Win 7: OEM vs retail?

Thanatos

Thanatos

Active Member
I am confused. I want to dual boot windows xp and 7. I plan to make a partition for windows 7 to go on. I don't know whether to get the retail version or the cheaper oem version. Can someone explain the difference between the two? And another thing: after I have put windows 7 on the new partition, can I just transfer the files that I want from xp to 7? Thanks.
 
porterjw

porterjw

Spaminator
Staff member
Retail = OS DVD, pretty box, booklet, instructions, bells & whistles.

OEM = OS DVD

Aside from the packaging, both will be the same; Win 7 Premium OEM = Win 7 Premium Retail.
 
W

WhiteTree

New Member
The retail version can be installed on different computers if you want (only one at a time though). The OEM version can only be used on the hardware you install it on first - you cannot transfer it to another computer later (at least not legally).

OEM - original equipment manufacturer (This is the version you get when you purchase a new computer from DELL, HP, etc.)
 
bkribbs

bkribbs

New Member
WhiteTree said:
The retail version can be installed on different computers if you want (only one at a time though). The OEM version can only be used on the hardware you install it on first - you cannot transfer it to another computer later (at least not legally).

OEM - original equipment manufacturer (This is the version you get when you purchase a new computer from DELL, HP, etc.)
Click to expand...

And can't you have unlimited installs with the OEM?
 
OverClocker

OverClocker

New Member
But online stores now are selling OEM versions of Windows OS even without buying a machine. Before, one could not buy an OEM OS without buying a machine.

I read somewhere that there is a fix how to install OEMs into another machine.

And to answer the question : the difference is the packaging.
 
Quiltface

Quiltface

Active Member
yes both xp and 7 should see your partition for either os and you will be able to transfer files... but your good ole standby usb drive will work as well.

i have a feeling though once you go to 7 you wont really want to go back to XP. 7 is pretty solid and it has a downloadable free feature called windows XP mode that basically gives you an XP os on top of 7 to run programs not compatible with 7. but its your box do what you please.
 
Blue

Blue

<b>VIP Member</b>
Quiltface said:
yes both xp and 7 should see your partition for either os and you will be able to transfer files... but your good ole standby usb drive will work as well.

i have a feeling though once you go to 7 you wont really want to go back to XP. 7 is pretty solid and it has a downloadable free feature called windows XP mode that basically gives you an XP os on top of 7 to run programs not compatible with 7. but its your box do what you please.
Click to expand...

Of course only windows 7 pro and higher support the XP mode. Also, You will need a CPU that supports chip-level virtualization. Even some machines purchased in the past year or two might not have the proper requirements.
 
Thanatos

Thanatos

Active Member
does the Athlon X2 250 support that? and thanks to everyone who has posted. i may just stick with XP, as it is so reliable and easy.
 
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WhiteTree

New Member
I thought it had virtualization, but strangely enough, the Athlon II X2 250 is the only Athlon II that doesn't show up with the virtualization filter turned on, and it does not show virtualization in the specifications. It could be an error on Newegg though.

AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor ADX250OCGQBOX


These do have virtualization listed:

AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor ADX240OCK23GQ - OEM
AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX245OCGQBOX
AMD Athlon II X2 255 Regor 3.1GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX255OCGQBOX
AMD Athlon II X2 260 Regor 3.2GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX260OCGMBOX
 
Blue

Blue

<b>VIP Member</b>
Green dog252 said:
does the Athlon X2 250 support that? and thanks to everyone who has posted. i may just stick with XP, as it is so reliable and easy.
Click to expand...

You can check that out here http://support.amd.com/us/Pages/dyn...cd2c08-1432-4756-aafa-4d9dc646342f&ItemID=172

There is a utility that will check for you.

Edit

I've quickly read that microsoft has lost the hardware requirements to run xp mode. I would do a quick google for yourself to be certain. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent...ows_7_xp_mode_loses_hardware_requirement.html
 
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