Is there any difference between the OEM OS' and the Retail OS'?

Azureth

Azureth

Supreme [H]ardness
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I never could understand how they can sell for example, Vista Premium at places like Wal-Mart/BestBuy etc. for $240, but you can buy it on Newegg for $100? I realize you don't get the big box but is that it? Wouldn't Microsoft be mad and go after people that sell different versions of their OS for so cheap?
 
Technically Microsoft wants you to install OEM on one machine only with no intention of upgrading "major" peripherals that would trigger activation. OEM copies are for one machine only. If that machine was to fry or blow up or get sold, that OEM copy according to their policy, should no longer be used (or sold with the computer).

Retail on the other hand is not tied to a single computer. Of course you can only use it on one machine, but if you upgraded it, you would be able to continue using it. If you buy a new machine, you can remove it from the old and use it on the new.

Thats why it cost more. Because retails are supposed to last forever while OEM should be repurchased everytime you buy a new machine or perform major upgrades.
 
Hmm..but seeing as how you can only install it on one machine at a time anyway doesn't that sort of make it pointless? Especially considering it's cheaper to buy 2 OEM Vistas than one retail Vista?:p:p:p
 
It's also pointless because you can phone in a reactivation if you upgrade or get a new computer. You could always tell the Microsoft rep that you upgraded instead of buying a new computer, and they'll almost always forgive you because everyone upgrades now and then.
 
OEM versions do not technically come with Microsoft support, which is instead to be administered by the system builder.
 
Azureth said:
Hmm..but seeing as how you can only install it on one machine at a time anyway doesn't that sort of make it pointless? Especially considering it's cheaper to buy 2 OEM Vistas than one retail Vista?:p:p:p
Click to expand...

No. The idea is that you are a "system builder", which in most cases means you're building it for someone else. Since most people buy a system and when they need something faster buy a new system, MS sells licenses that accomodate that. The new system will require its own OEM copy of the OS, which, if you're ordering from Dell, etc, it will. The retail version, on the other hand, is meant for you to move from computer to computer at will, as long as it's only on one at any one time.
 
The benchmark for "the same system" tends to be that you have the same motherboard, although I think the hard drive is also scored highly. If you change too much, you do risk that they might say that it's a new computer and they won't re-activate, but I can't say I hear too many people complaining about that.
 
I always buy OEM...really...if I need a new pc or anything I just add the $100 cost into my budget for Vista...it's not that much really..
 
What's missing from the OEM version?
source Ars Technica

When you buy OEM, you need to understand what you're getting.

OEM editions of Windows don't come in pretty boxes, nor do they include manuals. Of course, a real "manual" has never shipped with Windows, and chances are, if you're interested in OEM software, you don't need what passes for a manual these days, anyway. And the pretty box... well, that's not really worth much anyway, is it? Rest assured, though: the software on the disc is the same as that found in any retail edition.

There are some gotchas, though. OEM software cannot be returned once opened. There are no exceptions. You open it, you've bought it.

OEM software is also tied to the motherboard it is first installed on. Unlike the retail versions of Windows which can be transferred to a new computer, OEM versions are not transferable. What about upgrading hardware? Microsoft says that anything is fair game, except the motherboard. Replacing the motherboard in a computer results in a "new personal computer," which the company considers to be synonymous with a transfer. It's not permitted with an OEM edition of Windows.

Nevertheless, I've known users who got around this limitation by calling Microsoft and reporting that their motherboards died when they wanted to build a new computer. It is Microsoft's policy to allow motherboard swaps in instances where a system is defective or has suffered a hardware failure. But you shouldn't bank on this approach; there's no guarantee it will work and, well, liars don't get ice cream. Also, while retail versions of Vista include both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, OEM versions are specific. You get one or the other. This follows from the per device restriction. The end result is that OEM versions may not be that attractive to users who frequently build new computers from the ground up.

Then there's support. Technically, OEM versions of Windows get first-tier support from the system builders who put the OEM software on your machine. In the case of Mom & Pop Computers, that means M&P is your first support hit. In the case of you buying OEM software for yourself, technically this means that you're your own support. What does this really mean? Retail Vista comes with 90 days of free support. OEM edition users don't get that, but paid support is still an option, should you need it.
 
i *think* an oem copy of an OS is tied to the mobo its installed to. ie you can change anything else, just not the mobo.

correct me if im wrong :)
 
Azhar said:
It's also pointless because you can phone in a reactivation if you upgrade or get a new computer. You could always tell the Microsoft rep that you upgraded instead of buying a new computer, and they'll almost always forgive you because everyone upgrades now and then.
Click to expand...

That works if you are comfortable with essentially stealing. You agreed to the terms of the license when you bought it, so abide by them. Don't be such a cheap ass and buy the retail version when you know that you are going to be performing upgrades.
 
Aye, I'm not condoning it. I'm just saying it's being done, thus it's pointless. My computer's got Vista Business via volume license from work :D
 
I have an OEM version of XP Home and whenever I reformat I have to call and reactivate b/c the online activation doesn't take. I answer some questions, get my codes and boom, activated again. I've never had a problem with this and will continue buying OEM versions unless there is some large policy change.
 
OEM 64 bit Vista Premium.

Switched out 680i motherboard to a 780i motherboard and re-activated OEM Vista.

Switched CPU later and had to reactivate again.

No issues calling M/S each time.
 
I've been using the same "Windows XP Upgrade" disc since 2002. It's a non-SP1 copy (of course, I've nLite'd SP2 in there by now.. lol imagine needing to use a floppy drive for standard chipset SATA ports)

I've had to call Microsoft a couple of times "damn thing died, new motherboard, house burnt down, aliens ate it, etc.." but I've NEVER gotten any hassle from Steve or John in India. Nice guys that Steve and John, great fake American accent too!
 
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