CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[AFryia]

What is the difference between Win7 OEM and Win7 upgrade or retail product?
The OEM seem so much cheaper.

Any limitation with OEM?

[ecrabb]

I don't know how the license agreement works these days, but you used to have to be a Microsoft System Builder, and actually be building a system for resale to buy an OEM version, hence the much lower price. The retail or upgrade products are for retail sale to end users, hence the higher price. The idea behind the lower price is that, as a system builder, you provide the front-line support to the customer, not Microsoft. The retail copy is higher priced, presumably because the retail customer is going to need more support, and there's nobody else to provide support.

Still, everybody abuses the system and buys the OEM copy, even if they technically have no right to do so.

If you search, you can probably find something about it in one of threads were comparing Mac vs. PC pricing... Several kept talking about how cheaply they could build a machine and used the OEM version of the software, and I had to point out that really they had no right to do so. I even pointed out some of the language in the System Builder license agreement.

SC

[greg_mitch]

Gimme a break...right to do so?!...please.

The OEM version affords you no customer service but who cares...anything can be found on the internet anyway.

Microsoft knows damn well that websites sell the OEM version on the internet...hell...Amazon sells OEM versions.

Somehow this is a Mac v PC thing...you are just jealous you don't have the OPTION to buy OEM from Apple.

I have owned an OEM version of everything from Win XP, Win XP MCE 2k5, Win Vista, and Win7 and never had any issues with it. Have activated the copies multiple times on different systems and only have had to call in twice to get a new key but no trouble was given if you are honest and tell them that you rebuilt your system.

[ecrabb]

Mac vs. PC? Whatever, Greg...

I was just explaining what the OEM versions were for, which is the answer to the OP's question.

If you choose to ignore the license agreement, or if Microsoft looks the other way, I really don't give a sh*t one way or the other.

SC

[WanMan]

OEM software was originally intended for system builders, like IBM, HP, etc., and also the white-case generic builders. The definition of system builder was largely loosely interpreted by resellers to a point the distribution became abused. In fact, I doubt extremely few folks were buying retail packaged versions of Microsoft Windows of the 9x variety.

The abuse, or the loosely interpreted, definition of system builder was anyone that wanted to buy said OEm software and could buy the most insignificant component in a PC. This included an IDE cable. Yep, but Windows 98 and XP and an IDE cable and that worked--and not just in mail order, but also in a plethora of retail PC component shops. By the early 2001-2 Microsoft had had enough and started removing some businesses with the ability to resell their OEM products. I personally watched the resale behavior and the Microsoft enforcement here in Atlanta.

Today, you can find many sources of OEM software. I personally purchased two copies of XP Professional in OEM without buying anything else. And I bought this through Fry's Electronics retail store. heck, they have OEM software pricing in full view without any constraints on purchase.

I think Microsoft's current focus isn't on OEM product mis-distribution but rather outright piracy. Just remember that OEM doesn't come with any documentation or any online support from Microsoft. But as Greg points out, who needs it? And the cost savings is more than justified in the products' consideration.

I think Microsoft now has a stronger handle on its piracy issues and getting more creative in abuse (by piracy) for its Vista and W7 products that they can afford to look the other way in terms of OEM distribution. I wish M$ would offer multi-license W7 packs for consumers. We ARE in the age of households with multiple computers and both parties would benefit from this kind of offerings.

[MikeEby]

I think the OEM version will not allow you to transfer the license to another PC, the "Retail" is transferable.

Mike

[greg_mitch]

[TheVerge]

[Sparky015]

easy and IT call to India don't belong in the same sentence. I loath having to call India for any type of support.