A little help on the deferences between Windows 7 OEM or Upgrade

[Hugh]

I am looking to install Boot Camp for Windows 7 Pro, but I'm a little confused by the OEM version and the upgrade. I know if I get the OEM version, I am stuck with Windows 7 on that machine. Meaning that I won't be able to install on other computer if I decide to take it off one machine and move it to another machine. Does this hold true for the upgrade?

Another question about OEM and the Upgrade, are you limited to how many reinstalls you do. For example you change something in configuration of the system, i.e. put in SSD drive in the computer. Would I need to re-buy the OEM again?

Thanks!

 

[Quad5Ny]

IMO you should either buy the Upgrade version (use These Steps to get it activated) or the Full Version. Stay away from OEM copy's.


Here is the answers to you questions:

OEM:

• Is only suppose to ship on a newly built computer and that computer must be sold to a third party (i.e. you can't keep it for yourself).
  
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• Microsoft offers zero support for OEM copy's, the system builder (you) are required to provide support.
  
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• Can be installed on one computer.
  
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• Can never be transferred to another computer.
  
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• You get one Initial activation and then it can be re-activated as many times as you want with the same hardware (computer).
  
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• If you make certain changes to your hardware (example: HD & RAM), you will have to call Microsoft activation line to re-activate.

Upgrade:

• Supports a in-place upgrade of Windows Vista to Windows 7.
  
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• Supports a Clean (Custom) Install upgrade from XP to Windows 7 (NTFS file system only).
  
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• Microsoft provides support for this copy of Windows.
  
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• Can only be installed on one computer at a time.
  
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• Can be re-activated as many times as you want with the same hardware (computer).
  
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• Copy can be activated on 3 different hardware configurations/changes before having to phone in and reset activations, but your only allowed to have it on ONE of them at a time.

Microsoft does not usually enforce these:

• OEM copy can never be transferred to another computer: You can phone in, reset the activation and then install it on a new machine.
  
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• Using the Upgrade as a Upgrade: You can install it on a blank HD/Partition.
  
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• Upgrade can only be installed on one computer at a time: I've had it installed and working on 2 different machines.
  
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• Microsoft provides support for Full/Upgrade versions: They usually provide NO worthwhile support without paying.
  And even when you do pay, their support sucks. Heck, try reporting a bug, they want you to pay $50 to let them know about a error in their software.

 

[Hugh]

Thanks for the reply, that help me decide, and it answered all my questions.

Hugh

 

[Quad5Ny]

Sigh, I wish Microsoft would make choosing and running a copy of Windows easier. Anyway here's a bit more info;

• The DVD that comes with the Upgrade version is exactly the same as the OEM and Retail (the product key is what differentiates Upgrade/OEM/Retail).
• And if you would like more information on the Upgrade trick, Paul Thurrott has a nice article explaining the activation workaround as well.

 

[drambuie]

Also, you don't need to activate Win 7 Pro for 30 days, and there's a command level instruction that can be used to extend that 3 times for a total grace period of 120 days. This is perfectly legal, and not a hack.

If you pass the activation period, Win 7 is still fully functional, except that you have to click on a couple of extra boxes on bootup, and you get a black desktop background rather than wallpaper. Also, it says, "not genuine", in the lower right corner. All monthly security and system Windows updates will still be available.