OEM Windows Copies ?

Hello all ... Microsoft does not support oem version of windows . correct ? So then where does the oem windows versions come from ? Also where does one usually get support for these versions ?
TIA

 

Microsoft doesn't supply free phone support for their OEM software. You would join a site such as this to obtain support. In fact you would probably receive better support by not going to Microsoft.

 

OEM copies of Windows should only be sold with new computers. The computer supplier then supports the Windows installation. However, the level of support depends on the supplier.

Part of the cost of the full versions of Windows is the support package. OEM is cheap because it doesn't have any support contract from MS as part of the package. Buy full product, get a support contract. By OEM cheap, then you need to pay for Microsoft support. You don't get something for nothing.

 

Okay , Good to know but where do the supplier get oem versions of windows from ?

 

They get them from Microsoft. Microsoft sell them in batches to computer manufactures. The manufactures then bundle them with their computers. It means you don't have to pay the full price for Windows when it is preinstalled with your computer.

However, it isn't easy to police. A company can tell Microsoft it is building 100 computers to sell, and Microsoft then sell them 100 OEM sets. The company then builds 50 computers and sells the spare 50 OEM sets seperately. They shouldn't do it, but they do.

 

You can purchace OEM versions yourself. There's some debate as to whether it's legal or not but Newegg and many other reputable retailers still sell them. If MS didn't like it I'd think they'd put an end to it.

As for service, whoever supplied you with it is responsible but muy guess is you aren't going to get much help out of a retailer.

Another drawback is that it's forever tied to the computer it's first installed on. This means you cannot legally install it on another one even if you remove it from the first. That's my understanding of it anyway. I have no idea what happens if you try it. It would install but I wonder if it would get rejected when you try to activate it. I really don't know but my guess is it wouldn't activate. As I said, that's just a guess.

 

When installing the OEM version of XP the activation gets tied to the motherboard. Microsoft supposedly doesn't allow the changing of the motherboard or moving to OS to a newer system that has a different motherboard. I know they must have forgot to tell that to the support people in India because I have installed different motherboards in OEM computers and activated by phone. All I was asked, what make/model of the PC and how many times had the OS been reinstalled.

 

So Microsoft makes this oem operating sytem and sell them to the supplier , Is the reason as to why Microsoft doesn't support them because the supplier usually adds other stuff/programs to them ? Are all oem version have add ons or is there some with no add ons , If so ? I mean not preinstall oem version
THX

 

The OEM version is the same as the retail version. Any additional software that's installed on a computer you buy (Dell, Gateway, etc. ) is added by the manufacturer of the computer. They get the same Windows as you'd buy in the store except that it's labled OEM. One of the reasons OEM is cheaper is because MS doesn't have to support it. Supporting it costs them money too. No support, less money. Also, you have to live with the restrictions I mentioned in my previous post. I personally wouldn't want to live with those restrictions but the next person might not mind. You have to be the judge.

 

I'm getting a really good understanding how it is but I like to know what support does Microsoft provide ? Let say with an retail windows operating system , I never seen any support from Microsoft , So where this support ? Or better yet what kind of support do they provide ? So far all I ever have seen is forum sites that is non Microsoft , Even their so call newsgroup on msnews isn't really supported by Microsoft , So what support do they actually provide ? THX

 

I personally never had a problem with OEM version.

The only thing is that you can buy it with any new hardware (as per Microsoft) - it can be mouse, keyboard or anything.

But nobody is bothered and I don't believe that Microsoft is going to come after all the people who have purchase OEM without any hardware - its a legal copy after all .

 

If this is the only support Microsoft provide ? In my opinion Microsoft is ripping people off , mostly towards the novice computer user's , People that don't use a computer for work wise reasons , I myself am one of them novice user and in my opinion to express what I feel ? I believe it a shame and a rip off , Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike Microsoft , I do enjoy using a computer but for the price you have to pay, its not worth it , I have learn more about computers from forum sites like this one/others and my cousin then I ever did from Microsoft , I have read that many are using oem versions and installing them on more then one computer , So buying retail is another rip off , Though i guess it all boils down to choices , And I believe I know better now which way to go thanks to FREE forum sites / friends

Thank everyone for your thoughful comments

 

Hi Terry,

Just as an FYI: the first step for any answers on XP should be accessing the Help & Support applet on the start menu.

As a pracitical matter, it wouldn't be feasable for MS to do what you're asking them to do, given the number of windows users worldwide - in the hundred millions.

An entire info industry has grown up around that fact, both free and paid.

Regards - Charles

 

TerryFox--Are you upgrading a PC that already has Win98 (or later) installed? If so, you can also consider buying a WinXP Upgrade CD.
You can buy it from MS directly, but stores such as Staples should carry it. Price for the XP Home Upgrade is around $99. Get the one with SP2 already included. (You probably have already determined that the OEM CD is $75.)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/pricing.mspx
Some help in installing.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941
And while the following is a bit of overkill, you may find it helpful
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316639

 

Steve R Jones, I have notice the phone tech support which from what I see I am only able to receive 2 free calls, afterward you have to pay for it , That link you posted I have already been there many of times , Thanks any ways

Welshjim, Thanks for all the data you have posted , I have a retail xp version , Which now knowing what I do know ? I wouldn't of never purchase a retail version , Its a total rip off compare to oem versions but live and learn , at least I can tell others what not to get in the future ...

 

TerryFox--Regrets.
If you have not opened the package and have the sales receipt you might be able to return it--especially if you then buy the Upgrade from the same store.

 

Steve's right. You're entitled to free email, chat, or phone support.

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&x=9&y=7&prid=3518&gprid=185522

The above url is for U.S. support.

 

I don't know what you are viewing ? If I click that link and its just like I said earlier , You are only allow 2 request of support for free afterward its $35 per request , If providing installation support what you mean ? I am sorry that doesn't cut it , I am not referring for installation support, I'm talking about everything else thats relative to the software , Beside I don't see myself ever again giving Microsoft any more cash , If things get that bad ? Then I will consider using Linux , I know I wouldn't have any interest in Vista and by the time I need a newer OS ? Maybe by then Linux will be a much better go ...