WINDOWS 7, OEM's vs Full versions?

MrPink

MrPink

MrPink

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Joined
21 Oct 2009
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hey guys just wondering what the major differences are between the two?

price on oem are cheaper are you losing any functionality or it cant all just be packaging can it??
 
With OEM you cannot transfer the license to another motherboard from the original one you installed it on unless it is a direct warranty replacement, (people will chip in and say "oh but you just phone up and they activate you" but that doesn't mean you will be legally licensed any more).

With Retail you can install it multiple motherboards as long as it is only installed on one system at a time.

Other than that they are the same software.
 
with retail, you purchase both 32 and 64bit editions, while with OEM, you purchase the one you choose.
 
The simple question to ask yourself is how many machines will I go through during the lifetime of Windows 7.
Everytime you replace your motherboard you will need a new OEM license.
A retail license can be transferred from machine to machine as often as you like.

So retail - pay once, will last you the lifetime of the OS no matter how many machines you own.
OEM - pay each time you replace your motherboard.

Now do the maths.
 
Yes OEM is one each 32 or 64bits not together in one disc folder and stick one motherboard once it activation then it stick same model you cannot upgrade motherboard but can upgrade hard drive, video card or RAM. Retail can let you upgrade any hardwares or even reactivation if you reformat and reinstall in short time also 32 and 64bits to choose which one to install with one code key and keep it for much longer. Retail for Windows 7 seem quite cheap just now before the price go up much higher in the begin of 2010.
 
Although written originally for Windows XP the sticky is still relevant:

What are the differences between OEM and Retail editions?
With an OEM edition of Windows there are certain restrictions in the EULA which differentiate it from the full retail version. Firstly, the OEM license is said to be ‘non-transferable’. This means that once the license has been attached to a particular PC, it cannot be moved to another, even if the OS has completely been removed from the first computer. The full retail version is slightly different. With the retail edition you are granted one concurrent license. This means that you can move the OS from one machine to another as long as you remove it from the first machine. It also means that you can change the hardware within the computer without it affecting the license validity. Also, with the retail license you are entitled to free technical support from Microsoft. The OEM edition has support provided by the OEM itself and support may not be complete or free.
Click to expand...

However, more importantly you probably should not be using an OEM licence: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17969729&highlight=licensing+hobbyists
 
Do i have to buy any hardware with OEM from OCUK?, i am asking because in Greece you cannot buy the OEM version alone you HAVE to buy hardware with it or else they wont sell it.
 
Iraklis F.C. said:
Do i have to buy any hardware with OEM from OCUK?, i am asking because in Greece you cannot buy the OEM version alone you HAVE to buy hardware with it or else they wont sell it.
Click to expand...

You shouldn't' have to, here or in Greece. That rule from Microsoft was abolished in 2004.
 
The whole OEM licensing thing is a bit of a minefield.

I believe the current situation is (according to a recent thread on here) that to use an OEM copy of Windows you have to install using the OEM Pre-installation Kit and the computer its installed on has to be sold to someone else.

Anything else and you are NOT licensed.

Retail is the only way to go for a single user to install themselves and be officially licensed.
 
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