Windows 7 OEM Vs. Retail

Compequip

New Member
I was curious what the difference was between oem and retail version software. Here is what I came up with. The oem version can only be used once on that system and no tech support from M.S. The retail version can be installed in multiple computers, one at a time. Meaning you can install then deinstall then install in another computer. Plus you can call or email M.S. for tech support. Also you get a fancy box and pay $50.00 more for the retail version. Any other thoughts please feel free to add...
 

Washrag

New Member
OEM can be used for reinstalls on that system, right? I've never really understood the whole OEM thing. :D
 

Bodaggit23

Active Member
OEM can be used for reinstalls on that system, right? I've never really understood the whole OEM thing. :D

Yes, you can reinstall it on the same computer as many times as you want with no issues.

Everything the OP stated is true.

Although you can install an OEM copy on a different machine, but that would require a phone call to Microsoft to explain why you are moving it.
 

tlarkin

VIP Member
When you buy OEM, the first system you install it on, that license is permanently tied to that system. So, if you sold it after using it for 2 years you would be legally forced to include the OEM software along with it.

OEM's original intent was to allow system builders a cheaper way to add Windows to their systems. So, smaller computer shops could build their own brand of PC and then add the OEM with it.

When you buy a HP or Dell they also use OEM software on their systems. So, you can't transfer the OS or other OEM software to another computer.

MS support blows, so I wouldn't even bother looking at support options. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten ridiculous answers from their paid Enterprise support.
 

robina_80

Active Member
just to clarify

retail - you can install on any number of pcs but only one at a time and you can upgrade it and it wont ask you to renter the cd key

oem - you can only install on one pc and it stays with that pc and if you do a big upgrade it will invalidate it and you have to call up india???
 

tlarkin

VIP Member
just to clarify

retail - you can install on any number of pcs but only one at a time and you can upgrade it and it wont ask you to renter the cd key

oem - you can only install on one pc and it stays with that pc and if you do a big upgrade it will invalidate it and you have to call up india???

yes, in a nutshell you are right.
 

robina_80

Active Member
well funny you should say that as i called microsoft for exactly ther same reason

one hardware in device manager kept on coming up with a explanation mark it was my sound card with a game port and it caused my windows alot of problems after couple of weeks my windows would say this copy of windows is not valid and it clearly was this happend a few times when i finally got really pi$$ed off and called dreaded india

i explained my situation and i said could it be because my sound card has a game port and vista doesnt support that no more and he agreed with me

so he gave me a new key, and he said i wont charge this time but next time you have to buy a new key or something along the lines and that got me really pi$$ed of i flipped i said why the hell do i have to pay for it when i clearly have a geuine copy and its asking me this cr@p all the time, then i said microsoft should sort out this problem and i said as i think microsoft are pile of wank
 

linkin

VIP Member
I just tell MS that i had a virus and had to reformat, worked every time so far. *hopefully not jinxed*

Honestly, i hate having to call MS support. their "activate via internet" never works. at least there is a toll free number
 

Jamin43

banned
oem - you can only install on one pc and it stays with that pc and if you do a big upgrade it will invalidate it and you have to call up india???

Define " big upgrade "

If you add a video card - or add RAM or new HDD, it's no problem. Upgrading Motherboard - will probably have a problem.

I think I read somewhere - that the number of parts might have somethign to do with it too - but that should be able to be resolved with a call to microsoft.

Anybody know the exact criteria to cause OEM to be not usable without the call to microsoft?

Thanks
 

tlarkin

VIP Member
Define " big upgrade "

If you add a video card - or add RAM or new HDD, it's no problem. Upgrading Motherboard - will probably have a problem.

I think I read somewhere - that the number of parts might have somethign to do with it too - but that should be able to be resolved with a call to microsoft.

Anybody know the exact criteria to cause OEM to be not usable without the call to microsoft?

Thanks

Hardware that has hardware specific resources that are unique, like motherboards and NICs. Those can use "reactivations."
 

porterjw

Spaminator
Staff member
Not necessarily. You can call and they will reactivate it for you, but it will be a hassle.

Fixed it for you:)

To the OP, are you looking to build a system for yourself or for someone else? The EULA for OEM states that *you* will provide support for the end-user if there's a problem for a period of time you and they agree on.
 
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