Complicated one! Transfering Windows 7

Bargain.hunter_4

Hi there,

Anyone with know how on this, I really would appreciate your help, as i do not want to get caught out by any microsoft smallprint.

I have just purchased a Desktop PC with no OS (trial of Win 7) which requires me to buy win 7.

I also have to buy a laptop.

As the laptop I intend to buy has Windows 7 Installed, can I use that product key on my desktop and then install a new OS (Linux) on the laptop.

Question is:

a: Will microsoft allow me to use the Win 7 license on my desktop as it has been delivered as part of the package on a laptop which has it pre-installed.

b: Can I install Linux on the laptop that has win 7 insalled (asus k53u - sx297v)? I do not really need windows on this machine, but woud like it to perform.

c: How simple would it be to install linux on the laptop asus k53u - sx297v) and which version (for an amateur) so it is simple to install, will pick up all drivers and hardware and will be easy to use.

Any help is much appreiated

Bargain.hunter_4

Apologies for the spelling on the header! Cant seem to edit!

toastydave

Hello,

A, No the windows for your laptop is a OEM version and non transferable

B, Yes if you like

C, easy to install, try Ubuntu works ok, but honestly Windows 7 is more user friendly and compatible

Why not try Ubuntu and your desktop PC?

Cisco001

If you want linux on laptop, make sure you dual boot, not wipe the Win 7.

Bargain.hunter_4

toastydave wrote: »

Hello,

A, No the windows for your laptop is a OEM version and non transferable

B, Yes if you like

C, easy to install, try Ubuntu works ok, but honestly Windows 7 is more user friendly and compatible

Why not try Ubuntu and your desktop PC?

Thats a shame, as I dont need windows on the laptop, but do on desktop.

Surely if I have paid for a bundle, which includes windows, I have made a purchase and thus, can use on any machine. ie, if i purchase a piece of software and my machine breaks i can install it on my new machine, why should windows be different?

The desktop is going to be used for video from my sony camcorder and for sharing / streaming across my network. Not sure ubuntu will work with this and also, not sure i will get same performance / compatibility. This really relates back to your point c.

Laptop, is for kids, so doesnt matter about what OS there is on it as its mainly for surfing and youtube

bluesnake

(a) this is a complex question as there were 6 different versions of windows 7. Then you get OEM version which is often licensed to the laptop and usually checks that the bios does belong to the manufacturer. These often use a volume licence key. A good explanation is here http://www.guytechie.com/articles/2010/2/25/how-slp-and-slic-works.html

The correct answer is that it depends on the license agreement, however generally oem licenses are not transferable. A privately bought package my be transferable, but too depends n the agreement.

(b) not sure, but would expect it to work. I would not do this yet till you were happy with the os - read below.

(c) Try them all. Ok, since you are learning I would suggest you cheat. Download virtualbox -it is free and very good. Now build virtual linux PCs till you find one you are happy with. OK often moving graphics, and games suffer a bit when running in virtual mode, but the flexibility usually outweighs the cons

bluesnake

Bargain.hunter wrote: »

The desktop is going to be used for video from my sony camcorder and for sharing / streaming across my network.

If your Pc is on say 24/7, the power it consumes over a year may cost more than this HP ProLiant MicroServer N40L (about £100) plus the power it uses. People are buying this server due to low power consumption, and a few popular uses: (1)vmware training and (2) a 4 drive nas box that download from the net and also acts as a streaming media centre.

debitcardmayhem

Bargain.hunter wrote: »

Thats a shame, as I dont need windows on the laptop, but do on desktop.

Surely if I have paid for a bundle, which includes windows, I have made a purchase and thus, can use on any machine. ie, if i purchase a piece of software and my machine breaks i can install it on my new machine, why should windows be different?

The desktop is going to be used for video from my sony camcorder and for sharing / streaming across my network. Not sure ubuntu will work with this and also, not sure i will get same performance / compatibility. This really relates back to your point c.

Laptop, is for kids, so doesnt matter about what OS there is on it as its mainly for surfing and youtube

You cannot transfer the OEM license to the desktop. But linux will almost certainly do what you want .

Bargain.hunter_4

bluesnake wrote: »

(a) this is a complex question as there were 6 different versions of windows 7. Then you get OEM version which is often licensed to the laptop and usually checks that the bios does belong to the manufacturer. These often use a volume licence key. A good explanation is here http://www.guytechie.com/articles/2010/2/25/how-slp-and-slic-works.html

The correct answer is that it depends on the license agreement, however generally oem licenses are not transferable. A privately bought package my be transferable, but too depends n the agreement.

(b) not sure, but would expect it to work. I would not do this yet till you were happy with the os - read below.

(c) Try them all. Ok, since you are learning I would suggest you cheat. Download virtualbox -it is free and very good. Now build virtual linux PCs till you find one you are happy with. OK often moving graphics, and games suffer a bit when running in virtual mode, but the flexibility usually outweighs the cons

This is the laptop http://www.ebuyer.com/294486-asus-k53u-laptop-k53u-sx297v

I assume this is one of those locked windows OS machines.

I will have to also start a post to see if this is a decent machine. Just looking for cheap and cheerful for the kids, but it seems they are all starting at the £250 mark

NiftyDigits

Tell us more about the PC. Specifications. Motherboard etc.

Pikeyp

You can run Linux off a USB stick if that helps .. just about any version of Linux you can think of!

Look here ... http://www.pendrivelinux.com/