Some Vista and Win 7 questions

[Felix]

Hi.

I have some questions about the OS which I would like to have answered, as I'm unsure about what to do.

I bought a prebuild computer some years ago, and I have an OEM version of Vista 64.

Now I want to upgrade my MB and my cpu, and I don't know if I can use the same Vista, or the OS will see it as a new computer?

I want to also, buy a new HDD and get Windows 7, but I can't do it all in one go as I don't have the money for it. So I would want to do this in a few months from now. Then what? Do I get the Win 7 upgrade or do I buy a new Win 7 OEM. I will basically be switching harddisk and OS at that time.

Thanks for your advice.

[Boris]

Highly unlikely that Microsoft will let you use/re-activate your OEM Vista 64 on a completely different motherboard + CPU. :(

[Felix]

I was afraid so, but am also rather upset about this. Is that really the case, every time people upgrade their cpus, and have to get a new MB too, then Microsoft forces them to buy a new OS. It seems almost criminal to me. At least the actions of a monopoly.

[Boris]

CPU upgrades by themselves are usually OK, but doing that together with a motherboard upgrade (presumably with different RAM as well) is such a major change to the original OEM specification effectively creates a different machine.

A CPU change is a bit like replacing the engine on a car, When you at the same time replace the shell of the car with a completely different looking body - you effectively have a different vehicle, even though you may still use the original seats and running gear.

If you want to re-use the O/S you need to buy the more expensive Retail version of the O/S, rather than the cheap OEM O/S provided with pre-built PCs.