Windows 7 OEM or Retail

[SNO]

Windows 7 OEM or Retail??? 

Was wondering the pros and cons of buying OEM or buying Retail. The cost difference would say buy OEM but is it really the best choice?? That is my question to you all.
Thanks SNO

[TequilaChaser]

heya SNO,
you just don't get the big shiney box, the extra nice detailed quick start guides , better printed user guides etc.........

you get the disc, your OS Key / License ( DVD Key ) and the little sized manual.......

but everything will be available to you on the MS website at no cost since you are purchasing an official legal copy.......

thats been my basic experience the whole time, anyhows.

hope this helps

[Reschke]

Buy the OEM version...you don't need no stinking manual.

[Ghastly]

Consider the retail version IF:

A) You aren't sure whether you want to run 32 bit or 64 bit (Retail comes with both, with OEM you must choose).
B) You want the right to be able to transfer the license to another computer down the road. (Yes, up to this point, you've generally been able to re-activate an OEM license on a new computer.  But the licensing prohibits it, and Microsoft is within their rights to disallow it.)

<S>

[airhog99]

Consider the retail version IF:

A) You aren't sure whether you want to run 32 bit or 64 bit (Retail comes with both, with OEM you must choose).
B) You want the right to be able to transfer the license to another computer down the road. (Yes, up to this point, you've generally been able to re-activate an OEM license on a new computer.  But the licensing prohibits it, and Microsoft is within their rights to disallow it.)

<S>

There is a problem here with what constitutes "another computer"!
I have had to reactivate my Windows versions many times after hardware upgrades (CPU, mobo, graphics, etc), and they always allowed it. But it sure has been a pain (over the phone with 70+ digits to enter). I'll try to stick to full retail in the future -just hope that that helps..

[TilDeath]

I prefer OEM... its the same media as the retail box with out so called manuals and cost 50% less.  If you need the manual chances are you should not be installing the OS.  If you have a question there is a HELP and SUPPORT link you can click.

You can use a legal license be it OEM or Retail Boxed version on only one computer at a time.  If you have Microsoft OS _________ installed on a computer and want to install using the same Product Key on a newly built or purchased system, your allowed to do so as long and it is removed from the 1st system.  I have installed my Vista Ultimate on at least 7 systems, yes I have to call in to the "Auto Lady" and give the code but as long as its installed on one system only your within your rights as far as MS is concerned.

TD

[Ack-Ack]

You can also buy the 'family' pack with 3 licenses for around $150.


ack-ack

[715]

Remember with OEM you cannot contact Microsoft for help; the OEM is supposed to provide the end user with help.  But if you build your own PC, you are both the OEM and the user, so you have to help yourself.  Probably a moot point for most: I can't imagine ever calling Microsoft for support.

When I bought my copy of XP SP3 from NewEgg, they required you to also purchase the parts for a whole system at the same time: motherboard, CPU, RAM, video card, power supply etc, before you could buy the OEM version of XP, since OEM is licensed to come with a new system.  Has that now changed?

[Reschke]

I wonder if it has something to do with recently purchasing other computer equipment. When I worked in an actual store selling hardware and OS's we would required to sell at least a floppy drive with the OS in OEM state and before I left that was dropped to some type of OEM hardware. This was back in 1998-1999 and towards the end when I left there the most popular was buying an IDE cable to go with the OEM OS.

[633DH98]

Windows 7 OEM 64-bit was the only thing on my order from Newegg at the time I ordered it.  It arrived this morning with no problems.

[SNO]

Thanks for all the replies, I will be buying the OEM version as I was considering, but wanted to get this input first. Thanks again