Windows Vista OEM Vista Ultimate

What are the rules of engagement with OEM software as I have noticed some websites are selling OEM versions as follows:
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32-Bit Edition DVD - OEM - £130

I have XP Pro at the moment could I complete a clean install with this version and would it be legal?

Would this give me any problems later?

Paul

 

Well, I guess it's legal as they've been selling OEM CD's for a long time now and MS hasn't shut anybody down yet. It used to be that you had to buy some type of hardware with it. Nobody was ever too fussy about what kind of hardware though and purchasing just a cable of some type would do. I don't know if that's how MS had intended it but that's the way it was being done.

Now? I don't know if the hardware thing is a requirement anymore or not. But, there is one gotcha involved if you purchase OEM. That particular DVD will be forever tied the computer and it's hardware that you install it on. If sometime down the road you decided to build a new computer or purchase one without an OS on it, you couldn't legally use that OEM DVD on the new computer regardless if you remove it from the old one or not.

I'm not sure how it works if your computer dies and needs something new like a motherboard. I've read that you can replace parts like that as long as they are of the same brand and model of the ones that were installed when you installed the OS. So if you're willing to accept that, go for it. I'd sure do my homework on it before deciding though. For me, it's not worth the savings. Others may disagree.

Hang on a bit and you'll probably get some more feedback on it here.

 

Zander

That is basically as I understand it, but the big caveat is if I have to replace the Hard Drive or Motherboard in the future my rights to the licence will also go up in smoke as I would not be allowed to reactivate......

Am I correct in assuming this? Even if this is the case the savings are considerable and as my PC is 4 years old (still a decent machine) I would properly buy a new one with Vista preinstalled.

Paul

 

Well, I think you can replace the motherboard as long as it's the same type as the original. But, it wouldn't be a good idea for you to go by what I "think ". It would be better to know for sure. If you can't replace it, the Vista DVD could be a coaster the day after you installed if the motherboard were to quit suddenly. This doesn't seem right to me though. I'm betting you can do as I said, but I'd also want to be sure on this.

And, there is one more gotcha of sorts I just thought of. You won't get any tech support from MS with it unless you pay for the support. Tech support for OEM software is the responsibility of those that sell it. So, if you buy it at an online store of some type, they'd technically be responsible for support. My guess is that most of them aren't set up for this. But, that isn't really the end of the world I guess. There's always the internet and boards like this one.

 

Well, I found this. According to it, it's not legal to sell an OEM OS unless it's with a fully assembled computer. If it's correct (it does quote MS's EULA) I'm not sure why they allow the sale of it to continue unless it's with the thought that you or I could build a system to sell to somebody else and use it legally that way. I don't know.

http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/archive/2005/06/06/425681.aspx

 

Hi Zander,

I think that you will find that MS have slightly amended the rules for OEM editions recently. On two other Vista boards I have seen that an OEM OS can be bought by anyone building a computer now, and that the restrictions on component changes have been relaxed. Let's hope so anyway, MS has had a very bad press from all us amateur builders!

Roger

 

And the mystery goes on.

 

As I understand it, the major thing you don't get with OEM is Microsoft support. That is, if you have a problem you'll either have to go back to the people who supplied it, or pay for Microsoft support.