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

If I purchase a copy of windows from newegg and install it on a machine, i can reinstall that copy as many times and use it in between as i wish.

I cannot do this with OEM copies of windows?

Where does it state that they own the copy?

I only want Microsoft perspective on this situation not the opinion of others (people associated with OEM manufacturers are welcome to share their companies policy).

See here on MS answers, they've covered it as well as anyone could.

What's the difference between Windows 7 retail and OEM? - Microsoft Community

You post sound a little snippy, lets hope not.
OEM can be installed on one computer. It's married to it by all practical purposes.
Retail can be installed on many computers but only one at a time. If you install a Retail version on computer (A) and then decide you want it on computer (B) you have to remove it from computer (A) before installing it on computer (B).
We really don't own the operating system. We pay for the privilege of using the operating system under the terms and agreements with Microsoft.
I hope this helps.

Layback Bear said:

You post sound a little snippy, lets hope not.
OEM can be installed on one computer. It's married to it by all practical purposes.
Retail can be installed on many computers but only one at a time. If you install a Retail version on computer (A) and then decide you want it on computer (B) you have to remove it from computer (A) before installing it on computer (B).
We really don't own the operating system. We pay for the privilege of using the operating system under the terms and agreements with Microsoft.
I hope this helps.

Click to expand...

Say you had a laptop and a desktop, could you install on both but only be able to use it one at a time? Like only one computer turned on at a time?

hArLtRoN said:

Say you had a laptop and a desktop, could you install on both but only be able to use it one at a time? Like only one computer turned on at a time?

Click to expand...

No. Only one can be activated at a time.

The activation is a bit smarter than that.
It will know it's being used from two different computers at the same time.
Even if they aren't both actually turned on at the same time.
They might even invalidate your key altogether were you to constantly jump back and forth like that.

I hope it specifies that in the Manufacturers agreements. When I activate my copy of windows the first time does any of the microsoft documentation specify this?

I meant if Computer A fails and I build computer B do I own the copy that I originally purchased through the OEM in order to install on Computer B

For that matter, can I take components from Computer A and rebuild them into a Computer C and install windows on that one.

I think its yes, as long as only one is operating at a time.

You own the cd/dvd you do not own the operating system that comes on it. Microsoft own the operating system lock stock and barrel. OEM cost less than Retail so we all have less privileges when using OEM. When we buy the privilege to use the OEM we have less privileges than those who pay more for the the privilege to use a Retail version. It's the same system but with less privileges. It sounds like you want the privileges of a Retail version but only want to pay OEM prices. Great idea but I don't think Microsoft agrees.

Golden said:

hArLtRoN said:

Say you had a laptop and a desktop, could you install on both but only be able to use it one at a time? Like only one computer turned on at a time?

Click to expand...

No. Only one can be activated at a time.

Click to expand...

Thanks

Some very good information here.
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...ng-you-need-know-about-windows-7-license.html

Layback Bear said:

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

Click to expand...

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.