Windows Vista OEM

Question

Hi there im in the process of building a computer for myself. Im just wondering can i buy the OEM operating system of windows vista or do i have to buy the non OEM version which is several hundreds more. If so, are there any limitations between the two versions? Any help would be great

newpylong1 · Answer

Hey there,   The answer as far as I know, if the machine comes from Dell, you get an OEM OS, if not, you gotta go retail.

newpylong1 · Answer

I can tell you with almost certainty that unless the machine comes from Dell, and you purchase the OS with the machine (and the license subsequently), it will be almost impossible to get an OEM release from them for your machine. I am sure someone from Dell can let you know for sure on here though... Or browse their website and call customer service/licensing?

Dev.S · Answer

it would help you if you posted at forum that doesn't require you to talk about dells.......Original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, is a term that refers to a situation in which one company purchases a manufactured product from another company and resells the product as its own, usually as a part of a larger product it sells. OEM is the company that originally manufactured the product..........the difference is its cheaper

Message Edited by Dev.S on 08-26-2007 04:57 PM

crackybar · Answer

is there anywhere i could find out to be sure?

C3PO5 · Answer

Hi crackybar I can tell you Dell will not sell you there version of OEM Vista because it will only work on a Dell PC even if you came up with one and it did install it would only last for 30 days then it would have to registered with Microsoft and there is no Key code to insert when that time came The Dell OEM is tied to the Dell bios so no key is needed!  But you can buy a Vista OEM from someone like www.newegg.com that is a lot cheaper than Retail but the OEM version you buy from newegg would have a Key Code with it and it comes with no support at all you are the support for your PC ! The Retail version comes with a Key Code and support from Microsoft that is why it is higher priced . Good Luck

SR45 · Answer

OEM Vista Premium cost about $119.00 or a little less from www.newegg.com    Retail cost lots more and its not OEM its from Microsoft with tech support, which OEM copies are not given tech support from Microsoft.

mombodog · Answer

Yes you can buy and install an OEM copy of Windows from a legit reseller, and install it on your custom built PC, perfectly legal.   OEM  is tied to the original hardware you install it on for life, if you build another PC after this one dies, you cannot install the OEM on it ever.   Retail, you can install it on the second, third, fourth PC, as long as it is no longer installed and working on the previous PC. Can only be installed on One PC at a time.   No you cannot use OEM software that is labeled for Dell, HP,  ect. on a PC other than the original PC that the software came with.

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