Home Premium 64bit OEM cheaper than upgrade?

I am looking to reinstall my 32bit Vista Home Premium to a 64bit version.
I came across "Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition SP1 (PC DVD)", and noticed that it only costs £67.48.
The upgrade and full version Home Premiums cost £99 and £200 respectively.
I'm now wondering what is it that causes the "Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition SP1 (PC DVD)" to be so cheap? Are the times you can register it on computers limited?

Thanks.

 

Well, OEM can only be installed on one computer...ever. If it dies, Vista does with it. That kind of thing...so that's why its cheaper.

 

No, OEM can only be installed by an OEM manufacturer, according to Microsoft only OEM manufacturers are allowed to purchase and install OEM windows Vista. The OEM has to supply the support for the product not Microsoft. That is why it is cheaper. Under Microsoft licensing terms you are not allowed to install an OEM copy on a PC that you will use. You can only install it if you are an OEM manufacturer. Why companies sell OEM licenses is a mistery to me as technically they aren't allowed to sell it to the general public.
I buy volume licensing for the company I work for and was categorically told that I was not able to buy an OEM copy of Vista, even though I offer the end user support, as I was not a registered OEM manufacturer.

 

Well to start if you are going from 32bit HP to 64bit HP you don't have to rebuy Vista anyways.

 

Unfortunately, you were misinformed. Here's the story on OEM copies and the differences between OEM and regular licenses: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130-8730.html
You can buy one from newegg, amazon, etc.

Anyway, for going from 32-bit to 64-bit, your existing license key will work on 64-bit, so just try to get your hands on a copy of a 64-bit install disk....

 

No I am not misinformed. You DO NOT GET ANY SUPPORT FROM MICROSOFT IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH WINDOWS VISTA and have an OEM copy. If you do ask for support you are expected to pay a fee to open a support request. I know this, I've done it!!!!!!
Also did you read the bottom of the article "The sum difference
Should you consider OEM software? I've outlined the issues, now it's up to you. Just keep in mind one thing: Microsoft has shown renewed interest in enforcing the terms of its licenses, and the technology that helps the company do so is getting more pervasive, and smarter."

 

Sure, you may not get support, but that's not all you said in your previous post:

That's the inaccurate statement that I was disagreeing with.

If you don't need Microsoft's support or the ability to transfer it to another computer, or nice packaging, or the right to resell the OS separately from the hardware, then OEM is fine.

 

Not allowing end-users to buy one would just put an end to custom-build PCs..

It's meant to be used on a new PC and you can't move it to another computer but the phone activation reprentatives don't give a damn

 

Before it gets lost in the fray, I want to make sure this point has been made:

See my "clean install guide" for details and everything you need to know about this.

 

I agree with the principal of using OEM.
I wish I was able to buy a copy through my License reseller. Unfortunately they are a Microsoft Gold partner in the UK and as such will not bend the rules of OEM Licensing.