Vista OEM

[bob]

I recently bought a new computer with no OS thinking to run my (legal) copy
of XP.

When I came to install it it said I had installed it too many times and just
locked me out. I'm going to buy Vista, but do I buy an OEM version for
60gbp or a boxed version at three times the price? There seem to be dire
warnings that the OEM version should only be sold by the computer
manufacturer.

Bob

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

It must be sold with qualified hardware, some vendors will determine this as
either a Motherboard or just a simple mechanical mouse. I remember when I
purchased Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 I bought it with a Dell Mouse
to qualify, the same applies to XP Professional x64 Edition.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Bob,

There's nothing wrong with using a generic OEM version as opposed to a
retail disk so long as you understand the conditions. First, there are no
free support incidents with OEM, basically you are your own support. Second,
OEM licenses are generally permanently locked to the system they are
installed and activated on and you cannot transfer it to a new machine down
the road.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[Bob Harris]

OEM versions are intended to be sold with hardware, although many retailers
will sell them with any hardware, even a pen drive that could not possibly
hold the operating system.

As far as Microsoft is concerned, they sell OEM software cheaper, because
they do not provide support for it, except for the monthly patches. Support
is provided by the hardware vendor, such as Dell, Gateway, etc. But, in
this case that would be YOU. Do you feel up to it? Maybe yes, since after
the initial installation, Microsoft really does not help much with problems,
unless you use their pay-service. And, there are many user forums and
information websites to help you.

Another "feature" of OEM software is that it can be installed only on one
set of hardware. This is usually taken to mean one motherboard. If the
motherboard is replaced you may not be able to re-activate the OEM software
on a new motherboard. However, I have heard stories of home users that have
received some compasion from Microsoft, in the case of a dead
PC/motherboard. But, moving to a newer/bigger/better PC would generally not
be approved by Microsoft.

In the case of XP, the "repair" option is missing from the OEM version. You
either clean install or nothing. However, the recovery console is still
available, although that is very limited in what it can fix. I am not sure
about Vista, but you might want to check into that and similar topics before
decidign on OEM software.

 

[bob]

Hi,

Well, that clears things up, the conditions aren't that bad, so I'll just go
OEM, I've never asked for any help from Microsoft before with W95 or XP.
Many thanks for the prompt and informative replies.

Bob

 

[Kerry Brown]

Both XP and Vista OEM software do not have to be sold with any hardware.
This restriction changed almost two years ago. OEM software can only be sold
to "system builders". It must be sold in an unopened OEM pack. Once opened
the software cannot be returned or sold, it can only be installed on a
computer, which can be sold. OEM packs are available in one packs, three
packs, thirty packs, etc. You cannot open a multi pack and sell the
individual units. Anyone who says they are a system builder is considered to
be a system builder. The system builder is responsible for all support of
the product. Basically an unopened one pack can be sold to anyone who claims
to be a system builder. They are then responsible for their own support. No
hardware need be involved in the sale.

 

[Chris Game]

do I buy an OEM version for 60gbp...

That's a good price - is that before VAT is added?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I recently bought a new computer with no OS thinking to run my (legal) copy
of XP.

You say "legal," but you don't say whether it is a retail version or
an OEM version. If it's retail, no problem, but it's OEM, its license
ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. So if you
are trying to move an OEM copy from one computer to another, you may
not do so.

When I came to install it it said I had installed it too many times and just
locked me out.

That's unfortunately a very misleading message. There is no limit on
how many times you can install it, and assuming that you have a retail
copy, you can do this without a problem. When you get the message, you
are also given an 800 number to call to activate. Just do so. It's
quick and easy (usually under five minutes) and is completely
legitimate.

I'm going to buy Vista, but do I buy an OEM version for
60gbp or a boxed version at three times the price? There seem to be dire
warnings that the OEM version should only be sold by the computer
manufacturer.

Yes, you *can* buy and install an OEM copy. But because of the
restriction on never being able to move an OEM copy to another
computer, even if the original one dies, I normally recommend Retail
Upgrade copies instead. They usually cost only slightly more than an
OEM copy and I think are worth the extra expense.

 

[Brian W]

It must be sold with qualified hardware, some vendors will determine this
as either a Motherboard or just a simple mechanical mouse. I remember when
I purchased Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 I bought it with a Dell
Mouse to qualify, the same applies to XP Professional x64 Edition.

That doesn't seem to apply in the UK, where several online retailers
(including Amazon) are selling OEM Vista DVDs with no hardware requirement

 

[Brian W]

Hi Bob,

There's nothing wrong with using a generic OEM version as opposed to a
retail disk so long as you understand the conditions. First, there are no
free support incidents with OEM, basically you are your own support.
Second, OEM licenses are generally permanently locked to the system they
are installed and activated on and you cannot transfer it to a new machine
down the road.

but you can 'upgrade' that PC as many times as you like!

 

[Brian W]

OEM versions are intended to be sold with hardware, although many
retailers will sell them with any hardware, even a pen drive that could
not possibly hold the operating system.

As far as Microsoft is concerned, they sell OEM software cheaper, because
they do not provide support for it, except for the monthly patches.
Support is provided by the hardware vendor, such as Dell, Gateway, etc.
But, in this case that would be YOU. Do you feel up to it? Maybe yes,
since after the initial installation, Microsoft really does not help much
with problems, unless you use their pay-service. And, there are many user
forums and information websites to help you.

Another "feature" of OEM software is that it can be installed only on one
set of hardware. This is usually taken to mean one motherboard. If the
motherboard is replaced you may not be able to re-activate the OEM
software on a new motherboard. However, I have heard stories of home
users that have received some compasion from Microsoft, in the case of a
dead PC/motherboard. But, moving to a newer/bigger/better PC would
generally not be approved by Microsoft.

OEM hardware can be upgraded as many times as wanted. I 'upgraded' my
motherboard, graphics card, and memory, and re-activated with no problem.
Then I changed the HDD and re-activated again. These are all 'upgrades'
approved by the OEM (me in this case!) and within the scope of the EULA.

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Its normally a condition based on my experience in the past, I don't know if
they are have changed the requirements since.

 

[Saucy]

I recently bought a new computer with no OS thinking to run my (legal) copy
of XP.

When I came to install it it said I had installed it too many times and
just
locked me out. I'm going to buy Vista, but do I buy an OEM version for
60gbp or a boxed version at three times the price? There seem to be dire
warnings that the OEM version should only be sold by the computer
manufacturer.

Bob

You can install an OEM version of Windows Vista (any edition) on a blank
harddrive. According to the EULA, such an OEM versions gets somehow 'tied'
to the hardware it is first installed & activated on. It doesn't matter that
XP nor anything else was on there before.

The "dire warnings" are simply idicative of the manufacture's concern that
everything work well. So line up the drivers appropriate to the hardware
beforehand (download them - the latest Vista drivers - from the
manufacturer(s) website(s) and burn them to CD/DVD R disc so they are ready
to roll).

Saucy

 

[Farouk Dindar]

OEM hardware can be upgraded as many times as wanted. I 'upgraded' my
motherboard, graphics card, and memory, and re-activated with no problem.
Then I changed the HDD and re-activated again. These are all 'upgrades'
approved by the OEM (me in this case!) and within the scope of the EULA.

I had fully functioning XP system with legit copy at home.

I installed Vista OEM on second hard disk when it hit the market.

I am multibooting. (2 OEW windows on this system.)

I would like to buy a new computer with better specs for my home and install
OEM Vista that I have on it.

I want to delete the Vista on my present computer and take it to my office
and use it as XP system. Vista will not work in my office.

Can this be done?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I had fully functioning XP system with legit copy at home.

I installed Vista OEM on second hard disk when it hit the market.

I am multibooting. (2 OEW windows on this system.)

I would like to buy a new computer with better specs for my home and install
OEM Vista that I have on it.

I want to delete the Vista on my present computer and take it to my office
and use it as XP system. Vista will not work in my office.

Can this be done?

Technically, probably. Legitimately, no. By your own admission, you
have an OEM license for Vista. An OEM license must be sold with a piece
of hardware (normally a motherboard or hard drive, if not an entire PC)
and is _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An
OEM license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another
computer under _any_ circumstances.

To attempt to do so would be the equivalent of your telling the world
that your given word or your signature on a contract is completely
without value, never to be trusted.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Farouk Dindar]

Technically, probably. Legitimately, no. By your own admission, you
have an OEM license for Vista. An OEM license must be sold with a piece
of hardware (normally a motherboard or hard drive, if not an entire PC)
and is _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An
OEM license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another
computer under _any_ circumstances.

Hi Bruce

Thanks for your reply,

I am interested in refurbished Quadcore Acer computer with Vista Home
premium installed.

I would like to have a clean installation.

Can I use my old OEM Vista home premium disk to do the installation on this
new
computer and use the key that comes with the Acer computer?

Farouk

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi Bruce

Thanks for your reply,

I am interested in refurbished Quadcore Acer computer with Vista Home
premium installed.

I would like to have a clean installation.

Can I use my old OEM Vista home premium disk to do the installation on this
new
computer and use the key that comes with the Acer computer?

Farouk

If you have an unbranded, generic OEM Vista installation DVD, and the
Product Key affixed to the laptop is for Vista Home Premium, it should work.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Alias]

I had fully functioning XP system with legit copy at home.

I installed Vista OEM on second hard disk when it hit the market.

Be sure to use the same hard drive it's on now; hence you are upgrading,
not buying a new computer. You'll have to phone activate. Tell them the
truth: you upgraded your "computer" but don't go into to details as
that's none of their business.

Alias