OEM vs Retail

[leosdaddy2008]

I know this may sound like a dumb question, but what is the difference between the OEM and retail version of windows 7? I ask because the OEM version is much cheaper and I was wondering if it is better to go with the OEM then the retail?

Thanks,

Chris

[ryuk999]

OEM I believe is good for an install on a single computer. A Retail copy is good for a 3 installs on 3 different computers but only one of those cane be used at a time.

[leosdaddy2008]

so for my build as long as i only use it for one computer I should be fine?

[Kuch]

Yes. I use OEM all the time since I only use the OS on a single PC.

[EzyStvy]

Originally Posted by ryuk999 A Retail copy is good for a 3 installs on 3 different computers but only one of those cane be used at a time.

WRONG....
The retail version is designed for one pc...One Key Code per machine. Then you activate it...Boom - the whole actication process is to keep people from installing it on nore then one machine.

There is a Deveolpers Three Pac that was available for XP and probably Vista...It came with three key codes

[leosdaddy2008]

EzyStvy if both versions are used for one machine then why is the OEM system builder so much cheaper? I am going to purchase everything for my new build at once around Feb of next year. I am leaning towards the OEM cause it is so much cheaper but I don't want to be missing out on something because I went with the cheaper one.

[ryuk999]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy WRONG.... The retail version is designed for one pc...One Key Code per machine. Then you activate it...Boom - the whole actication process is to keep people from installing it on nore then one machine. There is a Deveolpers Three Pac that was available for XP and probably Vista...It came with three key codes

ohh thanks for the correction

[bozo]

Originally Posted by leosdaddy2008 EzyStvy if both versions are used for one machine then why is the OEM system builder so much cheaper? I am going to purchase everything for my new build at once around Feb of next year. I am leaning towards the OEM cause it is so much cheaper but I don't want to be missing out on something because I went with the cheaper one.

The main difference is that the retail version includes MS support, & the OEM does not. I don't need their support...I have this place

[leosdaddy2008]

ok awesome thanks for the help. I will go with the OEM then and save some money.

[oryx]

The retail license is transferable to another computer. When you do so, you have to remove it from the computer it was on. OEM is not transferable.

[David M]

I actually have received support for an OEM version of Vista when I was having a reactivation problem for both my wife's computer and then mine.

I agree that this is the place for excellent Windows support.

[doubledragon5]

Originally Posted by oryx The retail license is transferable to another computer. When you do so, you have to remove it from the computer it was on. OEM is not transferable.

Funny I have moved it from one to another with no issues.. Just when doing the activation, just tell MS, that the original machine is no longer in service..

[kilgoretrout]

This has been discussed several times on this forum. Microsoft's policies regarding limitations on OEM versions has not changed with Windows 7 AFAIK. As stated above, the OEM license is limited for use on one box only and is not transferable. Microsoft considers a change of motherboard or cpu as a new box so an OEM version is effectively married to your cpu and motherboard. Change either of those components and you theoretically need to buy a new license.

That's what the OEM license says. However, in practice, Microsoft has been pretty forgiving when enforcing those terms. Many have reported that they have had no problem getting a new activation code even when using an old OEM version on a new build with a new motherboard and cpu. Whether that lax enforcement of license terms continues with Windows 7 remains to be seen.

[David M]

I have had Microsoft allow me to put in a completely different motherboard under the same license. They do give you some leeway with the license terms.

[leosdaddy2008]

Now I am a little confused. Should I go with a retail version just to make sure I don't have any problems in the future if I decide to upgrade say the cpu or motherboard?