This is not quite true is it....? I have bought all my OEM versions of XP from on-line retailers!!I believe OEM versions are distributed to resellers ... as in machine builders and retail versions are distributed to real people. That being the case, I think we can all count on getting retail versions. I would sure hope so!
Might not be true - that's why I said "I believe"....
And yup - me to. Places like viosoftware.com, newegg.com, etc. These are all retailers... true in that they are retailing (selling to you). But, they are also (and more correctly) resellers.
No worries though. I would love for someone who knows more about all this to step in and provide some real, solid knowledge to the question.
Does this person know what he is talking about? Sounds like he does but I think, if I am understanding correctly, this contradicts what I thought and what has been said here.another forum said:
Actually you can CLEAN install with a "UPGRADE" version.
The upgrade version is also CHEAPER. You can also buy OEM from almost any computer online RETAIL store.
so you have the option of any version,
1. OEM = FULL bought from Store= you get no support,
2. RETAIL = Ful l= cost more and you get SUPPORT,(read the warranty very close.)
3. OEM from store bought with computer = you get company support from the Computer manufacture.
4. Upgrade is cheapest version of FULL = No support = is fully operational, with option (a.) upgrade or (b.) clean install.
Actually the UPGRADE or OEM w/o support are the BEST Buys... You will get better support from a Online Forum than you will from some STORE.
Thanks. Had not realized the distinction between retailer and reseller was virtually non-existant.
Let's hope that when these actually become available one of these 'resellers' or retailers will actually know themselves what they are selling before I have to make a decision to purchase or not!
I think I'll give them a call as well just to see I get the same answer.from another forum said:
Thanks a lot. Can I ask one other question? How many times can you re install with the upgrade?
I had a problem one time and I had to do a system recovery. Well the disks I created for system recovery malfunctioned and I had to call hp and have them send me hp recovery disks because I bought my computer with Vista installed. If you can not re install from the upgrade, I am worried that it's possible that the system recovery discs may malfunction again.
Separate question.
Would the HP system recovery disc that I have work in the upgrade process?
Okay I called Microsoft about this. You can re install as many times as you want, but it's only good for one pc.
One PC at a time is my understanding. So you can install on one PC, then if you decide you want it on another PC, you just remove it from or install something else on the old PC and reinstall your upgrade version of 7 on the new PC. I think you can move it to as many different PC's as you want, as long as it is only activated on one PC at a time. I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong about this.
OEM = May be cheaper. But there are reasons for that. No Support. One License tied to One PC. That PC dies, the license dies with it. Can not be transferred (legally) to any other system.
Also, it is mostly tied to the Motherboard anymore. Doing numerous upgrades are ok, may have to call to reactivate (see below).
Retail = Can be installed/Activated on one PC at a time. If that PC dies, you go buy/build a new one. You do not have to purchase the OS again. you already have it. You may have to call MS to get activated again, but it will not be any problem to do so. You get MS Support.
With that said. I have been refused to reactivate an OEM copy before, even though I never told them I moved it to a different machine. They flat out refused, several calls.
I have also had them reactivate OEM copies on new systems without any questions at all. It depends on who you get on the phone, and weather the license gets flagged (blacklisted).
The Answers when activating are.... at all times, weather a new install or not
usually gets you less hassles. This may have changed though since it has been a while since the last time I did numerous daily activations.
Hard Drive Replacement due to failure
Only this one
They may start asking for Serials, Model, Manufacturer of the PC. This can break the deal under certain circumstances. Generally, try to go with the whole (Self Built scenario). Good Luck.
Clean Install is always the best.
You can purchase OEM licensed OS as a system builder.
Generally they are not meant for the general public, but it is a gray area.
While the Upgrade Clean Install trick if you have no previous Windows to authenticate the upgrade install is neither confirmed or denied at this time with 7. It will probably work. But I would wait till it is confirmed before relying on that as an option.
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