• 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.

Oops, OEM version of Vista

J

jamie8dc

Member
I just got my computer parts in today and was looking at them all to make sure I got what I ordered. I noticed that Newegg sent me the OEM version of Windows Vista 64bit, and thought it was a mistake, but then looking back at my order that's what I bought on accident.

Is there anything that comes with the retail version that I need? Is it worth returning it and buying the retail version, and having to wait another week probably to build my computer? (Noooooo!)

Thanks in advance
 
Originally posted by: jamie8dc
I just got my computer parts in today and was looking at them all to make sure I got what I ordered. I noticed that Newegg sent me the OEM version of Windows Vista 64bit, and thought it was a mistake, but then looking back at my order that's what I bought on accident.

Is there anything that comes with the retail version that I need? Is it worth returning it and buying the retail version, and having to wait another week probably to build my computer? (Noooooo!)

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

How often do you upgrade the motherboard? If the answer is in years and not months, then an OEM copy is actually the most cost effective solution.

If you frequently change motherboards, then you will want a retail copy, since the OEM version is tied to the PC itself and is not transferable.
 
While they say that the OEM copy is tied to a certain motherboard, I've had no problems activating on replacement motherboards. At most you might have to call and explain the situation.
 
I have the OEM version of Vista x64 Home Premium and upgrade constantly. I usually have to call them and a nice Indian man asks me if it's installed on any other computer. I say no and then we go through the process of reactivating it. I've done this a half dozen times already without problem.
 
Originally posted by: soonerproud
Originally posted by: jamie8dc
I just got my computer parts in today and was looking at them all to make sure I got what I ordered. I noticed that Newegg sent me the OEM version of Windows Vista 64bit, and thought it was a mistake, but then looking back at my order that's what I bought on accident.

Is there anything that comes with the retail version that I need? Is it worth returning it and buying the retail version, and having to wait another week probably to build my computer? (Noooooo!)

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

How often do you upgrade the motherboard? If the answer is in years and not months, then an OEM copy is actually the most cost effective solution.

If you frequently change motherboards, then you will want a retail copy, since the OEM version is tied to the PC itself and is not transferable.
Click to expand...

Actually, it just has to be installed on the same PC - not the same motherboard. See, the last time I bought a new PC was in 1996 (excluding notebooks) and it started as a Pentium 166 MMX. Through upgrading one piece at a time I've been through 11 different CPU's and 9 different motherboards and lost count of the video cards, hard drives, etc. I mention these things just to show I've been through the whole range of XP and Vista activation scenarios.

Basically, its as others have said. If the hardware drifts too far from the original, then you end up having to re-activate. Twice I've had to call MS and have them help me with it, but it was never a big deal. They just asked me to confirm that it was not running on any other computers and there was no problem.

Basically, for an enthusiast/home builder, there is hardly ever any reason to waste your money on a retail box version of windows.
 
Originally posted by: Ratman6161

Actually, it just has to be installed on the same PC - not the same motherboard. See, the last time I bought a new PC was in 1996 (excluding notebooks) and it started as a Pentium 166 MMX. Through upgrading one piece at a time I've been through 11 different CPU's and 9 different motherboards and lost count of the video cards, hard drives, etc. I mention these things just to show I've been through the whole range of XP and Vista activation scenarios.

Basically, its as others have said. If the hardware drifts too far from the original, then you end up having to re-activate. Twice I've had to call MS and have them help me with it, but it was never a big deal. They just asked me to confirm that it was not running on any other computers and there was no problem.

Basically, for an enthusiast/home builder, there is hardly ever any reason to waste your money on a retail box version of windows.
Click to expand...

Your idea of a different computer is much different than the definition Microsoft actually uses in it's license agreement.

Transferring a OEM version to another computer is a violation of the license agreement. Microsoft measures this by tying it to the motherboard itself. Read the license agreement, it is in there. You can change all the other components (Not at once, you are limited to three every so many months.) and still be within the terms of the license agreement.

Does Microsoft activate these installs? Usually they do as long as you say it is on the same computer. Tell them you changed the motherboard, and they will refuse activation unless the change was because of a hardware failure. It is done on the honor system and there is no real way for Microsoft to verify the license is on the same physical computer.
 
Originally posted by: Ratman6161
Basically, for an enthusiast/home builder, there is hardly ever any reason to waste your money on a retail box version of windows.
Click to expand...
I'd say the exact opposite is true...
Normal mom & pop users that rarely, if ever reformat or upgrade are perfect for OEM versions that are tied to hardware.
While "enthusiast" that upgrade often benefit from "retail" versions that don't lock them in to certain hardware configurations.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top