Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


Forums › Microsoft Windows › Windows Vista - OEM vs retail


3615 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 171

Trusted

Topic # 11714 7-Feb-2007 19:54
Send private message

Hi guys,

Could you tell me what is the difference between Vista OEM and Vista retail versions?  I understand what OEM means but are there any differences in software?  I see Office 2007 OEM doesn't have Outlook included, whereas the retail version has.  Thank you!

Create new topic
365 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 2


  Reply # 60042 7-Feb-2007 19:58
Send private message

I think with OEM you don't get the fancy boxes.



3615 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 171

Trusted

  Reply # 60043 7-Feb-2007 19:59
Send private message

Yeah, that is true actually.

Apart from the lack of a fancy box and comprehensive manuals (not too bothered about that), what other differences are there?

 
 
 
 


3539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 125

Trusted

  Reply # 60044 7-Feb-2007 20:00
Send private message

I'm not sure if this applies to Office, but it certainly does to Windows:

OEM versions can only be installed on one PC i.e. if the PC dies, you have to buy another copy of OEM Windows.  However I have heard of cases where Microsoft will allow you to install it on a new motherboard if you phone them up and talk nicely.

RETAIL versions can be migrated from one PC to another but you must uninstall from the old PC first and then install on the new one.  There used to be a 120-day time limit between migrations, but I'm not sure if this still applies.

So far as the contents of the software (OEM vs RETAIL versions of Windows), they are exactly the same in my experience (haven't installed Vista yet though, only got as far as XP).

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Grant.



3615 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 171

Trusted

  Reply # 60046 7-Feb-2007 20:04
Send private message

Good point!  Microsoft does allow customers to reinstall software if their computers crash.

I think since OEM is so much cheaper (close to 3x cheaper), it would be a wiser-buy?!?!

BDFL - Memuneh
62292 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12826

Administrator
Trusted
Geekzone
Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 60047 7-Feb-2007 20:07
Send private message

There are no differences. Office 2007 comes in many different "flavours" even on retail, and some don't have Microsoft Outlook. It's just probable that the OEM version offered is equivalent to one of those flavours. If the manufacturer had the other version licensed they could add that.




Backblaze cloud backup (personal and business) | Geekzone broadband switch | Amazon (Geekzone aff) | MightyApe (Geekzone aff) | 

 

My technology disclosure | Business Transformation | Enterprise Content Management | Customer Relationship Management | Sharesies investment fund

4314 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 155

Mod Emeritus
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 60055 7-Feb-2007 21:07
Send private message

There is no difference between the retail and OEM Vista. Even the OEM version can be moved to another PC.

3539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 125

Trusted

  Reply # 60058 7-Feb-2007 21:31
Send private message

bradstewart: Even the OEM version can be moved to another PC.

It isn't the case with Windows XP OEM version.  Have Microsoft changed the rules for Vista?

4314 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 155

Mod Emeritus
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 60059 7-Feb-2007 21:44
Send private message

Yes it would appear they have. That's what I understood from reading the OEM EULA (thats real heavy reading) and others have said the same thing

128 posts

Master Geek


  Reply # 60061 7-Feb-2007 21:53

If there are no differences, then why the different price?

4314 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 155

Mod Emeritus
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 60062 7-Feb-2007 21:54
Send private message

Becuase one comes with new hardware the other doesn't

128 posts

Master Geek


  Reply # 60064 7-Feb-2007 21:59

bradstewart: Becuase one comes with new hardware the other doesn't


Yeah, that's what I thought. It's an odd rule. At places like PB Technologies, I understand that all you have to do to qualify for OEM pricing is buy *a* piece of new hardware. As in a hard drive, for example.

3539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 125

Trusted

  Reply # 60065 7-Feb-2007 21:59
Send private message

Also, you cannot call MSFT for support with an OEM copy of Windows.

Whereas with a retail version you can.

Crispin:  Yes, you're exactly right.  There are also several other places which I will not name, who are quite happy to sell OEM copies of MS Windows WITHOUT any hardware at all.  This is not according to the rules laid down by MSFT I believe, but lots of traders do it anyway.

4314 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 155

Mod Emeritus
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 60067 7-Feb-2007 22:07
Send private message

Best not to name names since it is illegal and MSFT will go very hard after those people as they consider it piracy.

136 posts

Master Geek


  Reply # 61113 17-Feb-2007 23:33
Send private message

So dont we get that awesome box with OEM? If we dont, I am almost tempted to go into the stores and ask for one. Because I really just want vista for the box...

Create new topic



Twitter »

Follow us to receive Twitter updates when new discussions are posted in our forums:



Follow us to receive Twitter updates when news items and blogs are posted in our frontpage:



Follow us to receive Twitter updates when tech item prices are listed in our price comparison site:



Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.


Support Geekzone »

Our community of supporters help make Geekzone possible. Click the button below to join them.

Support Geezone on PressPatron


Updates »

Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.

Alternatively, you can receive a daily email with Geekzone updates.