installing oem vista versions? Other Vista Discussions Discuss installing oem vista versions? in the Windows Vista forums; for the record i'm not talking about hacked software. I can buy a legit oem sotware pack of vista ultimate for $250can at a local computer store (full version ...

[roasted]

for the record i'm not talking about hacked software.

I can buy a legit oem sotware pack of vista ultimate for $250can at a local computer store (full version not ugrade) as compared to $500can for a full retail box.


just wondering if any know the difrences between the oem cds and retail ones, other than the less fancy packaging....ie I've heard there are hardware upgrade limitations on these, but i dont kow what exactly.

[Znod]

There is no difference for either a 32-bit or a 64-bit disk--except (1) the EULA in general and (2) in this context, the OEM can be installed only one one machine ever. The OEM EULA requires one to be a system builder or refurbisher. IMO, these terms apply to DIYers per several conversations with TechNet and MS support/licensing. I checked because I purchased an OEM and wanted to make sure I would not be breaking the OEM EULA.

Please feel no need to introduce your topics stating that you are doing nothing illegal. We always assume so unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. We are glad you are here.

[roasted]

Originally Posted by Znod

Please feel no need to introduce your topics stating that you are doing nothing illegal. We always assume so unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. We are glad you are here.

about 95% of sites ive looked at while trying to find info about vista oem copies are talking abut oem hacks, so i just wanted to verify.

[roasted]

to better discribe what I was asking....


Im reading diferent things about the oem versions on diferent sites. some sites are sayng vista oem locks to the harware configuration so you cant uprgrade, ram, cpu, vidcards etc, and can never reinstall it even on the same machine.

while other site are saying it only locks to the mother board, and hardware upgrades, and reinstalls on the same machine are doable.


even if im not upgrading anything i tend to screw up my computer bad enough to have to do a clean install a couple times a year on it, so not being able to reinstall is an isue for me.

[Midway]

I have changed my video card and hard drive with no problem. After the hard drive change I did have to activate by phone, however. I believe this was because of the Ultimate upgrade (long story) which did something to the HP key. I have heard similar stories about people who did XP>Vista upgrades and when they returned to XP they found that their key was invalid.

Also another major difference with OEM is no support from MS. The installer has to provide support which happens to be YOU, lol. I never had to call MS anyway because I usually found out solutions on forums such as this one. But in the case of the screwed up Ultimate upgrade I went through, I wish I did have MS's support.

[Znod]

Originally Posted by roasted

to better discribe what I was asking....


Im reading diferent things about the oem versions on diferent sites. some sites are sayng vista oem locks to the harware configuration so you cant uprgrade, ram, cpu, vidcards etc, and can never reinstall it even on the same machine.

while other site are saying it only locks to the mother board, and hardware upgrades, and reinstalls on the same machine are doable.


even if im not upgrading anything i tend to screw up my computer bad enough to have to do a clean install a couple times a year on it, so not being able to reinstall is an isue for me.

You should have no problems with normal sorts of upgrades. If you completely rebuild your machine, then you might have an issue--especially given a mobo change. And, right to Midway, you are your own support on an OEM.

[Midway]

I missed having Ultimate so after some thought I ordered an OEM Ultimate from NewEgg this morning (I should have done this in the first place). The price of Ultimate is only $40 higher than the anytime upgrade to Ultimate. Also this will make reinstalling easier for me. If that last upgrade hadn't screwed up I would have to XP>HP>ULT (for some reason the straight install from the DVD does not work and I have to install from within XP). Now it will be XP>ULT.

So expect a change in my sig in a couple of days

[Znod]

Cool. I'll be looking forward to your positive results.

[Midway]

The sig has changed



I am once again uber

[Znod]

Way to got. Congrats.