Windows 8 licensing

dirtyvu

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Can anyone answer this question for me?


I'm currently testing the Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation version on a old HP TX2000 laptop. I'm having some problems because I can't get proper driver support for the Nvidia chipset (I used a modified INF with the most current, but still ancient, driver from laptopvideo2go). I'm also having difficulty installing Windows 8 with my Intel SSD (but works perfectly for my standard hard drive).


I'd like to get Windows 8 for the laptop because I'm still enjoying the experience. But if I see the same problems with the retail edition, I'd like to instead use Windows 8 on a different PC and revert back to Windows 7 for the old laptop.


Now for the licensing question... Can I install the Windows 8 Pro edition on another PC? Especially if I delete it off the old laptop? I don't remember how licensing works exactly. I know it's tied somewhat to the hardware being installed on. So I was afraid if I first install on the laptop and it's not a success, that I can't use it on my desktop PC.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
There are two versions of Windows 8 Pro. The Upgrade and OEM/System Builder. The Upgrade can be transferred to another PC provided that PC has a licensed copy of XP, Vista or Win 7 installed at time of upgrade and gives you a choice to Upgrade or do a clean install. It has been stated that the OEM/System Builder, under the Personal Use License, can be transferred to another PC that you own but this has not been 100% verified by MS. It does not require a previous version to be on your system. Either version can be on only one PC at a time so needs to be removed from old PC. Under Windows 7 the OEM version is locked to the first PC but looks like that has changed with Windows 8.

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
The problem is that Windows 8 requires an updated driver model, WDDM 1.2, and the ancient 6150 drivers (even for the hacked drivers) don't support this.

I think it's unlikely you will ever get Windows 8 to run well on a Go 6150.

In any event. What you can do depends entirely upon what edition you get. Are you referring specifically to the $40 upgrade? If so, then Microsoft's faq on this matter answers this question:

Windows Upgrade Offer - FAQ

"Do I have to install the Windows 8 upgrade on the eligible PC, or can I install it on another PC? The upgrade offer is tied to a Windows 7 PC purchased from June 2nd, 2012 through January 31, 2013, but you can choose to redeem the offer and install the upgrade on any compatible Windows-based PC with a qualifying base operating system. "
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
The problem is that Windows 8 requires an updated driver model, WDDM 1.2, and the ancient 6150 drivers (even for the hacked drivers) don't support this.

I think it's unlikely you will ever get Windows 8 to run well on a Go 6150.

In any event. What you can do depends entirely upon what edition you get. Are you referring specifically to the $40 upgrade? If so, then Microsoft's faq on this matter answers this question:

Windows Upgrade Offer - FAQ

"Do I have to install the Windows 8 upgrade on the eligible PC, or can I install it on another PC? The upgrade offer is tied to a Windows 7 PC purchased from June 2nd, 2012 through January 31, 2013, but you can choose to redeem the offer and install the upgrade on any compatible Windows-based PC with a qualifying base operating system. "

First off, I'd really like that thank you guys for helping me out. It's very much appreciated! :D

I was looking at the great Amazon deal: $70 for the full Pro edition with a $30 Amazon credit back.

Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 8 Pro: Software

edit: I'm looking at the Amazon thing more closely... is this the upgrade edition???

I don't want any kind of "upgrade" edition because my experience with the upgrade edition were 2 scenarios:

1) Either you have to first install the old operating system before you can install the upgrade. So if I ever wanted to build a new PC, I'd have to install Windows 7 first before installing Windows 8. That's a lot of wasted time.
or
2) During the installation of the upgrade, you had to put in the old OS disc which would be enough. But I remember a situation where I couldn't find my old disc so until I found it, I was totally stuck. It took me a week to find that disc! That's been my bad experiences with the upgrade version.

As for the Go 6150, yes, even after getting the hacked driver to work (which allowed me to run the laptop at 1280x800 instead of the horribly stretched 1024x768 Microsoft default driver), I ran into problems when I tried out the Metro version of Netflix. I got an encryption error and an error message about the driver which I assume is because it was not an official driver but a hacked version of an old driver.

So walk me through the process...

I install Windows 8 on the laptop. It doesn't run well and will never run well on this laptop. I then decide to wipe out the laptop and go back to Windows 7. I can then install Windows 8 on another PC? I don't have to worry about the Windows 8 being tied to the laptop?

I read from another forum from another poster that said that until you activate it, it's not tied to any system but once you activate, it's tied. But Phone Man said that's no longer the case? Is there a link I can read that says that?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3930K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X79s
    Memory
    16.0GB Corsair Dominator DDR3-1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX 680
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster ZxR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2711 and 2407WFP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    3 x SSD
    Mix of 2, 3 and 4 TB Hard Drives
    PSU
    Corsair HX1050
    Case
    Lian Li Diamond Series PC-Z70 Full Tower, Black
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Revolution
    Internet Speed
    20mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast Free and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro
    Other Info
    Win 8.1.1 and Office 2013 via Virtualbox
The problem is that Windows 8 requires an updated driver model, WDDM 1.2, and the ancient 6150 drivers (even for the hacked drivers) don't support this.

I think it's unlikely you will ever get Windows 8 to run well on a Go 6150.

In any event. What you can do depends entirely upon what edition you get. Are you referring specifically to the $40 upgrade? If so, then Microsoft's faq on this matter answers this question:

Windows Upgrade Offer - FAQ

"Do I have to install the Windows 8 upgrade on the eligible PC, or can I install it on another PC? The upgrade offer is tied to a Windows 7 PC purchased from June 2nd, 2012 through January 31, 2013, but you can choose to redeem the offer and install the upgrade on any compatible Windows-based PC with a qualifying base operating system. "

First off, I'd really like that thank you guys for helping me out. It's very much appreciated! :D

I was looking at the great Amazon deal: $70 for the full Pro edition with a $30 Amazon credit back.

Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 8 Pro: Software

edit: I'm looking at the Amazon thing more closely... is this the upgrade edition???

I don't want any kind of "upgrade" edition because my experience with the upgrade edition were 2 scenarios:

1) Either you have to first install the old operating system before you can install the upgrade. So if I ever wanted to build a new PC, I'd have to install Windows 7 first before installing Windows 8. That's a lot of wasted time.
or
2) During the installation of the upgrade, you had to put in the old OS disc which would be enough. But I remember a situation where I couldn't find my old disc so until I found it, I was totally stuck. It took me a week to find that disc! That's been my bad experiences with the upgrade version.

As for the Go 6150, yes, even after getting the hacked driver to work (which allowed me to run the laptop at 1280x800 instead of the horribly stretched 1024x768 Microsoft default driver), I ran into problems when I tried out the Metro version of Netflix. I got an encryption error and an error message about the driver which I assume is because it was not an official driver but a hacked version of an old driver.

So walk me through the process...

I install Windows 8 on the laptop. It doesn't run well and will never run well on this laptop. I then decide to wipe out the laptop and go back to Windows 7. I can then install Windows 8 on another PC? I don't have to worry about the Windows 8 being tied to the laptop?

I read from another forum from another poster that said that until you activate it, it's not tied to any system but once you activate, it's tied. But Phone Man said that's no longer the case? Is there a link I can read that says that?

Read this article from Ed Bott. This is where he talks about the new license agreement for the OEM/System Builder Personal Use License which lets you transfer the license. But as I have said it has not been verified by MS. See page two. Also the first thing that is required during install is putting in the key, and then it gets auto activated.

How the new Windows 8 license terms affect you | ZDNet

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
From what I got out of Ed Bott's article you can move the OEM/System Builders version to another computer that you own.
The Upgrade can also be moved to another computer if it has an activated version of XP, Vista or Windows 7.
If you don't want to worry about having XP, Vista or Windows 7, installed, then the OEM/System Builders version is what you want.

Just for information, from 26 Oct to 31 Jan you can download Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $39.99.
Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
How much is the OEM/System builder Pro version on DVD disc bought in shop during the offer period?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ult Reatil & Win 8 Pro OEM
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Built as DIY
    CPU
    6 core 12 thread & 4 core
    Motherboard
    Inel Extreme & Intel standard
    Memory
    12GB & 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    3 top end SLI linked & onboard
    Sound Card
    In built in graphics card & onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24 & 23 inch Samsung LED backlit
    Screen Resolution
    High def
    Hard Drives
    Corsair Force 128GB SATA3 SSDs in each machine. Plus several external USB3 and eSATA spinner HDs
From Newegg:

Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Upgrade
Upgrade from Windows XP, Vista and 7
$69.99 (same price at the Microsoft store)

Release Date: 10/26/2012
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM
$99.99

Release Date: 10/26/2012
Microsoft Windows 8 Professional 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM (W/Disk)
$139.99
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
Thanks guys appreciate the info re Newegg. :thumb: :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ult Reatil & Win 8 Pro OEM
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Built as DIY
    CPU
    6 core 12 thread & 4 core
    Motherboard
    Inel Extreme & Intel standard
    Memory
    12GB & 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    3 top end SLI linked & onboard
    Sound Card
    In built in graphics card & onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24 & 23 inch Samsung LED backlit
    Screen Resolution
    High def
    Hard Drives
    Corsair Force 128GB SATA3 SSDs in each machine. Plus several external USB3 and eSATA spinner HDs
Promo codes are required for the NewEgg deal. For Windows 8 Core the code is EMCJNJA83. For Windows 8 Pro it's EMCJNJA87.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update 2 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Exteme4
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVidia 760
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk Extreme SSD 240GB (OS)
    Western Digital 1TB (Data)
    Hitachi 2TB (Media Drive)
    PSU
    Corsair HX Professional Series 750-Watt
    Case
    Corsair Carbide Series 400R Mid Tower
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series H80 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech T400
Thank you Thunerclap for the codes. Really appreciated. M :thumb: :D I've been given the red carpet treatment by you guys. Cheers.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ult Reatil & Win 8 Pro OEM
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Built as DIY
    CPU
    6 core 12 thread & 4 core
    Motherboard
    Inel Extreme & Intel standard
    Memory
    12GB & 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    3 top end SLI linked & onboard
    Sound Card
    In built in graphics card & onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24 & 23 inch Samsung LED backlit
    Screen Resolution
    High def
    Hard Drives
    Corsair Force 128GB SATA3 SSDs in each machine. Plus several external USB3 and eSATA spinner HDs

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
Uhh... these were listed above. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update 2 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Exteme4
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVidia 760
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk Extreme SSD 240GB (OS)
    Western Digital 1TB (Data)
    Hitachi 2TB (Media Drive)
    PSU
    Corsair HX Professional Series 750-Watt
    Case
    Corsair Carbide Series 400R Mid Tower
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series H80 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech T400
Yep
Just saw this sale price today, was posted previously.

Just clarifying that I missed it and adding a link.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
I posted this in another thread, please read this for more information for those concerned....


Windows 8 System Builder Software

EDIT: Everything you want to know about System Builder License as it stands right now today
OEM System Builder Licensing

There is still a whole lot of confusion surrounding System Builder....

While System Builder may have a Personal Use License according to NewEgg...

Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM

Disclaimer: Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.

Remember: OEM is not transferable from one system to another.

Also, if you have a non-OEM of any other version (XP, Vista, 7) it is transferrable and so SHOULD the Win8 Upgrade with it.

There are all legal stipulations and getting the OEM software activated on a system you transfer it to is not guaranteed

Personally I would wait and see what is actually allowed with System Builder for Win8 as I can not find anything official from MS.

If anyone does have something, please post it here. Thanks

This has yet to be officially confirmed.
Note:ZDNet’s Ed Bott has some clarifications around Transfer Rights, based on licenses he’s seen and analyzed. Bott wrote recently if somone buys a copy of a Windows 8 system-builder license and then sells a PC running that license, there are no transfer rights. But the new Windows 8 system-builder license includes a personal-use license that stipulates a DIYer/hobbyist can buy the System Builder software, install it on one’s own PC or virtual machine and keep the right to transfer that license to another PC that the individual owns.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
Q. Can my customers transfer or sell their OEM software licenses?

A. After an OEM software license has been installed on a PC, the license may not be installed on or transferred to another PC. However, the entire PC may be transferred to another end user along with the software license rights. When transferring the PC to the new end user, the software media, manuals (if applicable), and Certificate of Authenticity label must be included. It is also advisable to include the original purchase invoice or receipt. The original end user cannot keep any copies of the software.

Q. My customer bought a new PC and wants to move the OEM software from the old PC to the new one. Can't users do whatever they want with their software?

A. The OEM software is licensed with the computer system on which it was originally installed and is tied to that original machine. OEM licenses are single-use licenses that cannot be installed on more than one computer system, even if the original machine is no longer in use. The End User Software License Terms, which the end user must accept before using the software, states that the license may not be shared, transferred to, or used concurrently on different computers. System builders must provide end-user support for the Windows license on computers they build, but cannot support licenses on computers they didn’t build. This is a fundamental reason why OEM System Builder licenses can't be transferred.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
I read Ed's article, from what I can gather from it, which is not yet confirmed from MS, is that if you buy a Win8 System Builder license and put it on a computer that you sell, then the new owner can't move the OS to any other computer.

If that person wants Win7, you can remove your Win8 System Builder license and put it on another computer that you own.

The original buyer of the Win8 System Builder license can move it to another computer that they own, but once sold the personal use license is no longer valid.

Time will tell if this is corect.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
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