What's the difference?

Hey, I was wondering if there was a difference between the OEM version of windows vista sold by Eurocom, and a standard version that you purchase at say.. future shop? Eurocom seems to have overpriced versions of vista for sale so I would like to avoid purchasing my OS from them if possible. Also I have 150 dollars in future shop gift cards to spend so it would be nice if I could use them to buy vista. Not to mention I would prefer the 32 bit version of vista rather then 64 bit and I dont see that option on Eurocom's webpage. Thanks.

EDIT: I say future shop is cheaper as I already have a copy of windows XP that I could just upgrade, so I could simply buy the $120 upgrade version of vista home premium

 

There is likely no difference. The Eurocom version might actually be customized by adding certain elements such as drivers or backgrounds, etc., none of which is useful and may tie it to a specific machine. You would be better off with a retail copy or a standard OEM version from any online distributor. They just dropped the price of the upgrade versions, so your timing is perfect.

 

OEM you can install it on one computer. Only. Forever.
Standard version you can install on a later computer down the line. Just only one can be active. You will have to call to get the code.

I have an original copy of win 98se, so I just buy academic upgrades.
I'm still in school. I swear!

 

There are two types of OEM when it comes to operating systems. The first is when a pre-built computer is purchased, there is a OEM disk that comes with the system, which can not be transfered to any other system. For that disk is designed to run only with the specific system components. The second type of OEM Operating system is one that can be purchased, and installed on any system, and that can be transfered to any other system, without the dependence on the systems components. The main difference between the two is that one is only meant for that specific system, and the other can be used on any system.

from somewhere i c/p'd off the net

 

OEM for Microsoft is different then.
I went through hell with them. I had an OEM copy of XP Pro from a few years back (Did not come with the system), I bought a new computer and was going to use the same copy on that system but they would not let me!

They specifically told me I need the retail version not the OEM version to transfer the OS to another set up.

 

There is only one OEM version and the serial can be used on a different unit as long as you activate by phone.

 

Everyone has a different experience with Microsoft.
My buddy has XP home Retail installed on 2 different computers at the same time, when I try to call them they always say "The only product retail that supports multiple installs is Office."

 

Which is true. You can't activate them both at the same time. Legally you are allowed to keep it installed on only one computer. You can activate an OEM copy on a different computer than the one it has been purchased with, but you have to activate by phone. It works, nothing doubtful there.

 

A lot of confusion here.

A retail license:
- comes in the Windows box with all manuals.
- comes with technical support from Microsoft.
- can be installed on any one computer at any given time.
- may be transferred from one computer to another, usually without calling Microsoft.

An OEM license (referred to by Microsoft as a "System Builder's License":
- comes with disc and a small manual if any only.
- does not come with technical support from Microsoft, instead, support is given by the system builder, which may be the consumer themselves.
- may be installed on only one system and is tied to the hardware (usually the motherboard).
- may be reinstalled on the same system, usually by calling Microsoft.
- may not be transfered to a different system, defined usually by a new motherboard.

 

So... If say, I bought from XoticPC, does that mean an OEM or retail version?
If say I'm going to perform another fresh installation (due to corruption on previous one) on same hardware, would I still need to reconfirm by phone?

Thanks for the answer.

 

It's most likely going to be an OEM version, but you have to ask them.

 

OEM version...so

 

Lithus, understand this: Microsoft allows you to transfer an OEM version to a different computer. Their EULA might say something different, but when you call them and you tell them you are not using the license on any other computer they will allow you to transfer it to your new one. I have seen this reported in many reviews, so I don't care what others may say.

 

Here`s a question.When I bought my sager, it also came with 2 dvds of Vista HP , 32/64 bit. Now, since I have XP , and Vista, If for any reason later on, I`d like to format everything and reinstall Vista, and just Vista, would I have to call MS to activate it again ?

 

Yeah, that would be it. You don't really need to talk to anyone as far as I can think of, but you will have to use the automated phone activation.

 

Bummer. So what`s the stinkin` # ?

 

The number? They provide you the number when you will have to activate. It's somewhere in the activation menu...you'll have to select the country...you'll figure it out.

 

Yea, after SP1 or SP2 gets released, i`ll figure it out allright.
Or after I get 4 gigs or RAM...

 

I agree with that. What's written is not always what's actually done.

 

I don't really see the point of a retail version when people will usually change main components just once in a while (mostly video card). The OEM is understated in my opinion. I would buy it with a new computer.
The retail doesn't really have that many advantages. You can't really install it on which computer you want and how many times you want. They should really put some thought into improving the whole idea behind activation.

 

I'm sure Microsoft has spent billions of dollars against piracy (including activation), yet are still losing to unscrupulous a-holes.