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Resolved OEM or Retail for laptop?

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by clubECGR, 2010/04/11.

  1. 2010/04/11
    clubECGR

    clubECGR Inactive Thread Starter

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    I am so very excited to buy a Windows 7 Home Premium but seein the store has a box-like Windows 7 starters, I was thinking that why the box is different than the ones I've seen in the internet.

    After looking at some un-boxing videos, the boxes I'm seeing in my store are actually OEM Windows 7 starters (mind you that Home Premium is out of stock so back orders has been made)

    Im now wondering if I should go with OEM Windows 7 Home Premium or I just search for the retail ones. Note that it's US$80 more, I think, from OEM to Retail.

    What do you think? OEM or retail? I want to have the cheapest deal and I'm using it on 1 laptop. I thought Windows 7 Home Premium are cheap in my country but after seeing the Starter boxes, I was like - WHAT?! Those aren't Retail, those are OEMs
     
    clubECGR,
    #1
  2. 2010/04/11
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    With an OEM system you get no support from MS and the installation is locked into the original computer on which it is installed - it cannot be uninstalled for installation on another computer.

    A retail version can be installed on another computer following uninstallation from the original computer, MS provide support and you get a nice box :)

    For more read .....

    http://www.google.com/search?source...GLL_en-GBGB352GB352&q=OEM+vs+Retail+Windows+7
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2010/04/11
    clubECGR

    clubECGR Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks sir Pete but as far as I'm concern, OEM are not good for desktop as I am using it for a laptop which has a stable motherboard.

    If my motherboard fails, it can be replaced with an exact model, F80L, and I do not need to call Microsoft for re-activation, am I right?

    So I can get the OEM to my laptop, is that correct? But if I'm going to build a desktop PC, I'm stuck at retail, is that right?

    So I can still get an OEM at lower price but I do not have any support at all from Microsoft. What is this support? Is it like calling them or something or I do not get any critical updates?

    If I can not get a retail, I'll be fine with an OEM and the support doesn't bother me at all. I'll just call Asus for hardware problems. I got a laptop which I will not change for the next 3 years or so.

    Hmmm....OEM is such an itriguing product, doesn't it?

    By the way, this standalone OEM copy, is it the exact product being released by computer manufacturers like ASUS? I got a Vista Basic pre-installed. Is it the same as buying a non-branded OEM Windows? Sorry for asking but I want to make sure from the best people I know.
     
    clubECGR,
    #3
  5. 2010/04/11
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Yes indeed and a rather grey area too.
    I cannot be definitive here, but if you are able to obtain exactly the same mobo, which may be unlikely due to age and subsequent revisions, then in theory your activation is preserved, but don't bank on it. I have no experience of OEM software.
    I see no reason why not, but check that Windows 7 drivers are available for the laptop.
    On a new build an OEM copy would be fine, but, AFAIK, if you subsequently updated the hardware activation would fail. Retail is the safe way to go.
    You will get no support re, problems with the OS from MS, but you will get updates through Windows Update.
    An OEM copy is exactly the same as a retail copy in terms of content whether it comes preinstalled or on a DVD.

    See upgrade options here ....

    Windows 7: Which Edition Should You Choose?
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2010/04/11
    clubECGR

    clubECGR Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thank you very much for your time and it answered my problems. In the end, it'll be my decision to buy these things. Wether or not I may have problems with OEM might not affect me but hopefully, things will get better.

    Getting an OEM may be a good idea if I'm on a budget but the consequences are the support. Getting a FULL retail one is the best choice but I do need to pump up my budget.

    I will review again every resources and your messages and hopefully I can buy what I really needed - OEM or retail.

    Thank you again.

    Regards,
    Chris
     
    clubECGR,
    #5

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