Difference between OEM and retail

[evilmechy]

I was wondering what is the difference.. Like theres the OEM vista and the retail one.

Thanks in advance.

[kegobeer]

This has been discussed ad nauseum. Please search the forums.

And in case Google didn't yield any results, here's a freebie for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origina...t_manufacturer

[olyteddy]

About fifty bucks. That aside, OEM software is supposed to be sold only with the purchase of hardware and it is bound (by user agreement...lol) to only that hardware. I once had to buy a fully XP compatible USB cable to get an OEM copy of XP.

[Greg]

OEM also can only be installed on one PC...ever. If you get a new PC, you have to get a new license.

[wave]

This is not true. If you buy a OEM version of Windows you can install it on as many PCs as you want but ofcourse only one at a time. The only differances between OEM Windows Vista and retail are:

1. Price
2. OEM only get either 32 or 64bit. Retail gets both and can order the 64bit DVD cheaply from MS.
3. You dont get a fancy box and booklet.
4. You dont get any support from MS.

Only if you get OEM Windows together with the PC it is tied to the PC. But even this has been overturned in courts, atleast here in Germany it has.

[slumbermann]

this info i get when i want to buy my Vista last time... So OEM version normally is just a one time install copy... meaning... you normally don't receive any update after that... but of coz you can install multiple times, thats not the problem... only thing... what you install is what you get...

this info i get from a computer personal in a computer shop, so if he cheated me... then i'm sorry for the wrong info...

[SideSwipe]

no OEM is basically sold with hardware and generally can only be installed in one computer, when that computer goes, so should your copy of vista. you do receive support from MS in the form of updates and such but you do not get the retail box and manual. installing on another machine MAY work if you don't change the hardware too much but not guaranteed. and yes you only get the 32bit versions if you order a 32bit OS and license.

[wave]

Yes if you get the OEM Windows with a computer then it is tied to it. But if you buy OEM (System Builders) Windows without a computer at newegg.com or other then it is not tied to any computer.

Not to the first one you install it on and not to the 2nd or 3rd either.

[Sykotic]

You will more than likely have activation issues and have to call MS to reactivate if you reinstall on a different hardware config. GL

[SideSwipe]

yes you will have to call MS if you reinstall it on a config that has changed somewhat, i read that in an article where someone purchased an OEM copy of vista and changed PCs and had to call MS cuz of it.