Can some one explain the catch to me on this.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-040-MS

OEM build, Can be activated once or something.

Whats the catch?

I cant change hardware in my machine? if i upgrade my PC it becomes invalid?


I would like normal answer, Maybe from experienced user !! as theres alot of confusing stuff around OEM stuff

Edit : As far as i know i can't buy OEM edition because its locked to your pc, if i upgrade a bit of hardware it break the license agreement.

Retail got limitations as well. im confused stupid expensive nice operating system lol

OEM version is the version that computer company's install on your computer. Like when you boy a Dell pc, with windows on it, that's the OEM version.

You're not supposed to buy the OEM version unless you're such a computer company.

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Originally posted by Ezra
You're not supposed to buy the OEM version unless you're such a computer company.

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Originally posted by joemailey

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Originally posted by Ezra
You're not supposed to buy the OEM version unless you're such a computer company.

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Thats wrong.

You can buy OEM version if you want, Usually have to buy it with a new harddrive or new piece of hardware. which can be a slittle as a mouse

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Originally posted by markee

I don't think so.  I'm quite sure it has to be with a substantial piece of equipment, not a peripheral (mouse, keyboard, etc.).  I'm quite sure an OEM version can only be purchased with the likes of a motherboard or possibly a hard drive or some other significant piece of hardware.  If someone feels like correcting me on this then go right ahead.

EDIT: and Microsoft says in this word document that you are not to transfer OEM products from one computer to the next.

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11.    Rather than purchase completely new PCs, my organization performs in-place upgrades to the hardware on many of our computers. We often times only replace the motherboard, processor, and memory. Since the COA is still on the case and the OS is still installed on the hard drive, this computer is still licensed, right?
ANSWER.  Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your computer and maintain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer." Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from one computer to another. Therefore, if the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect then a new computer has been created, the original license expires, and a new full operating system license (not upgrade) is required. . This is true even if the computer is covered under Software Assurance or other Volume License programs.

12.      If I upgrade some of my PC components, do I have to purchase a new operating system?
ANSWER.  The answer depends on the components that are upgraded or changed in the PC. The operating system licenses must remain with the device that retains the motherboard, chipsets, and chassis that include the serial number of the device. The operating system may be installed on a new/replacement hard drive as long as the operating system is first removed from the old hard drive. 

Please refer to the section on “Modifications to hardware and how they affect the activation status of Windows XP” in the following link for a more detailed explanation regarding specific hardware changes. The same hardware component changes that can be made to a PC before requiring re-activation of Windows XP are the same changes that can be made before a PC is considered to be “new” - and when a new license for OEM software is required.

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It's perfectly legal to buy OEM versions as long as you buy a piece of hardware with it.  Any piece of hardware at all.  The only downsides are that it won't come with a box, manual, etc.  You might not get support as easily, but you'll have a nice, cheap, legal copy of Windows.

Well u dnt need a box or a manual lol.

Support? what support? and from who lol

all support u need is located on the web or in a discussion board ^_^

oem versions are fine and legal if you purchase new hardware if companys sell oem versions wich they do they are breaking the rules of microsoft lets look at it this way if for instance your little sticker gets wiped of your machine by accident of course you are not intitled to the licence of your own copy of xp in that machine and as my good freind previousley said an upgrade of a mother board does mean a new pc is bourne unless through damage but between you and i microsoft only care that you are paying something for vista and not running pirate software i am a beta tester for microsoft and they just want us to pay for software hope this settles it for you if not post me a question

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Originally posted by mad dog mcg
they are breaking the rules of microsoft lets look at it this way if for instance your little sticker gets wiped of your machine by accident of course you are not intitled to the licence of your own copy of xp in that machine

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why do you say that

maaaaaaybe because its not true?

shit i never put my sticker on my PC, I'm illegalz now

lol if you need to reload your pc and dont have a serial key then your original cd is worthless thats what i mean so oem is perfect ,  i have always used oem versions since my original cd key was lost

oem cds don't take normal keys

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OEM build, Can be activated once or something.

Whats the catch?

I cant change hardware in my machine? if i upgrade my PC it becomes invalid?

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Edit : As far as i know i can't buy OEM edition because its locked to your pc, if i upgrade a bit of hardware it break the license agreement.

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Adding to surfi's post...

They check to see if you need to re-activate it or not through something called a Hardware Hash.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457054.aspx

More info in case you want to know about it.

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Originally posted by Ezra
OEM version is the version that computer company's install on your computer. Like when you boy a Dell pc, with windows on it, that's the OEM version.

You're not supposed to buy the OEM version unless you're such a computer company

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Hi Guys,

ok had to post some info here as there seems to be quite a few myths floating around regarding Window OEM versions, hardware instalations, windows reactivating etc
I have been working in IT Security since 1985 and as a hobbie "build" PC's for family members, friends etc, i also rebuild my own systems at least once a year !!
Firstly I always purchase OEM versions of windows as these are invariably cheaper !! I do not need to purchase any hardware I buy the programme on its own. The reason OEM software versions are cheaper is that they are packaged without all the fancy boxing and reading material, its just the disk and the serial code and thats it !! 
Activating Windows after a reload is rechecked by Microsoft within a 6 month period, ie. if you load ANY version of Windows more than twice in a six month period even though you've entered a valid actvation serial key you will need to contact microsoft again, i normally ring the number provided and have the additional serial key sent as a text to my mobile phone.
If you are purchasing software and you feel confident regarding installation always try and purchase an OEM version, you will save money, unless stated by the developers there is no restrictions regarding updates, and it keeps the cost down for postage and packaging !! Cant think of anything else to add, hope this helps a bit ...just remember not to loose your original serial key !!! GL

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Originally posted by Shimerstaff
Hi Guys,

ok had to post some info here as there seems to be quite a few myths floating around regarding Window OEM versions, hardware instalations, windows reactivating etc
I have been working in IT Security since 1985 and as a hobbie "build" PC's for family members, friends etc, i also rebuild my own systems at least once a year !!
Firstly I always purchase OEM versions of windows as these are invariably cheaper !! I do not need to purchase any hardware I buy the programme on its own. The reason OEM software versions are cheaper is that they are packaged without all the fancy boxing and reading material, its just the disk and the serial code and thats it !! 
Activating Windows after a reload is rechecked by Microsoft within a 6 month period, ie. if you load ANY version of Windows more than twice in a six month period even though you've entered a valid actvation serial key you will need to contact microsoft again, i normally ring the number provided and have the additional serial key sent as a text to my mobile phone.
If you are purchasing software and you feel confident regarding installation always try and purchase an OEM version, you will save money, unless stated by the developers there is no restrictions regarding updates, and it keeps the cost down for postage and packaging !! Cant think of anything else to add, hope this helps a bit ...just remember not to loose your original serial key !!! GL

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Originally posted by Jimbo
Quote Quick Quote

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