[Zuccolo]

So I've been out of the PC tech loop for years now. I've been too busy researching the Japanese version of Power Rangers.

With that said, my RC version of Windows 7 expires in 14 days. I currently legally own a copy of Windows XP Home and Windows Vista Home (basic, I think). I am satisfied with 7 and would like to continue using it. I already know I would like to purchase the 64-bit Professional version. I also would like to buy the full version, as I see simply owning the upgrade version could present future problems.

So now begs the question, what's the difference between the OEM and retail version (if there even is a difference), which should I buy, and does anyone know of any special deals for buying a copy?

Thanks in advance.

[Gamma]

I think it is that you can't have OEM unless it is bought in conjunction with a new machine. Not saying you can't buy it for an old machine, but that's technically what the license says.

Talk to me on Steam though.

[Joga]

OEM license is tied to the first machine it's installed on. You can reinstall it on the same machine, but you can't transfer it over to a new computer (defined by Microsoft as a new motherboard).

Retail license can be transferred as many times as you like to whatever the hell you feel like. (can only be installed on one machine at a time though)

That's really the only difference. If I didn't already get it free from MSDNAA, I'd just buy the OEM version. Also, for the record, you can do a clean install from the upgrade version (and you're legally allowed to do it since you own XP/Vista). But OEM is full-install anyway, so no worries.

TL;DR: Buy this and be done. (unless you can find it cheaper elsewhere)

Edit: If you have a working UCF email address, you can probably do the Windows741 thing - $65 for Windows 7 Pro.

This post has been edited by Joga: 16 February 2010 - 12:57 AM

[BUDMAN]

so then what happens when say my motherboard takes a shit in a year and i need a new one, what whould i do about windows OEM?

[Bucu]

BUDMAN, on 16 February 2010 - 08:48 AM, said:

so then what happens when say my motherboard takes a shit in a year and i need a new one, what whould i do about windows OEM?

Just re-install it. I doubt they actually can lock it to one MOBO. you probably just won't be able to activate it a second time. EDIT noted. Google your own stuff dudes.

OEM is defined by Microsoft for system builders. IE (Dell, HP, etc). They do not intend it to be sold for the individual geek. Still, you have newegg.com and other online retailers that still offer the product. Not that it is bad to offer it but there is no upfront explanation of the contractual agreement set forth with the OS as OEM.

I bought OEM for both Win7 and Win Home server. (the home server is still up for grabs) Its just sitting on the desk now. (I learned about the license issues on the back end though)

This post has been edited by Bucu: 16 February 2010 - 09:50 PM

[Zuccolo]

...wait a second. So does this mean that the OS discs you get from a retailer when you purchase a new computer or laptop are OEM discs? If so, then I've been using my XP disc from Dell on multiple machines for years.

[cyb.tachyon]

Zuccolo, on 16 February 2010 - 10:23 AM, said:

...wait a second. So does this mean that the OS discs you get from a retailer when you purchase a new computer or laptop are OEM discs? If so, then I've been using my XP disc from Dell on multiple machines for years.

XP OEM discs don't lock to a single machine, and is the most forgiving when it comes to activations etc. Not sure about Vista or 7 though.

[Zuccolo]

OK. I found an upgrade retail 64-bit version online for $142. Purchased.

Thanks for the help.

[BUDMAN]

Zuccolo, on 16 February 2010 - 11:53 AM, said:

OK. I found an upgrade retail 64-bit version online for $142. Purchased.

Thanks for the help.

upgrade? have fun with that next time you need to reinstall

[Bucu]

BUDMAN, on 16 February 2010 - 08:00 PM, said:

upgrade? have fun with that next time you need to reinstall

They come with a full install feature I believe. If not there are plenty of work arounds. again I can not post them here. So www.google.com is not restricted.

[Bucu]

Bucu, on 16 February 2010 - 09:51 PM, said:

They come with a full install feature I believe. If not there are plenty of work arounds. again I can not post them here. So www.google.com is not restricted.

ALso. Who really reinstalls all that often anyway. I ran my computer for 6 years never reinstall/format at all. My other gaming rig 2-3 years without a format.

[Joga]

Bucu, on 16 February 2010 - 09:51 PM, said:

They come with a full install feature I believe. If not there are plenty of work arounds. again I can not post them here. So www.google.com is not restricted.

You're legally allowed to do a clean install from Upgrade media. That's actually the only way to do it if you only have Windows XP (can't do an in-place upgrade from XP). Microsoft has a whole article detailing how to do a clean install with the Upgrade edition. It's not that big of a deal. *shrug*

[cyb.tachyon]

Common Misconception: Windows 7 Upgrade editions differ from any cd image of a comparable Windows 7 RTM.
Truth: Upgrade just means you can choose to upgrade if you so wish from Vista or another version of Windows 7, but don't have to.

[Thunderg0d]

cyb.tachyon, on 17 February 2010 - 12:12 AM, said:

Common Misconception: Windows 7 Upgrade editions differ from any cd image of a comparable Windows 7 RTM.
Truth: Upgrade just means you can choose to upgrade if you so wish from Vista or another version of Windows 7, but don't have to.

The part not mentioned there is it can ask for the media of either the XP/Vista and potentially could ask for an old, but valid key (I don't think this is implemented, but it is a realistic possiblity). Typically it does this when it does not see a previous OS installation currently on the Hard Drives, dropping in a new bare drive for new OS install being the most common example and I typically unplug all other Hard Drives before a new OS install just to make sure boot info doesn't get thrown to another drive as windows does sometimes like to do weird shit like that.

In short, it is usually good practice for those that own an upgrade copy to have their old OS information/media available as well (AKA store them together).

This post has been edited by Thunderg0d: 17 February 2010 - 07:13 AM

[Zuccolo]

Thunderg0d, on 17 February 2010 - 07:10 AM, said:

The part not mentioned there is it can ask for the media of either the XP/Vista and potentially could ask for an old, but valid key (I don't think this is implemented, but it is a realistic possiblity). Typically it does this when it does not see a previous OS installation currently on the Hard Drives, dropping in a new bare drive for new OS install being the most common example and I typically unplug all other Hard Drives before a new OS install just to make sure boot info doesn't get thrown to another drive as windows does sometimes like to do weird shit like that.

In short, it is usually good practice for those that own an upgrade copy to have their old OS information/media available as well (AKA store them together).

Actually...now that I think about it...I think I threw out my old laptop that had my valid XP key. Whoops. Oh well. At least I still have my Vista key.