the oem copy that is tied to the motherboard)

Volcom13

Buy retail and you won't have any doubts on any of this.

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Demented

This. I think that any of us overclockers should always buy full version retail, because with the increased possibility of system component damage, we are more likely to be replacing major parts. Full version retail gives me peace of mind knowing that no matter what, I'll always be able to install my OS.

Though I believe that the upgrades are Retail, so if you are able to perform a clean install once, then you SHOULD be able to additional times as well.

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skitzogreg

Just to add to this conversation, Retail/MSDN "upgrades" require you to go through an arduous phone activation when you change more than one major component. You all probably knew this, the reactivation is a pain in the rear, but only the first time. Let me explain.

If you look at my sig rig, I upgraded (at one point) to an MSI NF-980 motherboard and added another GTX-260. By doing so I had to reactivate Windows 7 over the phone. Some problems came up with that motherboard, I switched back, reinstalled 7, and I did not have to reactivate. Apparently Windows somehow stores all of your system information that has been added in the past. This being said, I would bet beyond anything that any major upgrades you do from an upgrade license will be treated the same. You should be good to go, but I'm not the final say on this (obviously).

Quantum Reality

Buy retail, he says. What, do we all look like we own money printing machines?

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TwoCables

With OEM, it's always the Full version and not an upgrade. But with retail, you can pick between Full and Upgrade. But Full or Upgrade, it's still retail and therefore the retail's EULA applies.

So, if one were to purchase the Upgrade media, it's still retail. Therefore, you can retire the system you installed it on and install that Upgrade copy on the new system. But with OEM, we are not supposed to be allowed to do that even though most people get away with it.
I apologize, but I disagree: I've never had a problem with the phone activation. Sure, it's a longer process, but for me, it's never been a big deal to have to talk to somebody for like 5-10 minutes just to get my fresh installation activated.
There is an online database kept that contains your Product Key. The Installation ID that was generated is like a finger print of your system the way it was when you installed Windows 7. That Installation ID is attached to (or associated with) your Product Key. So, if you change a component that is deemed to be "significant" (and I don't know what is significant other than the motherboard), then the database sends back a red flag, so to speak, and says "hey, this might not be the original system, Please prompt the user to re-activate Windows."

Once you re-activate (regardless of how it's done), your Product Key is updated with the new Installation ID (the new finger print), and the old one is deleted. So, if your system doesn't change at all, then you can reformat and re-install, and Activation should be possible over the internet unless you have already used up the 10 times or whatever it is with Retail. With OEM, it is 3 times. After that, it forces you to call. Usually, you shouldn't have to talk to ANYone. You should be able to activate with the automated phone system. But if you do that enough times, then it forces you to talk to somebody.

I am at the point with my XP Product Key where I have to talk to somebody every time I reformat because I have done it a few dozen times now. I have that Microsoft phone number in my speed dial too. hehe
The retail copy of Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade is usually only $119.99. But right now, Newegg has it for $114.99 shipped. It has been at this price for over a week now, so this deal may not last much longer.

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Volcom13

I'd rather spend money and know that I wont' have any problems then spend money and risk having it not work at all. That's like throwing money away.

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