Full or OEM?

SnoopSanders

SnoopSanders

New Member
I'm trying to get a copy of windows xp pro and I'm a little confused on what exactly OEM is and why it is cheaper than the "Full" version. So which one should I get? OEM or Full?
 
I believe OEM is tied to the Mobo that it's originally installed on. According to M$, you cannot transfer that license to any other machine.
The full version can be transfered to a different PC as long as you remove it from the previous PC. You cannot install the full version (single license) on two computers at the same time, but it is transferable.

If I've managed to confuse you, maybe someone else can explain it better....LOL. Good luck with whatever you buy.
 
i have just purchased vista 64 bit premium on oem,i t came in a cd box with brief installation instructions, on the back of the box is your cd key sticker.

supposenly these oem are for computer retailers, these disks are only ment to be used on the computer it is sold with.

i do not regret getting the oem because ive used oem with xp before

what i want to know is-how does microsoft know what computer the oem is installed on-there was no questions when i registered mine online 10 mins ago!!!!

they dont, they just hope that you are genuine... if you register it more than a few times you will then have to ring them up to get it registered-

a few questions then its activated
 
So the only difference is that the OEM can only ever be installed on one computer and the full can be used on many different computers (one at a time of course)?
 
yes-

i know a way around it but i suppose i cant talk about it in here :)

the oem is cheaper because there is hardly any paper work with it and it is only supposed to be used with that one computer, its like getting the software but not having the full flexability of a retail version
 
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You can transfer the OEM license to another computer. Microsoft doesn't publicly acknowledge this, but people do it all the time. I'd say you're safe with the OEM version.
 
Hopefully to clarify this since it's been popping up in a lot of Thread the past few weeks it seems.

Big-Brand OEM - tied to a specific Brand; will *not* work on any other kind of system; Dell for Dell only, Acer for Acer only, etc. It's tied to the Brand's MoBo/BIOS and looks for it before it even begins to load. You can *not* use this type of Disc to install on a self-built system, as it won't recognize the Board. Almost a moot point since it's rare to see an actual Recovery Disk when purchasing a new system nowadays - you'll most-likely have to call the company and request/order one.

OEM (Newegg-purchased, etc.) - Just a CD, no box, booklet, or assorted fluff. Can be installed on any system, regardless of MoBo/BIOS. Usually can only be legally activated on one system at a time, but a SB pack will allow for more. Regardless of which, you can Install it multiple times if needed (ie - dead MoBo, dead HDD, etc.) so long as all the Installs/Activations are legal.

Retail (Newegg/store-purchased) - CD, Booklet, box, random fluff. Can also be installed on any system, regardless of MoBo/BIOS. The *only* thing different from the above-OEM is the packaging it comes with, thus the slightly higher price tag. Again, can be installed limitlessly, provided the Activations stay within the realms of legality (ie - only one system at a time).

Unless you like the pretty box and booklet that tells you what the OS can do, it's foolish to waste the money on the Retail version.
 
imsati said:
Hopefully to clarify this since it's been popping up in a lot of Thread the past few weeks it seems.

Big-Brand OEM - tied to a specific Brand; will *not* work on any other kind of system; Dell for Dell only, Acer for Acer only, etc. It's tied to the Brand's MoBo/BIOS and looks for it before it even begins to load. You can *not* use this type of Disc to install on a self-built system, as it won't recognize the Board. Almost a moot point since it's rare to see an actual Recovery Disk when purchasing a new system nowadays - you'll most-likely have to call the company and request/order one.

OEM (Newegg-purchased, etc.) - Just a CD, no box, booklet, or assorted fluff. Can be installed on any system, regardless of MoBo/BIOS. Usually can only be legally activated on one system at a time, but a SB pack will allow for more. Regardless of which, you can Install it multiple times if needed (ie - dead MoBo, dead HDD, etc.) so long as all the Installs/Activations are legal.

Retail (Newegg/store-purchased) - CD, Booklet, box, random fluff. Can also be installed on any system, regardless of MoBo/BIOS. The *only* thing different from the above-OEM is the packaging it comes with, thus the slightly higher price tag. Again, can be installed limitlessly, provided the Activations stay within the realms of legality (ie - only one system at a time).

Unless you like the pretty box and booklet that tells you what the OS can do, it's foolish to waste the money on the Retail version.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot, that was very helpful. I just wanted to know because I'm getting a new laptop soon and I don't really want to switch to Vista yet and I'll probably wait a couple of years until they get the kinks out.
 
mep916 said:
You can transfer the OEM license to another computer. Microsoft doesn't publicly acknowledge this, but people do it all the time. I'd say you're safe with the OEM version.
Click to expand...

this is ture, the copy of MCE in using now has been on 4 different computers and activated it on all of them, when i get vista ill get OEM.
 
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