Win7 OEM ?'s

R

RoyGBiv

New Member
I have just built a new computer which I am running WinXP on. Other than loading slowly it works well, but I am considering moving up to Win7.

Having researched things, it seems to make sense for me to buy an "OEM" version instead of paying for a full retail version. My questions are:

1) is there anything "missing" or different on the OEM that accounts for the lower price?

2) from what I've read the OEM versions are for system builders when you are a retailer. I am going to use it myself. Will there be any issue registering it under those circumstances?

3) if I need/want to reinstall this OEM version on the same computer, will there be issues when I need to activate it during/after installation?

4) does Win7 have an ability as XP does to run old, DOS programs at a command prompt? I have one old DOS program my wife still uses regularly and needs to continue to use. If I upgrade to Win7, and she can't use it, it won't be pretty.

Thanks for the info.

SMK
 
Here are some answers for you.

1. The only difference between OEM and other version is that there is no microsoft support available to your if you get the OEM version. Also, there are no manuals that come with it. All you get is the cd and key to activate.

2. There will be no issue. Many users buy the OEM because it is cheaper.

3. You can reinstall and reactivate the same copy of the software with the same key as many times as you need to, however, phone activation may be required at times.

4. Not really sure about this one. I know there is still a compatibility setting you can try to use to run older games.
 
Thanks for the info. I guess if worst comes to worst I could run a dual boot system with DOS 6.22!!! and Win 7.

SMK
 
If you want to shell out a bit more for Win7 pro, it actually includes a full version of XP on it that can be run as a virtual machine INSIDE windows 7.
 
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