OEM Operating Systems??? Will these load in any computer?

[mjolnir2k]

I am looking at buying a new OS that is labeled OEM (original equip..yada, yada, ).

Will this pose any problems when loading it into my new self built system or are there some arcane requirements when using OEM software?

this crap is confusing!

 

[Vegito]

Yes and no..

Dells' W2k disc needs a dell bios to install..

The thing is, according to microsoft, it's illegal to purchase that.. they made a big fuss about it.. not sure if thats still the issue...

Hard to tell, only if you tried it you'll know..

 

[Yossarian]

I got an OEM copy of Win98 a few years ago with a Dell I bought. I used that cd to install Windows many times on upgraded machines, so no problem there. A lot of online stores that sell OEM copies say something like "must be purchased with hardware", apparently to get them off the hook for not selling retail versions.

 

[LintMan]

I have an OEM version of Win XP Pro on my self-put-together system and it works great. Really the only downside to the OEM version is that you can't get any support from Microsoft for it. But most people will never need help from MS anyway, so it's not a big deal.

 

[acidvoodoo]

does a restore cd just include an OEM?

 

[Poontos]

<< Yes and no..

Dells' W2k disc needs a dell bios to install..

The thing is, according to microsoft, it's illegal to purchase that.. they made a big fuss about it.. not sure if thats still the issue...

Hard to tell, only if you tried it you'll know.. >>


Really? Do you have any documentation on this? How can they be authorized to modify the code on the CD?

 

[SaigonK]

OEM cd's are "open ended" for PC manufacturers to change some components to tailor to their computer systems. (i.e Start pages, Logos, desktop icons, etc etc)
It doesnt allow them to change the core components of the OS.
You CAN install an OEM copy of an OS on ANY pc except those (DELL) that look for a specifice piece to run the install.
I have stacks and stacks of Windows 2000 Professional CD's from the 500-600 DELL pc's we bought, we dont have to return the cd's but they dont do much good with out a Dell Bios as was stated earlier.