fnkskyline07

Hi all,

I wanted to know, is there a difference between Windows Vista Home Premium Retail version and the OEM version for system builders?

I'm just curious because of the $100 difference in pricing.

Thanks

SZayat

http://www.overclock.net/windows/156...ification.html

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whe3ls

oem is tied to your board. replace your board, replace your os

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HouseJhereg

Not true since I have replaced my board 3X and used my OEM copy of Vista Home Prem. on all of them. yes the OEM is cheaper you just dont get M$ support but then again who ever calls them anyway. all of my OS's have been OEM and never had a single issue.
And to clear up an issue about motherboards I have contacted M$ and as long as you are using the same mobo (EX: evga 680I to evga 680i) then there should be no problem and that came from a M$ customer support tech. also HDD failure is allowed since I have had to insatall new new drives now and again. so actually its not pirating as some have suggested as long as the system stays as it was when you originally installed it.
OOPS forgot that your mobo must be replaced by an RMA and you are not supposed to use a MOBO out of wty. so as it goes you take the chance but if you upgrade constatntly than you are better off not going OEM.

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pez

Really...I would be very dissapointed to have to rebuy Vista Ultimate just because I want to upgrade my motherboard, cpu, and ram. Then again, It would give me a good reason to go 64bit.

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The Hundred Gunner

Yes, it is true. I don't know how you got passed, but you are now illegally running your OEM vista home premium. Whether you hacked the disk or called in to m$, you have still breached the EULA which states that OEM will be tied to ONE motherboard FOREVER.

No, it's cheaper for a REASON, and that reason is that the key is disposable.

Yes, THAT is correct. It's just that you may not upgrade/downgrade the motherboard.

Right. The EULA defines the motherboard as the "PC." So as long as you aren't changing the motherboard, you are still using the same PC and still within the boundaries set by the EULA.

That's what will happen if you buy OEM.

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blupupher

As said, OEM is a one time use deal. Once installed on a computer (defined by MS as the motherboard), it is tied to that one (except as said above, a warranty/RMA is allowed).
This is the whole reason it is $100 cheaper. You take a gamble on it. You may get 10 years out of the system, or only 1-2. If your one to build a system and stick with it, OEM is a good choice. If your constantly switching and upgrading, then retail is the way to go.

pez

Wait, I want to make one thing clear. If I buy a retail version of vista, that means I'll be able to put it on a machine later say if my current one decides to crap out?

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blupupher

Exactly. It can be installed on any number of machines, but only 1 at a time.

pez

Well what I plan to do is keep the hdd i'm just going to be upgrading...it's not going to go on another machine, I'll just have that mobo, cpu, and ram not up and running.

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