Any disadvantages of OEM-versions?

[Kalixa]

Hello. I will need to buy a version of Windows XP. I was just wondering, is there any advantages in getting a non-oem version from a oem version? I personally don't need the manual and support as long as I have a working version of windows xp I am fine. My dad spoke to a guy, and he said that oem version are bound to one piece of hardware. Is this true?

Also, can you upgrade to a later version of windows using a oem-version? Is an upgrade from to an operating system cheaper than buying a new oem-version?

Thank you.

[Kalixa]

bump. Anyone have an answer for any of my questions?

[Eidorian]

An OEM version is licensed to be attached to a piece of hardware. It's a full version in its own right but it's stuck on that piece of hardware that you install it on. At least when it comes to a license...

[Tangerine]

There is nothing different with OEM or Retail version. OEM are made especially for System Builder Computer, you only get a manual and the DVD. I bought an OEM myself, it's the same OS and it's the same if you buy the retail. The different is you get a full box with every manual, also the determine factor how many times you can activate Windows. I think OEM, if you have to activate Windows up to 10 times, you have to use phone to activate it. However, you can reinstall Windows as many times as you want. You only need to activate if dramatic Hardware change. Retail is also not unlimited, how many times you can activate and call in is not yet determine or unknown at this point.

[Zer0]

Two differences

1) You can only transfer the license to a different machine once. After that I guess you will have to get on phone with MS and make excuses :)

2) No support from MS. The support has to be provided by the system builder who is selling OEM loaded machines. Its like when you buy a PC from dell with OEM version of vista installed, you have to call dell for support. In this case you are buying and installing it yourself, so you have to call yourself for support ;)

[Tangerine]

You can transfer to another computer, as long as you uninstall Vista from your other machine. But then, you may have to activate through phone, it automatic though. You just go through several process and it get activated. Yeah, I forgot about OEM version doesn't want you to install on other computer since it met for System Builder who install Vista onto that machine. With retail it quite easy moving from one computer to another, it still require you to activate though.

[balamw]

Another difference that is oft forgotten. OEM media generally can't be used to upgrade an existing installations, only clean installs.

B

[sir42]

If I buy the XP OEM, can I later upgrade to Vista with upgrade DVDs? Or am I better off buying the Vista OEMs?

thanks!

[andrewt1187]

If your motherboard gets changed, its still the same computer but with different hardware....

[mattmiller]

The OEM version will not work with both Boot Camp and Parallels. The activation process considers the virtual machine and the native hardware to be significantly different. OEM should work if you want to use one OR the other, but be careful - you only get one go at the activation.

[arkitect]

The OEM version will not work with both Boot Camp and Parallels. The activation process considers the virtual machine and the native hardware to be significantly different. OEM should work if you want to use one OR the other, but be careful - you only get one go at the activation.

That is news to me… I am currently using XP OEM (Bought from Amazon) with both BootCamp and Parallels… I have had to reactivate once because I added more RAM.

Also I am using the BootCamp partition in Parallels.

The OEM XP has also been upgraded Free of charge to Vista. It came with a Coupon and the upgrade cost me the the mailing costs. Not installed yet…

[JohnR23]

That is news to me… I am currently using XP OEM (Bought from Amazon) with both BootCamp and Parallels… I have had to reactivate once because I added more RAM.

Also I am using the BootCamp partition in Parallels.

The OEM XP has also been upgraded Free of charge to Vista. It came with a Coupon and the upgrade cost me the the mailing costs. Not installed yet…

I assume this is the one you bought?

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-System-Builders/dp/B000JTFVME/ref=pd_bbs_1/105-7747702-0322024?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1185828624&sr=8-1

[WannaGoMac]

I read elsewhere here that a workaround to the activation issue is to first install windows in bootcamp, then activate Windows, and then mount the bootcamp as a virtual machine.

[arkitect]

I assume this is the one you bought?

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-System-Builders/dp/B000JTFVME/ref=pd_bbs_1/105-7747702-0322024?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1185828624&sr=8-1

Nope it was this one :p http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Professional-Service-OEM/dp/B000JTDV6M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-4096045-5383106?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1185885555&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Professional-Service-OEM/dp/B000JTDV6M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-4096045-5383106?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1185885555&sr=8-1)
Although I see the Upgrade coupon to Vista is now no longer offered. :rolleyes:

[kingofkolt]

The OEM version will not work with both Boot Camp and Parallels. The activation process considers the virtual machine and the native hardware to be significantly different. OEM should work if you want to use one OR the other, but be careful - you only get one go at the activation.

I activated OEM Vista Ultimate once for Boot Camp and once for Parallels. I had to talk to a human to do the Parallels installation, thought.

That is news to me… I am currently using XP OEM (Bought from Amazon) with both BootCamp and Parallels… I have had to reactivate once because I added more RAM.

You didn't have to reactivate Windows in Parallels?!