Mr. Mumbles

Whats essentially is the difference between the two besides the price?

Boris4ka

Retail allows you to install it on as many computers as you want, as long as 2 computers aren't using it at the same time. OEM lets you install it only on one computer and that's it, if you upgrade to a new computer or get a new motherboard you won't be able to install the OEM version again legally. Also retail has nice packaging.

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Oblivion77

Retail can be used over and over. But OEM can only be used once for 1 system. Also, upgrading your motherboard when using OEM will require re-activation.

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JacKz5o

Retail can be used over and over again but only on one machine at a retail.

OEM can only be used once on one machine. If you reformat or change motherboards you'll have to re-activate.

Mr. Mumbles

Thanks guys, thats what I thought

Overclock

Why cant you install it when you get a new motherboard ***?

eureka

You can, you just have to re-activate.

Murlocke

Thats illegal, even if the microsoft rep reactivates it. They are not trained to know the difference, but according to the TOS you cannot active OEM on another motherboard.

The mods are really cutting down on people talking about reactivation OEM software on a different motherboard/computer, so i'd be careful with saying stuff like that.

To be legal you need to buy a new key from microsoft if you switch computers.

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Mootsfox

It's illegal if the Microsoft rep reactivates it?

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Chozart

You are legally NOT allowed to re-install an OEM version when installing a new motherboard, except whem it's a replacement under warranty of the motherboard with the same exact brand/model (or in rare cases, it's successor if the model is no longer available)

The reasoning behind this is that and OEM version is for system builders and therefore has an unbreakable link with the system it's originally installed on. MS defines a 'system' to be a motherboard, to allow at least for upgrades of other components. However, when you replace the board, MS assumes you have a new system, and you will have to get a new license.

The fact that MS in many cases will give a re-activation code does NOT make this a legal practice. Most tech support folks that hand out the activation codes don't know this either about OEM systems. However, we have discussed this with MS, and this is the legal background.

Short version: OEM with one system only; system = mobo --> replace mobo requires new license.

There is a reason why OEM is half the price of retail. If you want an OS that you can re-use, get retail.

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