Windows 7 non OEM version?

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corkyg

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Got retail version through my TechNet subscription. Glad I did. A ganga deal.
 
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Lifted

Diamond Member
Nov 30, 2004
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OEM version is designed to work on a single PC, so you may run into issues down the road if you keep using it on new PC's, or change your hardware too much. Somebody here ran into the issue after 70(?) or so activations.

Retail comes with some support (I believe they used to offer phone support for 90 days, not sure if that's still included) and isn't tied to that one PC, so you are free to "move" the OS to a different computer after removing it from the previous one. Even with the retail version you may still have to call Microsoft if it doesn't activate after X number of activations and explain that you are moving it to a different PC, or you've upgraded your motherboard or whatever and reinstalled the OS.

Or you can do as corkyg hinted at above and get a TechNet standard subscription which will give you 2(?) keys to install just about every piece of Microsoft software out there, including Office. Runs about $200, so a better deal than Windows 7 Retail. :D You can install Win 7 Ultimate with the TechNet sub.
 
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Lifted

Diamond Member
Nov 30, 2004
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corkyg said:
Got retail version through my TechNet subscription. Glad I did. A ganga deal.
Click to expand...

Did you get a retail version as some kind of extra/bonus, or is the version included with TechNet considered retail? I thought it was much more limited than the retail with regards to how lenient they are for (re)activations.
 
MagnusTheBrewer

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM
Jun 19, 2004
24,122
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Get a oem copy of Windows 7 64 bit at NewEgg for $99.99
In my opinion, the only reason to get retail is if you plan on selling the computer. I've never had problems with MS regarding activations through multiple changes in hardware. Of course, I realize there are some who like to re-install about once a week for some reason and then have a problem when MS says no after a couple dozen re-activations.
 
B

beginner99

Diamond Member
Jun 2, 2009
5,318
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Retail makes no sense IMHO unless you buy a new motherboard very often. (AFAIK the OEM version is bound the the motherboard type but that might be wrong).

And even if you run into an issue, 2 OEM copies are at least where I live still cheaper than 1 retail.
 
Texashiker

Texashiker

Lifer
Dec 18, 2010
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I bought the family pack from Best Buy, it was 3 windows 7 licenses for something like $125.

After doing a few searches, looks like the family pack price has gone up to the $150 price range.

If you have more then one computer in the house that you might be installing windows 7 on in the near future, the family pack is your best bet.
 
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Lifted

Diamond Member
Nov 30, 2004
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Texashiker said:
I bought the family pack from Best Buy, it was 3 windows 7 licenses for something like $125.

After doing a few searches, looks like the family pack price has gone up to the $150 price range.

If you have more then one computer in the house that you might be installing windows 7 on in the near future, the family pack is your best bet.
Click to expand...

That's an upgrade version.
 
S

SimMike2

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2000
2,577
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I like the upgrade edition also, mainly because it is significantly cheaper than the full retail version, but also because it isn't tied to one piece of hardware like the OEM version. Doing clean installs with the upgrade edition is easy.
 
GoStumpy

GoStumpy

Golden Member
Sep 14, 2011
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Thanks for that! Upgrade does not require a previous copy of XP or Vista ?
 
Steltek

Steltek

Diamond Member
Mar 29, 2001
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GoStumpy said:
Thanks for that! Upgrade does not require a previous copy of XP or Vista ?
Click to expand...

To be a legal license, it does require a prior version of XP/Vista. However, as others have stated, you can trick it into doing a clean install.
 
Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
I've done the Retail over OEM a few times. Given the choice, I would do retail when it's feasible. You can swap motherboards with out issue and (in the past) MS included a few extra repair/recovery options on the retail disc. Retail is much easier to live with when things go wrong.
 
R

Raincity

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2000
4,477
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corkyg said:
Got retail version through my TechNet subscription. Glad I did. A ganga deal.
Click to expand...


Doesn’t that kind of go against the spirit of the license. I thought Technet was for experiment and trial only. Not to be used as a permanent license.
 
GoStumpy

GoStumpy

Golden Member
Sep 14, 2011
1,211
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I think OEM is the way to go, $109.99 right now on newegg.ca (Canadian here).

I can't see myself upgrading the motherboard in the near future, considering I made sure to get SataIII, USB3.0, yadda yadda... I'm sure the OS will be tied to this computer for many years to come.

Man this computer is getting expensive!! OS will be the 3rd most expensive part:thumbsdown::\
 
GoStumpy

GoStumpy

Golden Member
Sep 14, 2011
1,211
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Ordered the OEM version yesterday, should arrive Friday or Monday :thumbsup:

Taking the high road this time, :whiste:
 
C

Corporate Thug

Lifer
Apr 17, 2003
37,622
0
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question for OEM: the mobo has to be identical to be able to reinstall?

what if the mobo craps out and you buy another one?
 
Texashiker

Texashiker

Lifer
Dec 18, 2010
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Corporate Thug said:
question for OEM: the mobo has to be identical to be able to reinstall?

what if the mobo craps out and you buy another one?
Click to expand...

Call the phone number listed on the windows activation page, tell them what happened, and they give you an activation code.
 
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