RoS said:
These are advertised as full retail - ie not upgrade - versions. I suppose
an OEM could be said to be a ''full'' version in this sense?
RoS
If they are advertised as "full retail" and they are OEM, the
advertising is lying. An OEM install CD is not a full retail CD.
A generic (non-branded) OEM version can be installed on any supported
hardware. OEM versions are tied to the hardware on which they are first
installed. A full retail version can be installed on any supported
hardware and is not tied to any specific machine.
A branded OEM version usually cannot be installed on anything except
that specific brand machine. Someone posted information about how to
make an HP disk install on a Dell; I can't say whether that works since
I've never tried it (or needed to try it). I can tell you that Dell OEM
disks are BIOS-locked to Dell motherboards.
I would stay away from this particular "deal". You're better off buying
from reputable places. I like NewEgg.com and Amazon, but of course where
you live is a factor in whom you order from.
Malke