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How does this system builders pack work? What are the restrictions?
I heard that its something specific about not being able to leave the hard drive you install it on? Or the computer? Or... one time install? I don't get it.
Reason is the computer I'm building now has a 7200 RPM Western Digital hard drive that I am going to have to install windows 7 on. But in the near future I am going to be getting a SSD hard drive for windows 7 and all my programs. But I dont know if I will be able to reinstall the system builders pack or not I cant get alot of info on it. Ive been reading the reviews and getting tid bits here and there but I dont know.
Do any of you know anything about how it works? Also if anyone knows any school discount sitesfor a full version not upgrade, thatd be cool...
How does the Windows 7 System Builders pack work?
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee
A system builder (OEM) license must be purchased along with computer hardware. Usually any computer hardware (e.g. a CPU, a floppy drive, etc.) will be sufficient. The restrictions are as follows:
1. There is no Microsoft support for the product - this is to say that if you're experiencing a problem with the OS (e.g. booting it up, etc.), you are responsible for troubleshooting the issue, i.e., you do not get free Microsoft phone support.
2. Technically, the license is tied to the hardware on which you installed it - this is to say that technically you can't install it on one computer, then tear that computer down and put the OS on a completely different system. In practice, however, they are usually flexible about this. I had one computer die on me, requiring a new CPU/Motherboard. When I rebuilt the system, I did a clean install. Naturally, the computer did not pass activation. When I called Microsoft, I explained that my last motherboard died and I had to replace it, and they were fine with that explanation. In your case (the hard drive), it is a semi-minor change and it may not be detected at all, and if it is detected you have a good chance of having a Microsoft rep allow the change. No guarantees, though...
And as for the full version of Windows 7, I'm including a link to a TechReport forum. Apparently, you can get the full version for $29.99 (not upgrade) by calling the number on the post and verifying a .edu address. I haven't tried it myself (I got mine through the win741 site, which is only for upgrade licenses).
1. There is no Microsoft support for the product - this is to say that if you're experiencing a problem with the OS (e.g. booting it up, etc.), you are responsible for troubleshooting the issue, i.e., you do not get free Microsoft phone support.
2. Technically, the license is tied to the hardware on which you installed it - this is to say that technically you can't install it on one computer, then tear that computer down and put the OS on a completely different system. In practice, however, they are usually flexible about this. I had one computer die on me, requiring a new CPU/Motherboard. When I rebuilt the system, I did a clean install. Naturally, the computer did not pass activation. When I called Microsoft, I explained that my last motherboard died and I had to replace it, and they were fine with that explanation. In your case (the hard drive), it is a semi-minor change and it may not be detected at all, and if it is detected you have a good chance of having a Microsoft rep allow the change. No guarantees, though...
And as for the full version of Windows 7, I'm including a link to a TechReport forum. Apparently, you can get the full version for $29.99 (not upgrade) by calling the number on the post and verifying a .edu address. I haven't tried it myself (I got mine through the win741 site, which is only for upgrade licenses).