OEM...any downfalls?

[harsaphes]

I have been following a couple threads on another website..yes i know, i'm sorry...that keep telling people to buy OEM versions of Vista 64 as that is the cheapest way to go. Are there any drawbacks to using an OEM version over a full retail version?
thanks.

Oh..and i am assuming you cant "upgrade" from an OEM disk, its only a clean install, correct?

[Nenu]

OEM is for one machine only.
ie you cant upgrade to a new machine and transfer it ...supposedly.
Microsoft have allowed some to transfer the licence, your luck may vary.

[Mithent]

You should be allowed to upgrade and continue using the same OEM license (although you may have to phone up to reactivate) provided the motherboard hasn't changed, which is the main determinant of it still being the same computer. However, if you anticipate getting a new computer or motherboard, you would have to purchase a new copy to be within the terms of the EULA.

Transferring the license is only generally officially allowed if you have to replace the motherboard/computer due to failures.

[sdotbrucato]

To put it bluntly, you could most likely transfer that Vista license over many times without too much issues, but this is both legally and ethically wrong. . .

Retail license you can transfer from one pc to another until your heart's content (as long as it's uninstalled before going on a new machine) and be within your legal rights of the EULA

EDIT: And I don't want to hear that an EULA is not a legally binding agreement. Until proved otherwise it should be taken as such.