amateurandy Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 Why not get an OEM version which other than a pretty box is no different? [ Are you sure, in particular have you checked out the license terms and whether it requires customisation as it's for System Builders?
BASS Posted February 4, 2007 Author Posted February 4, 2007 OEM is for a single computer once it's on the motherboard it stays with that motherboard it can not be transferred to another computer. The Retail Version can be transferred to another computer you only licensed for one computer but if you where to buy another computer you can transfer it to your new machine
amateurandy Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 OEM is for a single computer once it's on the motherboard it stays with that motherboard it can not be transferred to another computer. The Retail Version can be transferred to another computer you only licensed for one computer but if you where to buy another computer you can transfer it to your new machine Correct. Though the definition of a computer can sometimes allow "upgrading" of the motherboard and other components. I tried to find exactly how Microsoft are managing the OEM versions of Vista, but can't (quickly). I did find this quote on a web site selling it though: This OEM software is intended for system builders only, or people acting as a system builder, and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license, including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the software. So, if you're happy with that (and a license you haven't read) then OEM version MAY be for you............ I also found this comment on a news site: Microsoft has given the go ahead for users to buy the low-cost OEM copies of Windows Vista now appearing on sites like Newegg.com; however, they would be expected to adhere to the licensing terms just like any other computer manufacturer. This could mean that support for those computers with this version of Windows installed would be the responsibility of the end-users themselves. Microsoft also noted that like with standard copies of Vista, a user running the OEM version would still be forced to reactivate if he or she substantially alters the computer's hardware configuration.
Guest Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 OEM is for a single computer once it's on the motherboard it stays with that motherboard it can not be transferred to another computer. The Retail Version can be transferred to another computer you only licensed for one computer but if you where to buy another computer you can transfer it to your new machine Well I have never installed OEM Vista, but I have installed loads and loads of XP OEM's. They don't require any customisation, you just enter user info etc on boot. The myth about it being locked to motherboards is partly true. It is not true that you will have to throw your OEM in the bin, if you change the motherboard. You may need to re-activate it or worst case scenario you call the Microsoft activation line and explain to them. In my experience of Microsoft they are very non confrontational and just cough up an activation code! You are supposed to buy hardware at the same time but Ebuyer are flexible regaring this. Dave
Guest Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 Correct. Though the definition of a computer can sometimes allow "upgrading" of the motherboard and other components.I tried to find exactly how Microsoft are managing the OEM versions of Vista, but can't (quickly). I did find this quote on a web site selling it though: This OEM software is intended for system builders only, or people acting as a system builder, and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license, including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the software. So, if you're happy with that (and a license you haven't read) then OEM version MAY be for you............ I also found this comment on a news site: Microsoft has given the go ahead for users to buy the low-cost OEM copies of Windows Vista now appearing on sites like Newegg.com; however, they would be expected to adhere to the licensing terms just like any other computer manufacturer. This could mean that support for those computers with this version of Windows installed would be the responsibility of the end-users themselves. Microsoft also noted that like with standard copies of Vista, a user running the OEM version would still be forced to reactivate if he or she substantially alters the computer's hardware configuration. Does anybody phone Microsoft for technical support? Dave
amateurandy Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 Well I have never installed OEM Vista, but I have installed loads and loads of XP OEM's. They don't require any customisation, you just enter user info etc on boot. Depending where they came from, they may have already been customised by the System Builder, typically to recognise that it's being installed on the right hardware. Dell and HP/Compaq have definitely done that at times, and several other makes I've encountered. If you install on the right hardware you often don't need either a key or activation. Quite what state the "generic" OEM Vista is in I wouldn't know; hopefully you can install from it, but worst case would be needing to run some specialised System Builder tools to "brand" or "customise" it to create "Your" installable Vista DVD.
Guest Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 Depending where they came from, they may have already been customised by the System Builder, typically to recognise that it's being installed on the right hardware. Dell and HP/Compaq have definitely done that at times, and several other makes I've encountered.If you install on the right hardware you often don't need either a key or activation. Quite what state the "generic" OEM Vista is in I wouldn't know; hopefully you can install from it, but worst case would be needing to run some specialised System Builder tools to "brand" or "customise" it to create "Your" installable Vista DVD. I know if you buy a Dell PC etc then these large manufacturers brand their OS's. I have bought OEM's from Ebuyer and Planet Micro and never had this issue. When Phelps Systems first started we use to be big in computers, supply, upgrade, repair etc.. as I was still working for a security company . Since I left and started doing security work for my own company they have taken a back seat. We still build our own machines for access control and CCTV applications. Dave
amateurandy Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 When Phelps Systems first started we use to be big in computers, supply, upgrade, repair etc.. ..... We still build our own machines for access control and CCTV applications. You definitely get the "bin there, done that" gold star on PC's then!
Guest Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 You definitely get the "bin there, done that" gold star on PC's then! I wouldn't say that, but we have had our fair share of dealing with PC DIY'ers that reckon they know it all. The problems we experienced is you supply a brand new state of the art PC, all signing and dancing. The user then fills it full of freeware and shareware and it starts running as slow as a ZX81. We got the phone call "your PC is faulty" I am not an IT proffesional but started working on ZX81's at school (oops thats shown my age), then I bought one from WHSMITH, then got Spectrum, Spectrum 128K, Acorn Electron, VIC20, Tatung Einstein (yep I bought one of those), C64 and then Atari ST. Then grew up into PC's with my first 286 which I then bravely upgraded the board for a 386DX40 then off we went to 486, Pent 1, 2, 3 and now 4. Have to admit on all machines we build I fit AMD processors (OEM's! ) Haven't dabbled in the new dual core stuff but very tempted. Dave
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