• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

oem computer products

Coligion

Junior Member
I'm looking to build a computer for the first time, but have some questions about oem products. From what I've read they seem to be legit products, minus the retail box and intructions. My questions is are they legal to buy for the average joe system builder? I've read and been told that the only legit way to buy oem stuff is if you are a certified system builder, which i am not obviously. I'm just looking to build the system for my own use and save some money if it's all correct. Does what I'm saying also carry over to Windows XP oem as well? Thanks for the input.
 
Hi Coligion and Welcome to the Forums!

Yes it's legal to buy use OEM products to use for builds. Otherwise Newegg etc w/b in trouble.

Most of use OEM, they make lack some accessories and have a shorter warrantry period. Since we often OC, we void the warranty anyway. Of course the OEM products are (usually) cheaper.

Don't know about OEM MS windows, somebody will come along with technical info on the EULA agreement/contract. I don't use winXP anyway.

Fern
 
the only stipulation for OEM software such as WinXP is that you purchase a piece of hardware with it.
 
Yeah, that's what I've heard too. I guess Newegg wants you to buy a cable or something along with the OEM OS 😉
 
If you're buying OEM motherboards, you'll have to go out and buy some accessories, I like buying retail just so everything can be in a nice package for me, and I won't have to go out and buy all those cables.
 
Try not to buy OEM Microsoft Windows since in the EULA, it says you cant transfer the software to another computer if you decide to build another one and sell that comp. Even if yuo uninstall it from the original comp, it's still forbidden. No problems with Retial Windows or other MS products though.
 
OEM is great for when you buy hard drives, video cards, & software, since you rarely need the cables with those things (with a good PSU, you'll have more than enough power cables), & for software, it's cheaper that way.
 
Ok, so you're all saying I'm not breaking any rules by getting oem stuff then right? That certified system builder thing I mentioned isn't an issue? Thanks for the help.
 
Originally posted by: Coligion
Ok, so you're all saying I'm not breaking any rules by getting oem stuff then right? That certified system builder thing I mentioned isn't an issue? Thanks for the help.

Nope, cause I'd be posting from jail.
 
Originally posted by: mwmorph
Try not to buy OEM Microsoft Windows since in the EULA, it says you cant transfer the software to another computer if you decide to build another one and sell that comp. Even if yuo uninstall it from the original comp, it's still forbidden. No problems with Retial Windows or other MS products though.

Hmmm... Ive never had a problem. Ive installed it on a computer, then upgraded and installed on the new machine (after formatting old harddrive) with no problem. I had no idea that was against EULA.
 
Originally posted by: JToxic
Originally posted by: mwmorph
Try not to buy OEM Microsoft Windows since in the EULA, it says you cant transfer the software to another computer if you decide to build another one and sell that comp. Even if yuo uninstall it from the original comp, it's still forbidden. No problems with Retial Windows or other MS products though.

Hmmm... Ive never had a problem. Ive installed it on a computer, then upgraded and installed on the new machine (after formatting old harddrive) with no problem. I had no idea that was against EULA.


It's not. The EULA only says that you must only have it installed on *ONE* computer.
 
Originally posted by: Kensai
Originally posted by: JToxic
Originally posted by: mwmorph
Try not to buy OEM Microsoft Windows since in the EULA, it says you cant transfer the software to another computer if you decide to build another one and sell that comp. Even if yuo uninstall it from the original comp, it's still forbidden. No problems with Retial Windows or other MS products though.

Hmmm... Ive never had a problem. Ive installed it on a computer, then upgraded and installed on the new machine (after formatting old harddrive) with no problem. I had no idea that was against EULA.


It's not. The EULA only says that you must only have it installed on *ONE* computer.


do yuo have retail or IEM? my disc/manual says it must remail only on the computer it was sold with. I have 3 HP pcs with the oem manual/package that says no transfers.
 
Originally posted by: Kensai
Originally posted by: JToxic
Originally posted by: mwmorph
Try not to buy OEM Microsoft Windows since in the EULA, it says you cant transfer the software to another computer if you decide to build another one and sell that comp. Even if yuo uninstall it from the original comp, it's still forbidden. No problems with Retial Windows or other MS products though.

Hmmm... Ive never had a problem. Ive installed it on a computer, then upgraded and installed on the new machine (after formatting old harddrive) with no problem. I had no idea that was against EULA.


It's not. The EULA only says that you must only have it installed on *ONE* computer.

That is not true!
It is against what is written in the EULA.
After you install OEM XP on a machine, it is attached to the machine forever. You are even required to attach the certificate of authenticity to the case of the computer. Even if that computer dies, you cannot officially install it on any other machine.

The reason the other person who said he installed it on more than one machine was able to activate it is the limitation of how the activation procedure works. The data in the database is erased after about 4 months. So, after 4 months, you can install it on another machine. But, that does not make it legal!

From this site:
The OEM license is tied to the machine on which it was originally installed and can't be transferred to other machines.
 
Just get the OEM software and keep your image up to date and you will never have to reinstall windows again on your system. If you sell your machine pull your hdd and get a blank one for the person.


Will G.
 
^
|
Listen to these p[eople. MS is creacking down hard on piraters and eula violators. if yuo get caught, lega action is almost guranteed.
 
Originally posted by: Navid
Originally posted by: Kensai
Originally posted by: JToxic
Originally posted by: mwmorph
Try not to buy OEM Microsoft Windows since in the EULA, it says you cant transfer the software to another computer if you decide to build another one and sell that comp. Even if yuo uninstall it from the original comp, it's still forbidden. No problems with Retial Windows or other MS products though.

Hmmm... Ive never had a problem. Ive installed it on a computer, then upgraded and installed on the new machine (after formatting old harddrive) with no problem. I had no idea that was against EULA.

By machine do they mean one harddrive? For example, if I upgraded everything except the harddrive, is that legal?


It's not. The EULA only says that you must only have it installed on *ONE* computer.

That is not true!
It is against what is written in the EULA.
After you install OEM XP on a machine, it is attached to the machine forever. You are even required to attach the certificate of authenticity to the case of the computer. Even if that computer dies, you cannot officially install it on any other machine.

The reason the other person who said he installed it on more than one machine was able to activate it is the limitation of how the activation procedure works. The data in the database is erased after about 4 months. So, after 4 months, you can install it on another machine. But, that does not make it legal!

From this site:
The OEM license is tied to the machine on which it was originally installed and can't be transferred to other machines.

If I were to upgrade everything in my computer except the harddrive, would that be legal?

 
Originally posted by: russianpower
Which version will be ok for installing on different PCs? OEM or retail?

Retail: Only one PC at any point in time. So, you can uninstall from one and install on another.
OEM: Only one PC forever!
 
it is legal. but i recommend buying retail processor's check warranty on oem stuff so you dont get ripped.
 
I thought the stipulation with installing windows on a different machine is that you're supposed to have that sticker with the license key on the case.
 
Back
Top