PCMech Forums - View Single Post - OEM or retail ver of Vista for new system??

captjack · 03-03-2007, 07:57 AM

I know this topic has been somewhat discussed before but I’m still not clear on it. I decided to build a new Vista system and ordered all the parts from New Egg including a OEM version of Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit. On the Windows box is states that this is intended for “System Builders only”. I’m not an OEM, just a guy trying to build a system for himself. It also mentioned that it should be preinstalled on the disk using something called an OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). Do I really need to do this?

Now I’m not sure I got the right version of windows to install. Should I have gotten a “retail” version or is there such a thing?
I would appreciate any comments from someone who has built a Vista system and how they handled the Windows Vista software.

I have not broken the seal on the box so can return it if I need to.

03-03-2007, 07:57 AM	#1
captjack Member (4 bit) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Penfield, NY Posts: 12	OEM or retail ver of Vista for new system?? I know this topic has been somewhat discussed before but I’m still not clear on it. I decided to build a new Vista system and ordered all the parts from New Egg including a OEM version of Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit. On the Windows box is states that this is intended for “System Builders only”. I’m not an OEM, just a guy trying to build a system for himself. It also mentioned that it should be preinstalled on the disk using something called an OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). Do I really need to do this? Now I’m not sure I got the right version of windows to install. Should I have gotten a “retail” version or is there such a thing? I would appreciate any comments from someone who has built a Vista system and how they handled the Windows Vista software. I have not broken the seal on the box so can return it if I need to.