Using the OEM-version of Windows

Question to IT-managers

Got a new laptop from work, it has windows 7 32 bits Pro on it. The Windows 7 sticker on the back said it came with Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits on it. It also had a windows 7 ultimate x64 (of Dell) installation disk.

So I went to our IT-manager and ask him about it. He said that they put a default image on with difference lisence. The company does nothing with the OEM version, just registrated the purchase (with all identifying data) and users in case of misuse to track down possible offenders.

I asked him may I use it, he repeated with a laugh. The company does nothing with the OEM version, just registrated the purchase (with all identifying data) and users in case of misuse to track down possible offenders. Later on a colleque of mine told me he had used that version on his own PC, said it waqs okay: (Windows forum ) and( blog link)

So I backup my image and succeeded in installing a Dell OEM on my desktop.I don't mind a free upgrade from home to ultimate. I had ultimate on a laptop in the past. When the laptop died due to coffee accident, I refurbished my desktop and bought a Windows7 Home (died laptop had no installation disk, money of insurance did not cover a new laptop).

Anyone knows more about this (legal or not)? Thanks

 

Sounds to me like your company has a corporate license that includes x number of PC licenses. You and your buddy just reduced the install license count by two by installing that Ulimate version on your home PCs. Hopefully your company doesn't use a good IT auditor.

 

As I understand it, the PC's CAME with OEM ULTIMATE, the IT-manager replaced it with PRO images from his CORPORATE lisence

How come ?

 

Since you asked: no, that's a violation of the license agreement.

 

That seems to be the case, AFAIK. OEM licenses are tied to the hardware their included with and installed on. They can't be transferred to different hardware, but I believe it's okay to transfer to different end users, as long as it remains on the original hardware it's tied to.