VISTA "OEM" installation disks

[BonzaiDuck]

I decided to go forward with an "experimental installation" of VISTA.

I purchased the OEM "VISTA Ultimate" disks with some hardware.

Then, I discovered, reading the box or jacket in which it was packaged, that they say that:

"If the individual software license is for a desktop operating system or application software, it also must be preinstalled on the hard drive of the fully assembled computer system, using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK)."

It then gives a web-site link for obtaining the OPK, but you have to register as a "Microsoft Partner" before you can download it. The registration process is very lengthy, and I didn't pursue it.

From the documentation -- the manual -- in the box included with the disks, the "purchaser of an OEM system" is supposed to be able to reinstall the OS from the disks passed on to him by the computer manaufacturer -- as it may become necessary to do so.

Am I going to face a problem with this? What does anyone know about the "OPK" and the need for it?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

OK -- didn't get a really quick response to my question, but I should've probably poked around elsewhere before posting it.

I found this (and some other links) for the web-query "VISTA Ultimate OEM PRinstallation Kit OPK:"

OEM or retail version of VISTA . . . . .?

It sounds weird that MS would label their software this way, or that one would be encouraged to download an "OPK" But if it isn't necessary -- it isn't necessary.

I have plenty of time to see this through. It's the 64-bit OEM installation, and for me -- it's "experimental" because i wanted to get an idea of problems with mainstream software I use before committing to it. Of course, even purchasing an OEM install (for the price -- even for OEM) is a sort of "commitment . . . . I guess. . . .

 

[RebateMonger]

For both XP and Vista Generic OEM versions, Microsoft has always stated that the software should be orignally installed using the OPK. Both OEM Vista and OEM XP Install Disks will install directly to a hard drive without the OPK.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Interesting. I never remembered seeing that on the packaging for my XP Pro and XP MCE 2005 installations, and didn't have trouble installing those versions (other than the well-known misleading message-box in MCE that asks for a "Service Pack 2" disc when it really wanted the Install disc #1).

From what I've been reading, I am guessing that I should make a clear determination of the hardware configuration in advance and have the hardware drivers lined up and ready to install with the OS. Other than having the HD or RAID drivers ready, I'm not sure what to expect.

I appreciate your reassurance on this matter.