Retail vs OEM Windows 7 differences

[manjunath]

what is the difference between windows 7 OEM and retail version?

 

[Bill2]

1) OEM win7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

a) The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

b) Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

c) Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

2) OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

3) Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

 

[pparks1]

With the OEM system builder license, the EULA does indeed state that you have to install using the OPK and resell, but lots of enthusiasts buy this version of Windows anyway, and install without the OPK and keep it for themselves.

With the OEM system builder license, you do have to activate this copy. And like all OEM licenses, you cannot move this license to another PC. It's tied to that machine and that machine only.

 

[mjf]

Bill2's explanation spelt it out nicely.
Unfortunately most computers in stores here come with the first category of OS license because the sticker price on the computer is lower. If you have problems you can find yourself between a rock and a hard place. MS wash their hands and the PC manufacturer (in my experience) is unlikely to provide any support unless you pay "technical support costs". Other disadvantages include a system full of bloatware and the inability to do a true clean install or repair install.
If I was given the option of a true retail OS with a new computer for say an extra $100-150 I'd take it without hesitation.

 

[pparks1]

If I was given the option of a true retail OS with a new computer for say an extra $100-150 I'd take it without hesitation.

Well, you kinda do have that option now. Just buy the retail copy and install it yourself. I think the upgrade copies are like $105.

 

[whs]

If I was given the option of a true retail OS with a new computer for say an extra $100-150 I'd take it without hesitation

I would rather spend the extra money on something else - e.g. an SSD. The so called bloatware is easy to get rid of and with a proper imaging strategy, I do not need the installation disk.
You are right though regarding the OEMs technical support. Most times it is pathetic. But who needs it - this forum is a much better option.

 

[gregrocker]

Many tech enthusiasts find a clean copy of the pre-installed OS and clean reinstall using Product Key on the OEM sticker. This is actually "better than new" since new retail machines have bloatware that can corrupt just by removing it. This bloatware provides the profit margin for many manufacturers so they have recently taken to enforcing it by refusing to support clean reinstalls. Gateway/eMachines stopped providing a clean-copy installer as soon as Acer bought them.

 

[Tepid]

There is no difference between the OS itself.
The only difference is Licensing and Price.

 

[manjunath]

suppose if the upgrade fails,what should I do?

 

[whs]

suppose if the upgrade fails,what should I do?

What upgrade are you talking about?

 

[manjunath]

while installing win 7 upgrade edition and suppose it fails,what should i do?

 

[Bill2]

Just FYI, you can do a clean istall from an upgrade disk. You dont necessarily have to upgrade.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[CassieFWinTeam]

In addition to Brink's tutorial that Bill linked to, this will give you some more information on doing a clean installation while upgrading - Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation) - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows. But, be aware that doing a clean installation will not preserve your programs, files, or settings so be sure to back up to an external hard drive before installing.

Also, run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor in order to foresee any issues during the installation process.

Hope this is helpful!
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

 

[mjf]

Well, you kinda do have that option now. Just buy the retail copy and install it yourself. I think the upgrade copies are like $105.

I am not sure what you mean by upgrade - home premium OEM to retail or upgrade to professional, etc.
I cannot "upgrade" from an OEM Home premium to a retail version without buying the full product costing $300.
Because I didn't have a retail installation disk I could not do a repair install. So I had to stuff around to do a factory reinstall - wasn't straightforward and the OEM was useless. Then reinstall $ks worth of software.

All I was saying is that an extra $100 for a retail OS up front would have been worth it.

Also I did have an image which also had the dormant problem (virus or OS bug).

 

[oldtraveler]

You may be able get what you need by creating a disk from the iso file.
Download Windows 7 ISO ? Official Direct Download Links - download windows 7, download windows7, win 7, Windows 7, windows 7 amazon, windows 7 digital river, windows 7 direct download, windows 7 download links, windows 7 ISO, windows 7 iso image, w

 

[metalmania31]

I've installed numerous separate copies of OEM Win XP pro for my family and I've never seen bloatware on them, what is "gregrocker" talking about? Has this happened with OEM versions of Win 7?

 

[gregrocker]

I've installed numerous separate copies of OEM Win XP pro for my family and I've never seen bloatware on them, what is "gregrocker" talking about? Has this happened with OEM versions of Win 7?

I am referring to pre-installed Factory OEM, not retail System Bulder OEM used by individuals.

The "bloatware" is pre-installed by manufacturer for sponsors who provide much of the profit margin now that computer prices have gone lower. The exception is on business machines.

Norton is the worst offender, an monstrous takeover infection which requires it's own removal tool.

Pre-installed Office can corrupt system files upon removal, but is on most every machine in return for a free copy of (conveniently non-compatible) Works and deep discount to computer maker's for the OEM OS copy. By the time the User has a whole set of Office files, the 90 day trial expires and they are presented with a $250+ bill with no compatible alternative known to most (Use Java OpenOffice or convert to Works).

There are dozens of others, best uninstalled with Revo Uninstaller in Advanced mode, then run sfc /scannow to see if you have unfixable system files which have been corrupted just by uninstalling the bloat.

A clean reinstall using your own copy of the OS is the cure.

 

[metalmania31]

Oh, ok, sorry I misread that. Yeah, my Dell laptop had quite a few pre-installed bloatware on it.