Windows 7 - Are There Any Drawbacks to Using a Branded Windows 7?

Is there any disadvantage to using a branded Windows 7 operating system?


For instance, the this Win 7 Pro OEM OS made for Dell and sold by Trinity Software.


It's $89 compared to about $140 for a regular Win 7 Pro OEM version.

That software should only be available from Dell. I don't think it's even legal for a 3rd party seller to sell Windows 7 factory OEM.

Unless you need specific added features in Pro, you can get Home Premium OEM for $99 right now at NewEgg and Amazon, and Family 3-pack Upgrade for not much more which is 3 licenses for life for less than the price of one.

Trinity software (nor any other retailer) sell branded media from another OEM - branded royalty OEM media is for purchase only with a new PC (and is either provided or sold as recovery or reinstallation media). What you see there, my friend, is illegal (see Microsoft v Comet for a recent example). You can purchase non-royalty Windows OEM copies from any valid retailer out there (non-branded) which are shrink-wrapped and hologrammed, and come with a CoA sticker, which are perfectly legal.

Don't do it.