Making sure about W7 OEM vs retail.

[dennilfloss]

I'm buying Windows 7 Home Premium full (not upgrade) but I'm still divided on getting retail vs OEM. Just upgraded my CPU and mainboard during the summer but I'm worried that activation might be rejected when I upgrade those parts again in three years. The price difference is ~$100CAN so if that is the case, I may just buy another OEM license then and that would cost about the same as getting retail right now. How fussy is Microsoft about upgrading the CPU and mainboard on a computer? It would still be the same computer but with two parts changed after a few years to keep up with the games.

Anyone else buying the retail version for just their home computer?

Wish money weren't a concern. 🙁

 

[DefRef]

The big difference is that there is no support for OEM and it's supposed to be only for that one computer, whereas you can move a full retail copy from one to another. Most people have had no problem with upgrading their systems - just call M$ and tell them your rig got fried by lightning.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I thought that they might give a little and let me use my oem vista again since I was in the same boat as you. I had built my pc then later on changed out my mobo ram and CPU and figured they would let me use my oem again. I called and was told that I would have to buy another license. I would go with the retail. Once your done with it you can even resell it and recoup some cash.

 

[jdjbuffalo]

Technically if you upgrade the CPU and motherboard (mainly MB) then Microsoft considers it a new computer. I don't necessarily agree with them, especially if you are replacing a motherboard that died.

Yes, they might reject you when you try to do an upgrade but it comes down to if they are being fair about it. You may have to give them some BS thing like I just upgraded my DVD drive or I didn't change anything before they will reauthorize it but it can be done. More than anything it comes down to what you feel is right. If you feel like you are being ripped off because you had to replace a part then I don't see the problem. However, if you were essentially building a new computer then really you should be buying another copy.

In my opinion, if you think this will be a problem and you don't think Windows 8 will be out in 3 years then go ahead and get the retail copy. Otherwise, you should just get the OEM one.

 

[Skott]

In three years they'll be pushing the next version, W8 or whatever they'll call it, most likely. I know with XP M$ was pretty easy going about a new activation number. Maybe they will be more hard lined now? For those truly concerned just bite the bullet and go ahead and get the full retail version.

 

[gba]

Retail version lets you install either x86 or x64 and reinstall with either one, as well. With OEM, you must purchase either x86 or x64 and are not allowed to switch.

 

[coreyb]

If you know you're going to keep your current mobo for a while then just get the OEM version.

To me it's a good way of keeping me from upgrading when I really don't need to.

 

[gba]

Originally posted by: coreyb
If you know you're going to keep your current mobo for a while then just get the OEM version.

To me it's a good way of keeping me from upgrading when I really don't need to.

QFT

 

[dennilfloss]

Originally posted by: coreyb
If you know you're going to keep your current mobo for a while then just get the OEM version.

To me it's a good way of keeping me from upgrading when I really don't need to.

Just got that mobo. Not planning to change for three years (that's my upgrade cycle). Think I'll get OEM. The $100 will be useful for something else.

 

[dennilfloss]

Phoned the guy who built my system and I was on his list for the OEM, so I ordered this.