From what I have seen, if you get the OEM copy of windows from places like Newegg it can only be installed on one computer. So, does this mean that if I install it on my new build and say the motherboard or hdd dies in a week I will have to buy another OEM copy of windows? Becasue if it is tied to that computer then it must be tied to that motherboard in some way right? Or can u reinstall on a new motherboard even if its not the same type? Also, with the oem version can you reformat and reinstall if you need to? Sorry for all the questions this is my first build and the oem copy will save me alot of $$$. Tried to search too btw.
OEM vista help
- Thread starter Nakattk
- Start date
The answer to everything you just asked:
No
Yes
You can install the same/different motherboard and use the same key as long as that license for Vista isn't on any other computer. And yes, you can reformat and reinstall if need be (granted it is on the single computer)
No
Yes
You can install the same/different motherboard and use the same key as long as that license for Vista isn't on any other computer. And yes, you can reformat and reinstall if need be (granted it is on the single computer)
The new version now sees the option to format or reformat any partition with the updated drive tools on the installation dvd. You can even resize(shrink or grow) existing partitions with the tools there as well as secondary partitions with the Disk Management tool while in Windows.
Unlike the change MS made for XP SP2 for upto 3 consecutive builds or 3 at once the OEM licensing for Vista as voyagerfan99 pointed out is tied to one system only. You can however reformat, reinstall Windows, and even swap out hardwares for the same system. If you should end up swapping one board out for another you will need to see Windows reinstalled and reactivated for that however.
One of the main reason Vista's retail pricing is much higher is due to see a second 64bit edition of the same included in the retail package so you get two for one or a coupon for the 64bit version of the same edition for MS to send one out. For OEM you only see one disk for that particular edition.
Unlike the change MS made for XP SP2 for upto 3 consecutive builds or 3 at once the OEM licensing for Vista as voyagerfan99 pointed out is tied to one system only. You can however reformat, reinstall Windows, and even swap out hardwares for the same system. If you should end up swapping one board out for another you will need to see Windows reinstalled and reactivated for that however.
One of the main reason Vista's retail pricing is much higher is due to see a second 64bit edition of the same included in the retail package so you get two for one or a coupon for the 64bit version of the same edition for MS to send one out. For OEM you only see one disk for that particular edition.
The retail versions on the other hand rule out the need for worry since you can take it with you for the next build. One article sees an excellent summary on: "Buying OEM versions of Windows Vista: the facts" at http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130-8730.html