please explain in all honesty... OEM

[Bokranator]

ok i saw the forum guide on them to be frank i got confused. is windows vista home premium a worthy oem? i dont even know if it has support for the newer core 2 duos, im eager to start my first personal system build but im hearing oem's r bad the retails a rip off and arghh lol. someone set me str8 plz.

[Dread]

The most noticeable difference between OEM and retail software is the packaging, or lack thereof. The OEM software comes in a CD sleeve shrink-wrapped with a small authenticity booklet, a sticker and activation
key.

The retail software (still talking Windows OS) comes in a real pretty
jewel case with bright colors, a small instruction manual and more bright
colors. All this at a premium price...

Just so you're aware. OEM OS software from MS requires that if the
system is sold, or transferred, the OS goes with it and that you apply
the authenticity sticker to the case of said system. I however treat
OEM software the exact same as its retail cousin.

[sean126]

I think what you want to know is:

From my understanding, and the others can correct me if I'm wrong....is an oem version of the software is one where you can only install it one time and on only one one computer.

The retail version....you can install and reinstall as many times as you like on all your computers.

otherwise they are exactly the same as far as funtionality.

Some people like to give themselves a clean reinstall every year or so....just to clean out all the junk that accumilates.

[Dr. V]

Originally Posted by sean126

I think what you want to know is:

From my understanding, and the others can correct me if I'm wrong....is an oem version of the software is one where you can only install it one time and on only one one computer.

The retail version....you can install and reinstall as many times as you like on all your computers.

otherwise they are exactly the same as far as funtionality.

Some people like to give themselves a clean reinstall every year or so....just to clean out all the junk that accumilates.

Well...you can't install a retail version of Windows on two different computers and have them running at the same time - or should I say the same CD-Key from that retail copy. I'm pretty sure there is a deactivation process through which one must go before installing said retail copy on a different computer. About OEM you're right - one time, one compuer.

[sean126]

Thanks Stix.

I'm pretty sure there is some work around to that...my buddy has a computer network/computer sales business and has a whole case full of software cd's that he uses over and over. He put windows xp on mine...and stuck it back into his cd case to use again.

Never bothered to ask him how he's able to put it on more than one computer (I thought you could)....I'll ask him this weekend when I see him. That might be some useful info.

[JazzyJake]

Originally Posted by ST!X

About OEM you're right - one time, one compuer.

actually, you're wrong.
you can install it as many times as you want on one computer, just it's non-transferable....

[gvblake22]

Also know that the OEM version will only come as the 32-bit or 64-bit version as you buy it. With the retail version, I think you technically get the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

[RA1D]

i bought Vista Ultimate 64 OEM and i reinstalled it several times (not by choice) on my hard drive. after installation, you can activate it over the internet only once. after the first time, you will have to activate it over the phone by calling microsoft. its a hassle but eventually they give you this 2,000 digit activation key and its done. they will ask you how many computers you have installed the OS on and why you are re-installing it. i wanted to tell them "Cause your product SUCKS!" but i didn't cause i just wanted to get through it.

you can reinsall it as many times as you want, you'll just have to go thru the hassle of calling them up, being put on hold, giving them all your info, being put on hold, giving them all your info over again, being put on hold, then entering some 6,000 digit activation code. and make sure to tell them you've only installed it on one computer and you had to reinstall it because of hardware upgrades (or something like that).

[One4yu2c]

To recap, and to add, OEM means:

• Original Equipment Manufacturer (technically intended for those that build, resell, and provide their own support. Dell would be an example of a large OEM, though an OEM can be a local mom/pop store or an individual as well)
• Supposed to be purchased with a piece of hardware (some vendors are lax on this)
• No pretty box and manual
• No phone/email support from Microsoft (I know, you're heartbroken!)
• Supposed to stay with the original PC (non-transferrable)
• Get to play the activation dance if you're a multiple installer and activator kind of guy/gal
• Less expensive than the retail counterpart

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

Less expensive than the retail counterpart

The most important part!!!!!!!!!!!!!!