OEM version of vista question

can an OEM version of vista be installed on an existing pc with no problems? because the seller said "Being a branded OEM version, this software is supposed to be purchased at the same time as hardware when building a new PC." and im not building a new pc right now...

link: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120197447024

thx for your help

 

OEM versions are usually bundled with some sort of hardware but it's not required. Newegg sells all versions of OEM Vista and doesn't require any additional hardware purchases.

So what's the difference between a retail and OEM version of Vista? Well two things.

1) The OEM version's license is tied to that computer and configuration. If you upgrade the computer it's VERY difficult to get MS to reactivate it. The retail version's license can get reusued on a computer that's been upgraded or on a different computer as long as that copy of Vista was installed on just one computer.

2) The OEM version comes with "NO" support from MS.

Hope that clears things up a bit.

 

looks like im gonna be getting a retail version then. thx rodknee, +rep

 

In addition to that information OEM is just ONE version of Vista be it x86 or x64. When you get the full retail version instead in addition to having unlimited instalation licensing (vs OEM's 3x I think) you get BOTH versions of vista and a code for them.

Vista Ultimate retail comes with both disks in the case, the others versions only come with the x86 disk but have a card inside that tells you go to the MS site and order the x64 dvd for 10$ shipping if you want it.

You can just barrow a friends x64 disk and install it with your code aswell if you dont want to pay for yours to be shipped, or even download it (which is legal since you paid for rights to have/use it)

I strongly recommend not to get OEM and go for retail, that doesn't mean pay for the full price store version, be smart and get the upgrade disk, or smarter and get the educational discount upgrade disk

I have several post floating around explaining that the upgrade disk is the same as the full version disk except you have to spend an extra 10-15 minutes installing it. I dont care because how often do you install your OS? Now I have Vista Home premium X86 and x64 with an unlimited install license that is allowed to be on more than one my machines at once for only 70$... Thats the smart way to go.

 

I upgraded home premium 32 to ultimate 64 for $5 using upgrade anytime disk.

 

:::

Where can I find the update to Ultimate 32 for $5.....??

Thanks!

:::

 

^^^^^ Same Question???? 5$ Where??

 

The $5 upgrade disc does not include a license, just the media. Unless you also bought an upgrade license to Ultimate, what you have done is piracy.

 

It is actually against eBay's TOS to sell OEM software that is not bundled, and eBay typically accepts no less than a PC being bundled with it. I'm surprised that auction hasn't gotten taken down already.

 

yeah... I tried to sell my preorder kit for hellgate london and just because it had a beta invite they said it was beta/oem software and took my auction down 3 times and I wasn't even violating the rules :/

 

I had the 32 bit OEM version and used anytime upgrade to Ultimate and originally ordered the 64 bit media. I wasn't aware you could not upgrade 32 bit oem to 64 bit upgrade. I mean, the activation key won't work, you would have to do a clean install but the 32 bit oem key won't take on the 64 bit upgrade disc.

So they sent me a new disc for the 32 bit version upgrade.

 

I just bought Windows update anytime disk for vista 64 and followed instructions on this link, http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783&highlight=clean+installation

 

The keys for both 32bit and 64bit are the same, so you can use the 32bit key for a 64bit install. What matters is the version you install. If you have the key for Home premium, you can install that in either 32bit or 64bit.

However, you are right about the upgrade. You cannot upgrade from one to the other. BUT, you can do a clean install and get up to Ultimate 64bit. First you would have to clean install Home Premium 64bit, then you can use the upgrade to Ultimate 64bit. That doesn't help if the reason you want to upgrade it to preserve the already installed programs, but it's an option.

 

Not on OEMs

And the Vista SP1 x64 DVD will be useable under 32bits OS

 

It works in OEM versions just as well as any other version of Vista. The license key is NOT locked to the architecture (32bit/64bit), period. Your OEM license agreement may prevent you from doing it, so make sure to check on that, but there's no technical measure stopping you.