Not licensed to install OEM? Read on..

Admiral Huddy · 14 Mar 2008 at 11:13

I have just read an interesting and alarming article in PC Zone this month (April 2008, page 98) re OEM Windows Vista.

According to their investigation, OEM software is only allowed to be sold to individuals that are registered as system builders and are not meant to be sold separate from hardware. Microsoft will only allow activation to people that are licensed to install OEM.

http://oem.microsoft.com/public/seo/licensing.htm

In this particular case, the individual bought a copy of Vista OEM but couldn’t activate it.

I’ve not heard this before and it’s a bit alarming to say the least. I’ve installed OEM copies on various client PCs and not had this crop up.

If this is the case, is it actually worth the retailer selling OEM software in the first place?

Would be interesting to OcUK comments.

Admiral Huddy · 14 Mar 2008 at 12:12

Butters said:
Not had any problems here. How could MS even know if you're a 'registered system builder' or not?

you won't be on their list.. See link in OP.

Admiral Huddy · 18 Mar 2008 at 17:11

Burnsy2023 said:
If they are clients then you should have used the Preinstallation Kit, otherwise you're not satisfying the System Builder Licence.

Burnsy

Hang on, I buy and supply a new PC or build for a client, then install a bought OEM copy of XP/Vista on that machine. If that's not satifying the OEM requirements, then what is. Are you saying I have to register as a system builder to do what I'm doing? If so, I'll do it but the questions remains why can you buy OEM software from vendors such as OCUK when the rules for installation and activation are so unclear.

I'll send you a copy of the article btw unless you have bought it.

Admiral Huddy · 22 Mar 2008 at 17:27

I got ya.. So basically if i build a new machine for myself and I can buy an OEM license. However, if i build a PC with the intension to sell, then i must become a licenced builder.

Ok, how about this scenario. I user has a corrupt windows OS, can find the disk and the key on the side of the case is missing or destroyed. Can I buy him a new copy of Windows on OEM?

Admiral Huddy · 26 Mar 2008 at 16:11

Good letter and well put. Will be interesting to hear their response.

Just to clarify one point though. The chap who raised the point in the article couldn't register the product. Why do you think this was in this case?