What's up with Microsoft??

I purchased Windows 7 Professional 32bit retail version for two brand new computers I was building. I was told I would be able to install the retail version on 2 computers. That was true up to a point. In order to install the retail version on a second computer it would have to uninstalled on the first computer. I was misinformed but that was my fault. Microsoft isn't as forgiving as they were with XP. So rather than blowing another $245 on the retail version I opted to purchase an OEM for $139. I can't possibly describe how different they are from each other. The retail version is slow, freezes all the time, shuts down for no reason, sometimes it hangs in shutdown mode and frequently gives me network migraines. The OEM has been trouble free since installation. Absolutely no problems. I now use the OEM for my main computer without incident and it is extremely fast. Both computers are identical ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel with the same CPU and same ddr memory. Anyone possibly have an explanation??

Are you talking installing on 2 pcs or installing and activating on 2 pcs ?

Did you install the retail version as an upgrade over Vista? That could make a bit of a mess.

Next time you buy an OEM version, you can save 25 bucks at NewEgg. But your problem sounds like hardware, BIOS or alike. There is no reason the two should perform differently.

It's the same installer, so the difference must be in the install or hardware, as suggested.

I wouldn't settle for less than instantaneous performance with Win7 because that is what we've become accustomed to in over a year's testing experience.

Troubleshoot your Event Viewer errors, study the Diagnostics Performance log (by clicking WEI score at Computer>Properties, then choosing Advanced options) and Generate a System Health Report.

Check for newer drivers in optional Windows Updates, on your computer or hardware maker's website.

Run the Diag/Repair CD for your HD, full scan: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

Run memtest86 overnight to stress test memory.

Run sfc /scannow to check integrity of System files.

Run a Repair Install as a last resort before clean installing with HD deep clean.

I was going to activate the retail version on both computers. You can't do that I found out. They were both clean installs (not upgrades) and both machines have exactly the same hardware.