OEM Vs. Retail

[CLite]

So everything I've read says the OEM version is linked to one specific computer's hardware. So if I order the OEM for the computer I'm building and I managed to say fry my mobo, what will actually happen? Will I be blocked from installing it on new components?

It saves me a $100 Bucks to go OEM but if I have to deal with this kind of hassle I'll probably just go retail for $200.

 

[bruceb]

Technically per the MS EULA the OEM license dies with the mobo.
But in most cases, a phone call to ms to reactivate will usually
get the code you need.

 

[CLite]

Alright, thank you for the info.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: CLite
It saves me a $100 Bucks to go OEM but if I have to deal with this kind of hassle I'll probably just go retail for $200.

Considering that Vista has about 9 years to go in its lifecycle, Retail might be the better choice when you look at the big picture.

 

[Rebel44]

Here in EU OEM versin cost compared to Retail is 40-45% so even IF I buy 1 OEM licence now and another when I upgrade everything in 2-3 years its still cheaper than Retail

 

[zig3695]

actually, OEM installs are no longer tied to the same motherboard, microsoft has laxed the activation. http://www.microsoft.com/downl...4ced7f6&DisplayLang=en

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: zig3695
actually, OEM installs are no longer tied to the same motherboard, microsoft has laxed the activation. http://www.microsoft.com/downl...4ced7f6&DisplayLang=en

That is somewhat misleading. Getting activation doesn't mean you have a valid license, and last I checked, OEM Vista was still intended to be installed on one system evar, whereas Retail is reusable.

In the case of a motherboard failure, if you can replace the motherboard with the exact same model or as close as practical, you're OK. On the other hand, if you want to move on to a new mobo/CPU as an upgrade, you want a new OEM license (or just get Retail in the first place).

I bought Retail myself, since I do routinely upgrade stuff :thumbsup: No hoops to jump through.

 

[Lazy8s]

FWIW my PC I got as a graduation gift came with XP home OEM version and even now on my 3rd mobo after all of the CPU and memory and graphics cards upgrades a quick call to microsoft got me the code I needed. In fact, the last time I called (august when my mobo died) I asked the guy the diff between OEM and retail, he said officially OEM can't be reactivated etc but the only real difference was that retail came with tech support. I didn't understand wat he meant but a little research shows that microsoft now sells their tech support for windows. With the OEM version you have to pay a hefty sum every time you call them.

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: zig3695
actually, OEM installs are no longer tied to the same motherboard, microsoft has laxed the activation. http://www.microsoft.com/downl...4ced7f6&DisplayLang=en

That is somewhat misleading. Getting activation doesn't mean you have a valid license, and last I checked, OEM Vista was still intended to be installed on one system evar, whereas Retail is reusable.

In the case of a motherboard failure, if you can replace the motherboard with the exact same model or as close as practical, you're OK. On the other hand, if you want to move on to a new mobo/CPU as an upgrade, you want a new OEM license (or just get Retail in the first place).

I bought Retail myself, since I do routinely upgrade stuff :thumbsup: No hoops to jump through.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that. If Microsoft gives you the go-codes over the phone your system works with Genuine Advantage which (logically at least) means it's a valid license. I don't understand how you would get activation codes from Microsoft for an illegaly licensed copy of windows.

 

[soonerproud]

Originally posted by: Lazy8s

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that. If Microsoft gives you the go-codes over the phone your system works with Genuine Advantage which (logically at least) means it's a valid license. I don't understand how you would get activation codes from Microsoft for an illegaly licensed copy of windows.

Technically the license is not valid due to the terms of the EULA if you install it on a new system. The reason Microsoft allows the OEM copy to be reactivated is probably because they would prefer you paid something for your copy of Windows instead of forcing people to use pirated copies. If they were not concerned with piracy, I bet the rules would be enforced in a much stricter manner.

As far as I am concerned, once activated after a call it is still a valid license. I do agree buying a retail copy is the better option if you can afford it.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: bruceb
Technically per the MS EULA the OEM license dies with the mobo.
But in most cases, a phone call to ms to reactivate will usually
get the code you need.

Err...technically per the MS EULA the OEM license does NOT die with the mobo, provided the replacement is authorized by the OEM. Given that he is the OEM system builder when building a PC, I don't see much of a problem for him to get authorization from himself.

In addition, if he purchases sealed OEM 3-packs with hardware, none of them need be tied to the hardware. He can break the multipack into single packs then tie them to whatever he wants.

 

[CLite]

Well thanks for all the input guys. I've been convinced to save myself $100 bucks and go OEM. It will come in handy because I can't find a darn E4500 for less than 125 so I decided to just splurge and go E6750.