Difference between OEM and Retail versions of windows.

cabernet

cabernet

New Member
What's the difference between the retail and OEM version of windows vista? One is way cheaper than the other and if they're not all that different I'd get the cheaper one, and the version for system builders mean it can only be used one time right?
 
There are two types of OEM releases. One is the cd or dvd now for Vista that is included with a prebuilt system like a Dell or HP where it is strictly a system recovery type version for restoring Windows and not performing an independent install but on that machine alone. The other type is simply an upgrade or full version without the large paperback book and retail packaging.

If you don't need the large book to learn how to run Windows then you can save quite a bit over the retail tags on the different editions! For the Ultimate verion the retail price is $399- while the OEM version like seen at newegg and other online vendors caries between $199.99 and $209- depending where you go. Thats about $200 saved there! The other versions vary with the Basic being the lowest retail of about $120 $95- OEM approximate. Newegg has the stripped down version of Vista seen for $94.99 OEM at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116195

With a full version not tied to a prebuild you can build a new case and use that same disk. For use on more then one at a time you need to buy a small business license from Microsoft. That's how that works.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top