Windows 7: OEM version - a little info please... "UPDATE"

It appears my friend may be confusing OEM version with OEM packaging. This is the software package he is looking at currently being sold at Newegg:

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1PK DSP English Full - OEM





He contacted Newegg and they refused to provide any clarification as to what it is they are selling. He called Microsoft and they told him he needs to buy a FULL RETAIL (remember new hard drive - new custom built system). My questions then are: As I read the above it looks like it is a FULL version NOT AN OEM software version but is OEM with regards to the packaging. It states on the 4th bullet down "Packaging: OEM". Is this how you would read this? Secondly, and my friend had a point, the total difference in price is about $90.00 (RETAIL vs. This version) can this all be in packaging - think not - yet it states FULL. So, would he be entitled to MS assistance (should he need it), if so, how do they justify the large price difference? What would not be included (if anything)?? Bottom line is he is afraid he buy the wrong version and will be stuck with a TRUE OEM version that is tied to the MB and will be a pain in the ass should he have problems. I hate to see him spend more money than he has to. He doesn't need the fancy plastic box and color inset so IF this version IS the same as the RETAIL just without the PR crap then this is the one he should go with - yes - no...?? THANKS for further clarification on this....

The only difference between the two, is Microsoft will not support an OEM version. Other than that they are identical, afaik ...

Yes, that is an OEM version. It can only be installed and activated on one PC...and cannot be later moved to another PC. I just bought a Vista OEM from NewEgg for my new box with a free upgrade to Windows 7. It's got the booklet, and all the standard materials. It's just limited in terms of installations and moves.

And Microsoft doesn't support it. It's meant for system builders...who will be the ones providing the support for the end user.

The $90 savings is more or less accepting the fact that you cannot put this installation on another machine down the road. So, let's say in 2 years he gets a new case, new PSU, new mobo, new RAM, new hard drive, new video card, etc. Technically, he would also have to purchase another copy of Windows for this new machine. Be it retail or OEM.

NewEgg (or other retailers) are really only supposed to sell the OEM disks with hardware purchases to system builders. Hence the reason you couldn't get info from them. And Microsoft is not intending end-users to buy OEM copies through retail chains like this...hence the reason they say you need to be a retail copy.

I've use Newegg "OEM" software may times. The only real differance is the packaging. Go ahead and save the bucks.

Ken

It's not just the packaging though. If the person wanted to install it onto 1 computer today and another computer 6 months later, the OEM software wouldn't be the right choice as it cannot be moved to another computer without twisting Microsoft's arm and violating the end-user license agreement.

And as stated, you don't get support from MS on OEM versions. MS expects the OEM or system builder to help you.

I agree that if neither of these matters impact you, save the money.

Technically that's true, but in the real world we all know the licence moves without any more trouble than doing the automated phone activation.

But I always phrase things to stay in compliance with the actual end-user license agreement. If it says you cannot move it, you shouldn't move it. Otherwise, you should buy something that you can move.

This is my problem. I am always switching mobos and don't expect to change the way I do things. If I need to do the same phone activation with retail or OEM....why not save the $$. I have been going to buy retail but the more I think about it, the more I want OEM.

Night hawk, are you saying retail is the same when you move to another mobo? If so I am just going to get OEM.

What CAN you move? I have heard retail is the same as OEM to move mobos.

If XP and Vista were any indications I would be able to change 2 major components (mobo, cpu, etc) before I had to phone activate. Phone activation was the same for OEM and retail, but who knows what tricks MS has up their sleeves for us now


ken