Windows Vista - OEM vs retail

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heavenlywild

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#11714 7-Feb-2007 19:54

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!

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bonkiebonks

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#60042 7-Feb-2007 19:58

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

heavenlywild

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#60043 7-Feb-2007 19:59

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?

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grant_k

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#60044 7-Feb-2007 20:00

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.

heavenlywild

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#60046 7-Feb-2007 20:04

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?!?!

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freitasm

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Geekzone

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#60047 7-Feb-2007 20:07

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.

bradstewart

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#60055 7-Feb-2007 21:07

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

grant_k

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#60058 7-Feb-2007 21:31

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?

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bradstewart

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#60059 7-Feb-2007 21:44

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

CrispinMullins

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#60061 7-Feb-2007 21:53

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

bradstewart

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#60062 7-Feb-2007 21:54

Becuase one comes with new hardware the other doesn't

CrispinMullins

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#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.

grant_k

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#60065 7-Feb-2007 21:59

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.

bradstewart

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#60067 7-Feb-2007 22:07

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

Ellipsis

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#61113 17-Feb-2007 23:33

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...