Kosher?

[MikeG]

I saw an online ad for the following, and am writing to ask you if this is
OK to buy, as I don't want any illegal software, especially when I am going
to pay $200 for it:

Windows VISTA Ultimate oem 64-Bit Full DVD (1-Pack) Version $199.00, and
they state the retail price is $279.

OEM saves you Money on the SAME software! We have been an OEM retailer since
1997. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) versions sell at lower prices
because they include online manufacturer technical support, but no phone
support. All of the OEM software that we sell to end-users is bundled with
the FREE qualifying hardware that ensures your software is legally licensed
AND we offer Installation Support if you need it.

And the link to the page:

http://www.buycheapsoftware.com/details~productID~3509.asp

Can someone fill me in on this type of software? Thanks...Mike

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I saw an online ad for the following, and am writing to ask you if
this is OK to buy, as I don't want any illegal software, especially
when I am going to pay $200 for it:

Windows VISTA Ultimate oem 64-Bit Full DVD (1-Pack) Version
$199.00, and they state the retail price is $279.

OEM saves you Money on the SAME software! We have been an OEM
retailer since 1997. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) versions
sell at lower prices because they include online manufacturer
technical support, but no phone support. All of the OEM software
that we sell to end-users is bundled with the FREE qualifying
hardware that ensures your software is legally licensed AND we
offer Installation Support if you need it.
And the link to the page:

http://www.buycheapsoftware.com/details~productID~3509.asp

Can someone fill me in on this type of software? Thanks...Mike

I would never buy software from anyone I did not trust.
OEM software is the same software - just with support from the
reseller/installer and much more strict licensing terms.
(clean installation only, cannot transfer to a different PC than the first
it is installed upon, etc.)

Newegg Operating Systems:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=368&name=Operating-Systems

In particular - the one you are looking at:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116215
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack
DVD - OEM
$179.99

The Disclaimer:
This OEM software is intended for system builders only and cannot be
transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this
software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license,
including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the
software.

Same thing - from TigerDirect:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2864286&CatId=306

Just want to shop by prices?
http://www.pricewatch.com/software_oper_system/windows_vista_ultimate.htm

Want to check out a reseller?
http://www.resellerratings.com/
How does the one you mention rate?
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Buy_Cheap_Software

Good luck!

 

[Guest]

couple of warning signs here

buycheapsoftware.com <--- has been skirting with licensing issues with
microsoft for quite a while and i know for a personal fact have been warned
on more than one occaision to cease the practice of xxxx type of sale.

second issue is the purchase of an oem version of vista is legal and
licesnsable, however the oem version is only installable on one machine. it
is non-transferable, i.e. you can't uninstall it from one machine and then
install on another machine to transfer the license. it must forever on run on
that one and only computer with only minor upgrades so as to not trip the
activation engine again.

also with the oem version if the os becomes unstable and you want to fix it
and it is a severe issue you can not do a repair install. you can only do a
delete windows folder and re-install a fresh version. which means if anything
happens you lose any and all settings and have to completely re-install all
your old software and migrate your old files from backup media.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Your information is not entirely correct, for one:
"so as to not trip the activation engine again"
Does not matter.
OEM can be reinstalled on the same computer after upgrades an
unlimited # of times.
If activation is required, the procedure is identical as retail and it
will be accepted.

You really need to read the Windows Vista license before giving any
other misleading information.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

second issue is the purchase of an oem version of vista is legal and
licesnsable, however the oem version is only installable on one machine. it
is non-transferable, i.e. you can't uninstall it from one machine and then
install on another machine to transfer the license.

That is correct. That's the reason why I think buying an OEM version
is generally a mistake. A Retail Upgrade version costs only slightly
more, and is a much better deal, considering that it comes without
this restriction.

it must forever on run on
that one and only computer with only minor upgrades so as to not trip the
activation engine again.

However that is not correct. Upgrades, minor or not, *are* permitted,
and you can reactivate as many times as you need to.

also with the oem version if the os becomes unstable and you want to fix it
and it is a severe issue you can not do a repair install. you can only do a
delete windows folder and re-install a fresh version. which means if anything
happens you lose any and all settings and have to completely re-install all
your old software and migrate your old files from backup media.

That is also not correct. You *can* do a repair installation with an
OEM CD, as long as it's a regular installation CD. It's only with an
OEM restore CD (shipped along with a preinstalled computer from one of
the major OEMs) that this is not possible.

 

[MikeG]

I have taken your advice and just bought a retail upgrade for Vista
Ultimate - $208 from a place called Vio Software. (lifetime rating of 9.9).
I hope I can do a format and clean install with this...thanks to all who
replied to me - I really appreciate it.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have taken your advice and just bought a retail upgrade for Vista
Ultimate - $208 from a place called Vio Software. (lifetime rating of 9.9).
I hope I can do a format and clean install with this...thanks to all who
replied to me - I really appreciate it.

Unlike Windows XP, a clean installation of Vista with an upgrade
version is officially not possible. However there are reportedly
workarounds available, and you may want to search Google for one. I
have no experience with them and can not say how well they work.