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View Full Version : Vista OEM - Upgrade - Full


Gh()st
01-03-2008, 09:57 PM
Quick question, so I'm hoping it's a fairly quick answer.

Been a XP Pro SP2 user very long time. Thinking about making the jump to Vista. I've got a Q6600, Abit IP35 Pro, 4GB, 8800GT setup. (see sig) I'm trying to determine which of all of the available flavors to purchase. Money is a factor, so this is where my question lies.

Vista Upgrade (name your flavor), will install over whatever OS (XP, or lower Vista version) using the key of the current OS.

Vista Full uses it's own/supplied in the package key.

Where does OEM fit in the picture? Does it come with its own separate key, or does it use the key your current OS is using? Or does the vendor from whom you purchased the OEM copy from provide the key?

From what I've been reading (and able to understand), with Upgrade/Full you can do up to 10 re-activations if you're upgrading/replacing hardware.

Does OEM lock you out of that ability?

Just trying to understand the pricing scheme between the flavors.

like I said, I'm currently on XP Pro SP2. Based upon my needs Home Premium seems to be the best fit. I can pick-up a Upgrade version from BB for $129, and get a $50 gift card back. (to use on a future purchase, such as a LG HD DVD/Blu-Ray combo player :D ) I can buy a Full version for apprx $200 from CompUSA closing. (knowing that for both I can pay MS $10 to send me a 64bit DVD via the mail post purchase.) Or, I can pick-up a copy of Vista Ultimate 64bit OEM for $159 +tax @ my local MicroCenter. The Ultimate purchase would save me the time, and hassle of having to wait for the 64bit DVD from MS, but I'm concerned about the "OEM" part.

:confused:

-Dragon-
01-03-2008, 10:14 PM
They all have their own keys.

Full - just installs, no limitation of previous installation, can be reinstalled on new hardware provided removed from old hardware, 2 or 3 months of tech support from MS

Upgrade - requires previous install of windows, can be reinstalled on new hardware provided removed from old hardware, 2 or 3 months of tech support from MS

OEM - just installs, no limitation of previous installation, locked to a single PC, not supposed to be moved to new hardware (specifically MB) unless full failure of said hardware, no tech support from MS

ambientZ
01-03-2008, 11:13 PM
They all have their own keys.

Upgrade - requires previous install of windows, can be reinstalled on new hardware provided removed from old hardware, 2 or 3 months of tech support from MS


Apparently the "previous install" can be an unactivated install from the upgrade cd. http://windowssecrets.com/2007/02/01/01-Get-Vista-upgrade-never-pay-full-price



OEM - just installs, no limitation of previous installation, locked to a single PC, not supposed to be moved to new hardware (specifically MB) unless full failure of said hardware, no tech support from MS

I've always bought the OEM versions when building new machines. They're a cheap way to have a legitimate windows install (provided you buy with hardware). The caveat is, you cant move it to a new machine, and you dont get any support from ms. I really doubt anybody gets any real support from MS anyway, since the OS forum here is pretty active ;)