• Can somebody explain to me what the point of OEM is?
    18 replies, posted
I've been wondering for awhile just what the advantages and disadvantages of buying OEM copies of Windows are, I can't seem to find any by myself, probably because I am not entirely sure what the point is. I do indeed understand what OEM is, but I'm not quite sure what the advantage is for a consumer. Can anybody fill me in?
OEM = No gain
Pros: OEM is cheaper than Retail (something like $100 vs $200 for Windows 7 HP). Cons: Doesn't come with support from MS like Retail. The activation process is a bit more strict.
[QUOTE=Arachnidus;18821661]I've been wondering for awhile just what the advantages and disadvantages of buying OEM copies of Windows are, I can't seem to find any by myself, probably because I am not entirely sure what the point is. I do indeed understand what OEM is, but I'm not quite sure what the advantage is for a consumer. Can anybody fill me in?[/QUOTE] A OEM for Windows is like a full fresh copy of Windows that deletes all your files, and is NEEDED for PC Building. Upgrading would be best if you don't want Vista/XP any more, but DOES NOT work on new machines, unless you have a OEM Code, NOT Upgrade. Boxes, Fags.
OEM means you have to support it yourself. You can NOT call them for customer support, but if the product is defective they'll replace it. Since end-user support costs them a shitload of money, buying a product without end-user support will result in a lower cost. Shops and retailers buy these and simply provide their own support. Also, individuals can buy them and since they know enough about the product, they won't need the support.
[QUOTE=1nfared;18824795]A OEM for Windows is like a full fresh copy of Windows that deletes all your files, and is NEEDED for PC Building. Upgrading would be best if you don't want Vista/XP any more, but DOES NOT work on new machines, unless you have a OEM Code, NOT Upgrade.[/QUOTE] Actually there are several workarounds that let you install the Upgrade version on a new computer.
[QUOTE=Nevermind_;18824832]OEM means you have to support it yourself. You can NOT call them for customer support, but if the product is defective they'll replace it. Since end-user support costs them a shitload of money, buying a product without end-user support will result in a lower cost. Shops and retailers buy these and simply provide their own support. Also, individuals can buy them and since they know enough about the product, they won't need the support.[/QUOTE] That sounds about right for an user who's smarter than a brick.
[QUOTE=Roast Beast;18827224]Actually there are several workarounds that let you install the Upgrade version on a new computer.[/QUOTE] But you're not supposed to do any of them.
[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;18841105]But you're not supposed to do any of them.[/QUOTE] Actually the double install method is supported by Microsoft: [quote=Paul Thurrott]It's dumb and slow, but Microsoft does support the double-install method (Method #3 in my Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media article) for clean installing Windows 7 with Upgrade media.[/quote] [url]http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/11/04/talking-windows-7-upgrade-media-with-microsoft.aspx[/url]
[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;18841105]But you're not supposed to do any of them.[/QUOTE] Nobody cares about EULAs anyway.
Alright, that clears things up. Thanks for the answers, mates.
Just be careful - unless I'm mistaken OEM version are now not allowed to be used by system builders for their own use or something along these lines. Only by companies who are to sell the systems onwards. I think the EULA was updated to reflect this not too long ago. But who reads EULA's anyway.
[QUOTE=wraithcat;18881461]Just be careful - unless I'm mistaken OEM version are now not allowed to be used by system builders for their own use or something along these lines. Only by companies who are to sell the systems onwards. I think the EULA was updated to reflect this not too long ago. But who reads EULA's anyway.[/QUOTE] I doubt that, otherwise Newegg would have to stop selling OEM copies of 7 or put up a notice or something.
[QUOTE=wraithcat;18881461]Just be careful - unless I'm mistaken OEM version are now not allowed to be used by system builders for their own use or something along these lines. Only by companies who are to sell the systems onwards. I think the EULA was updated to reflect this not too long ago. But who reads EULA's anyway.[/QUOTE] That would make no sense at all. You can buy it, you just aren't aloud to use it?
If I remember correctly OEM is tied to the motherboard while retail can be transferred from computer to computer.
[QUOTE=nikerocks123;18901071]If I remember correctly OEM is tied to the motherboard while retail can be transferred from computer to computer.[/QUOTE] No, OEM can be transferred too.
[QUOTE=Roast Beast;18902493]No, OEM can be transferred too.[/QUOTE] It just involves activating via phone which can sometimes be a pain in the ass. [editline]06:41PM[/editline] But it's worth the $100 you save.
Phone Activation is the most pleasent phone support I've ever had. Fast, free, no fuss and to the point.
[QUOTE=BmB;18933414]Phone Activation is the most pleasent phone support I've ever had. Fast, free, no fuss and to the point.[/QUOTE] Now that I think about it... you're right. Reading off strings of numbers to a computer seems tedious, but compared to regular tech support it's a dream.
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