Is a directly purchased copy of windows different from OEM legal use

cheezit · 27 Oct 2012

Layback Bear said:

OEM can be installed on one computer. It's married to it by all practical purposes.

If that's the case, why do they no longer give you the disk when you buy a new computer? If it can only be installed on one computer, it seems to me that it would be totally worthless to the computer builder or anyone else other than the new owner of the machine.

Layback Bear · 27 Oct 2012

You have a misconception how the big boys do it. When somebody like HP buys the right to use 100,000 Windows 7 they don't get a 100,000 disc they can hand out to every buyer of one of their/there computers. HP would have to make the DVD and they are not going into the expense of doing that.
If you or anybody wants a copy of a Windows 7 on a DVD you can download as many as you want and burn. When you go through our Tutorials you will discover that having such a copy can be helpful to the end user. What you don't get is the legal COA with every download. Downloads are free and COA cost money. Understanding all the ins and outs of Microsofts End User License Agreement (EULA) is daunting.
We will help as much as we can in the understanding of the EULA but arguing one and another about the EULA is a waste of time. There/their are volumes of information on EULA on line and one could spend half a life time reading them. It comes down to one rule. Microsoft is BOSS when it comes to their/there EULA. Arguments should be addressed to them.

AddRAM · 27 Oct 2012

Because giving you a disc would cost them more money. That`s why you are offered to make recovery discs on a new STORE BROUGHT pc.

1 thing no one`s mentioned.. you get a years MS support with retail.

Also, an OEM disc and a retail disc are EXACTLY the same thing, only the keys are different.

Vagablonde · 27 Oct 2012

my windows experiance is I will never again own a OEM license due to its restrictions.
I prefer a clean install of windows that is not bundled with OEM crapware
retail version allows you to change computers or change parts without affecting your license.
to me thats worth the extra you pay

gregrocker · 28 Oct 2012

But you can get a Clean Install without the bloatware which comes preinstalled on a store bought PC. Everything you need is in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
to get an install as good or better as with retail Win7.

The only difference is that like Builder's OEM a Factory OEM license for Win7 lives and dies with the mobo it was first installed upon. However sometimes with Builder's OEM MS will allow it to change mobos if they think you have a good excuse and you ask nicely during phone activation. However this license is only intended for those who build a system for resale.

Layback Bear · 28 Oct 2012

Vagablonde that is the beauty of the whole Retail OEM thing. If one want the privileges that come with Retail Windows 7 you just buy it. If one doesn't require those privileges they buy OEM. No more No less. Either choice is good you just have to abide to the EULA for that selection.