Vista OEM or Retail - what is the difference?

D

dakaptin

New Member
Im looking to get Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit, and wish to install it on a new computer that will more than likely be upgraded later down the track.

Now I have a burning question, which should I get - the OEM or retail version? Ive been quoted $AUS480 for the retail, and have seen the OEM for 150-200 (if I remember correctly). This sort of difference has however has me confused, why would anyone spend that much more for a retail version?

I have "heard" of ppl having problems with OEM, that they wont allow upgrade, but thats all I know/have heard of. Even if I do upgrade, I'd rather format the HDD and reinstall it than spending more than double!!!

Help!!
 
The only difference between retail and OEM is what you get with the actual OS. The OEM one is for those with experience, it is simply the OS and a quick start manual, while the Retail has a box, with a full manual and other things which aren't really worth the extra money.
 
damn ay!!! 480 vs 200 just for a manual, a pretty box and help on the phone,

NO THANKS, I'd rather spend the extra takin computer lessons!!!!!!!!! (if I needed it, which I don't)

thanks fo that.

Just a question, is there anyone out there who has bought the retail version? just curious!
 
On the vista ultimate retail you get the 32 and 64 bits but it'll still be the same key so it doesn't really matter, i've bough retail but that was a xp pro
 
also, i believe that the OEM version will be tied to your motherboard once installed, and you would not be able to install it onto a new motherboard if you upgraded later on. the Retail version you could reinstall regardless what upgrades you did to your computer. you could still reinstall the OEM version if you only did minor upgrades like memory or a larger hard drive, but if you get to replacing the motherboard, you will not be able to reinstall the OEM version on it.
 
Nevakonaza said:
who needs their Support anyway when we have CF?:D
Click to expand...

Yeah, all support is anyways is some guy from India saying "bo ha chi ki ni?" and you're like "Umm....can you just tell me how to fix this problem with vista? and they're like "chi ka kih so ha" and you're like what? and they're like "sorry, I dont speak english, try calling back later"
 
vonfeldt7 said:
Yeah, all support is anyways is some guy from India saying "bo ha chi ki ni?" and you're like "Umm....can you just tell me how to fix this problem with vista? and they're like "chi ka kih so ha" and you're like what? and they're like "sorry, I dont speak english, try calling back later"
Click to expand...

HeHe thats exactly what NTL technical support is like, one day I'll record a conversation with em and post it here :P
 
lol

heres the thing, if I bought vista HP OEM - $150 minimum (im in aust)

vista HP retail - $380 minimum

question: how often do you upgrade a motherboard in between new OSes? once maybe?

it'll be $80 cheaper for me to buy the OEM again if upgrading a mobo!!!!
 
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