Re: Is Windows VISTA -->OEM<-- ONLY for manufacturers?
"Nijmegen" <Nijmegen@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:3EF75FBD-1F93-46B3-9272-308CF6419B00@microsoft.com...
> ...or is it also for users, who don't run a comapny?
>
> I have bought a Windows VISTA DVD and when I received it, it had "OEM
> System
> Builder Pack" written on it.
>
> It also says: "EXCLUSIVELY for system builders."
>
> And after some research on the Wikipedia I see that COMPANIES that sell
> PCs
> normally buy OEM licenced software.
>
> I gues users should buy a "retail" version. (NOT OEM versions)
>
> Am I right?
>
> Or is it OK to install it?
>
> Because Wikipedia says the requirements are:"The requirements include:
> automated methods of installation of the product; customization of the
> installation to identify the OEM; first level technical support of the
> product..etc."
> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer)
>
> I want to install it because there's NO 64-bit Vista Ultimate in my
> language...excepting this OEM version. But I don't know what the
> consequences
> might be...(I mean, I can't add info about customer support, my company's
> name, etc....Because I'm just a user, not a manufacturer!)
Nijmegen,
I'm not an attorney, MVP or Microsoft employee and as such I am not
familiar with the legalese of System Builder OEM licenses.
I do know that OEM licenses are for sale on many websites as a
standalone product but I don't know if the versions being sold are "System
Builder" copies. It's my understanding that "System Builder" OEM licenses
are to be sold as part of and already installed on a machine when offered
for sale. Of course, I could be wrong.
When you purchase a computer with a Microsoft Windows OS preinstalled
you are receiving an OEM copy of Windows, which is much cheaper than the
retail edition and as such can only be used on the computer it came
preinstalled on. It cannot be transferred to another machine regardless of
the reason. It is tied to the motherboard of the machine it came with.
However, you can replace many hardware components of the original machine
and reactivate the license, provided Microsoft decides that you haven't
replaced so many hardware components that you in effect have created a "new"
computer. The decision is made by Microsoft.
My advice is to purchase a retail license if you decide to do an
upgrade as a retail license can be used on any computer you desire so long
as it is used on only one machine at a time. There is no time limit on the
license. When you purchase a retail Windows OS the support for the product
is provided by Microsoft, but only for a short period. When you purchase a
computer with an OEM edition of Windows preinstalled the support for the OS
is provided by the computer vendor and in most cases is for the length of
your warranty period on the computer. If you purchase a computer with the
OEM Windows OS preinstalled, and then decide to do a retail upgrade
(purchased from another company) during the warranty period, you may or may
not void the computer warranty. At the very least, you will not receive any
support from the computer vendor for the upgraded OS. If you purchase and
install a retail Windows OS upgrade from the computer vendor during the
warranty period you may or may not void the warranty and/or receive support
from them for the upgraded OS. You would have to contact the computer vendor
prior to purchasing the retail upgrade to determine your rights. The same
applies for an OEM upgrade purchased from the computer vendor to be used on
the vendor's computer that was sold to you. If your computer is still under
warranty, always check with the vendor prior to purchasing another OS to be
used on the computer.
You did not state whether this OEM "System Builder" OS is to be used on
an existing machine that already has a Windows OS installed on it or if it
is to be used on a new computer you purchased that currently has no OS
installed on it or if you built a new computer yourself and wish to install
its first OS.
If you are going to install Vista on a computer you have had for some
time, chances are you don't have the necessary hardware to properly run
Vista. In this case, you may end up paying more for the necessary hardware
than you would pay for a new, Vista capable computer. Keep in mind that a
computer that is capable of running Vista Home basic may not be capable of
running the other editions of Vista effectively.
I'm certain you will receive more relevant answers from more
knowledgeable people once they have read your post.
C.B.
--
It is the responsibility and duty of everyone to help the underprivileged
and unfortunate among us.