Windows versions and activation
The legality of what version of Windows is murky, at best.
Keep in mind I am no lawyer.
OEM is designed only for system builders. You are on your own for support (you can't call Microsoft). Recently a post on Zdnet indicated that amateur system builders / DIY'ers are not allowed to use OEM Windows. If you buy it, you're in grey-market terrain, at best.
Upgrade versions usually check for previous version of Windows or require the disk. I haven't had good luck with this since most manufacturers don't give you the full Windows disk; just a disk image.
Full versions, you know what this is.
As for activation, I haven't checked what Windows 7 requires, but generally there is a "fingerprint" of system hardware; if this changes that re-triggers activation.
I haven't tested this, but I understand the phone support folks are really understanding.
The legality of what version of Windows is murky, at best.
Keep in mind I am no lawyer.
OEM is designed only for system builders. You are on your own for support (you can't call Microsoft). Recently a post on Zdnet indicated that amateur system builders / DIY'ers are not allowed to use OEM Windows. If you buy it, you're in grey-market terrain, at best.
Upgrade versions usually check for previous version of Windows or require the disk. I haven't had good luck with this since most manufacturers don't give you the full Windows disk; just a disk image.
Full versions, you know what this is.
As for activation, I haven't checked what Windows 7 requires, but generally there is a "fingerprint" of system hardware; if this changes that re-triggers activation.
I haven't tested this, but I understand the phone support folks are really understanding.