OEM vs Retail Windows?

DampDog

DampDog

DampDog

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What are the advantages/disadvantages when buying OEM vs Retail versions of Windows, if you are planning on building your own system?
 
With the OEM version, Windows is tied (forever) to the machine it is first put on. With the full retail version, as long as you remove it from the old machine, you can then put the OS on any new machine you build or buy
 
ED209 said:
With the OEM version, Windows is tied (forever) to the machine it is first put on. With the full retail version, as long as you remove it from the old machine, you can then put the OS on any new machine you build or buy
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Ah, Ok. So if you built your rig using an OEM copy and had your motherboard fail, that would require a new copy of windows?
 
With 8 the OEM version allows you to change system (Motherboard) without issue as they have not launched a retail version.
 
DampDog said:
Ah, Ok. So if you built your rig using an OEM copy and had your motherboard fail, that would require a new copy of windows?
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If under warranty and replaced by the manufacturer then you are allowed but if it's for a performance upgrade then you should purchase a new licence.
 
mrbell1984 said:
Is this a homework question?
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No you sarky git, it's a question from someone who's new to it and thinks it might be a good idea to ask before buying. Unfortunately I was under the illusion this was a forum where you could ask for advice.

Cheers peeps, In that case I think Retail would give me more flexibility in the long run. Thanks
 
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DampDog said:
No you sarky git, it's a question from someone who's new to it and thinks it might be a good idea to ask before buying. Unfortunately I was under the illusion this was a forum where you could ask for advice.

Cheers peeps, In that case I think Retail would give me more flexibility in the long run. Thanks
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I would stick to retail as well then if you do any hardware changes etc then you can do what you want with the OS rather than go through the hassle of buying another license.
 
DampDog said:
No you sarky git, it's a question from someone who's new to it and thinks it might be a good idea to ask before buying. Unfortunately I was under the illusion this was a forum where you could ask for advice.

Cheers peeps, In that case I think Retail would give me more flexibility in the long run. Thanks
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He he theres a small chance asking questions may result in a small text of sarcasam alough you get the answer in the end.

It did look like a question out of some homework club though but I'm just kidding. lol
 
No worries, probably a little tetchy in replying myself, my system has been playing up and I am yet to put my finger on it and resolve it. (hence thinking about a possible new build)

I was sort of aware that OEM tied you into the hardware but wasn't sure of the limits. Or whether retail and OEM had omissions or additions of any features. Just thought I'd ask.

Don't know if I dare ask about Windows 7 vs Windows 8... LOL
 
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DampDog said:
Don't know if I dare ask about Windows 7 vs Windows 8... LOL
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Up to you, may be worth waiting for Windows 10 now though as it's just round the corner, having said that though, you do get a free upgrade for the first year, regardless if it's Windows 7 or up...

Personally I prefer Windows 7, but Windows 8.1 is the latest, so usually best to go with that.
 
DampDog said:
No worries, probably a little tetchy in replying myself, my system has been playing up and I am yet to put my finger on it and resolve it. (hence thinking about a possible new build)

I was sort of aware that OEM tied you into the hardware but wasn't sure of the limits. Or whether retail and OEM had omissions or additions of any features. Just thought I'd ask.

Don't know if I dare ask about Windows 7 vs Windows 8... LOL
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No you dare not :P
 
As said from win8 onwards.
OEM = retail basically. It is not tied to hardware and can be transferred as many times as you want.

Which makes win8 great value.
 
I can confirm my OEM Windows 8 allowed a motherboard upgrade without a hitch. I just had to phone an automated line and input a string of numbers. It was previously upgraded from Vista OEM (awful OS by the way)
 
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