Upgrading from XP to Windows 7

[Xylent]

With Windows 7 coming soon and a new computer to come with it I stumbled upon
some questions I need clarification on.

I currently have Windows XP OEM on this computer, which is 5 years old and
breaking down. Seeing that it is OEM, I won't be able to transfer the license
to a completely new computer to use an upgrade to Windows 7 with would I?

On the other hand, is it actually worth it to buy Windows 7 OEM with my new
computer (custom built) which likely will be upgraded totally 5 years down
the road (I hope I don't need to)? -or- Should I just buy Windows 7 Retail
which will in the end allow me to reuse it during the lifespan of the
operating system over many upgrades?

I kinda have to consider that Windows 7 should last 3 upgrades for me but if
I do get a quadcore system and a decent enough motherboard with a good
lifespan and that I also won't be using it as much since I'm in college or at
work more often... the OEM and that single upgrade might last me until the
new Windows OS comes out in the year 20xx.

So what is everyone's opinion on this, is it in the long run worth it to buy
OEM for a system that might last 4-5 years give or take plus the risk of
faulty parts that in the end cause me to have to rebuy the OEM again or just
dish out for a full retail copy and upgrade as much as I want for the next 15
years?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

You can post your questions here
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itproinstall/threads or here
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/GettingReadyforWindows7/threads.

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Help & How-to
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

WinXP (OEM or otherwise) is not a valid Upgrade path for Win7.

The only Win7 OEM version you should have installed should be the one that
came preinstalled on a new computer.

 

[Xylent]

As for my current copy of XP which is OEM, do I have any more use for it
because this computer would likely be recycled or kept in storage as spare
parts from another machine once I get a new computer?

What parts on this current machine with the OEM os should not be replaced to
prevent this current copy of XP from going invalid? Motherboard, cpu?


Thanks

 

[Bob I]

As for my current copy of XP which is OEM, do I have any more use for it
because this computer would likely be recycled or kept in storage as spare
parts from another machine once I get a new computer?

What parts on this current machine with the OEM os should not be replaced to
prevent this current copy of XP from going invalid? Motherboard, cpu?

That is determined by who supplied the computer and OS.

 

[Daave]

With Windows 7 coming soon and a new computer to come with it I
stumbled upon some questions I need clarification on.

I currently have Windows XP OEM on this computer, which is 5 years
old and breaking down. Seeing that it is OEM, I won't be able to
transfer the license to a completely new computer to use an upgrade
to Windows 7 with would I?

Not legally.

On the other hand, is it actually worth it to buy Windows 7 OEM with
my new computer (custom built) which likely will be upgraded totally
5 years down the road (I hope I don't need to)? -or- Should I just
buy Windows 7 Retail which will in the end allow me to reuse it
during the lifespan of the operating system over many upgrades?

If you don't intend to transfer it _ever_ and if you are near-absolutely
sure you won't be changing your mind, then an argument can be made for
purchasing the OEM version. Then again, for peace of mind, you might
want to pay the extra for the Retail version -- just in case.

I kinda have to consider that Windows 7 should last 3 upgrades for me
but if I do get a quadcore system and a decent enough motherboard
with a good lifespan and that I also won't be using it as much since
I'm in college or at work more often... the OEM and that single
upgrade might last me until the new Windows OS comes out in the year
20xx.

So what is everyone's opinion on this, is it in the long run worth it
to buy OEM for a system that might last 4-5 years give or take plus
the risk of faulty parts that in the end cause me to have to rebuy
the OEM again or just dish out for a full retail copy and upgrade as
much as I want for the next 15 years?

Toss-up IMO, considering this will be a brand-spanking new computer
which contains components with full warranties (and only if you are near
100% sure you won't ever transfer Windows 7 to another PC). If the extra
amount of money gives you piece of mind, however, Retail is the way to
go.

On a side and totally unrelated but somewhat close question. What if I
installed an OEM copy of 7 but then the motherboard or cpu breaks in
30 days (knock on wood)? Am I still a valid/legal Windows 7 OEM user
if I replace those parts?

Absolutely.