OEM or retail ver of Vista for new system??

[captjack]

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.

[pally01]

Hey Captjack

I did the same thing as you: I built my own p.c. and purchased/installed Vista Ultimate O.E.M. There is no problem at all with this version of Windows, as you/I are indeed "System Builders".

I believe the O.E.M. basically means we have tied that particular copy of Vista to whatever motherboard you install it onto. Retail versions can be easily uninstalled form one p.c. and reinstalled onto another. O.E.M.'s can not.

As far as the "preinstallation kit", I am not familiar with that. When I installed mine, I simply loaded the disk in and away it went.

[mojo]

The OEM version means that you have to provide your own support, not a big deal for many of us, and according to the license agreement you cannot move it from computer to computer. However, in practice this does not seem to be the case and you can generally move the installation to a new computer if you just call the activation 800 number.

[captjack]

Thanks for the responses...looks like I'm good to go with what I have. I was aware of the single install...tied to the mobo but the other mumbo jumbo ahd me wondering.

Captjack

[glc]

I believe the OPK is offered to system builders to preconfigure the install with drivers and stuff to allow an unattended install. It's not required.

[windowgazer]

Was just about ask re.vista oem.
All my questions already answered above.

Thank you for a great forum.
Windowgazer

[captjack]

The other thing I found out is that OEM software purchased from Newegg is NOT returnable or exchangeable under their policy. only if the media is bad will they repalce it.

[glc]

That's pretty much standard with any software bought from anywhere.