Windows 7 OEM

TheSkateyBird · 11 Apr 2011 at 21:36

Hello,

I've been browsing the OverclockersUK website trying decide between a few upgrades. I'm in desperate need of a hard drive and OS upgrade. While browsing I found this...

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-000-OP

The 1TB option for +£15 would be a great saving however the part that confused me was where in the description it said ...

"x1 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit OEM"
I understand the 64-bit part but I have no idea what the OEM part means.
Would be very greatful if someone could clear this up for me.

Regards,
Ross

Destination · 11 Apr 2011 at 21:40

OEM for all meaningful purpose means sold with hardware,

In general it means it is only licenced to work with one motherboard and would be tied to it, so if you updated you computer and motherboard but wanted to keep your operating sytem, you would need to buy a new copy of windows 7.

andy_mk3 · 11 Apr 2011 at 21:41

The Interweb said:
OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

TheSkateyBird · 11 Apr 2011 at 21:41

So it would be best to upgrade my motherboard first then?

Destination · 11 Apr 2011 at 21:49

Yup, pretty much, as long as thats the upgradeyou want, and will last you, else buy retail, and then install it and upgrade as you like, as long as it is only ever installed on one machine at a time.