swifty11212 Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 What is the difference between Vista Retail and Vista OEM? I was planing on getting Vista OEM, but then I like to buy retail products although it costs $400... So whats the difference besides the fact you get both 32 and 64bit versions in the retail package? heh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uber Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 i dont think anything... as OEM usually means no fancy box? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fire_storm Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 I think OEM just comes with a CD and cd key. While retail comes in a box with some types of manuals probably. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silverfox Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 for some reason, i think i remember reading someone say that OEM meant that you would only get a "hassle-free" install first-time, and have to register properly for any further installations. i can't verify this because I have always had no problem with my version of XP - just a net connection and done. Â i also wondered what the difference was, but couls only think that OEM has no support from MS...not that you really ever need any. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotdamojo06 Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 I believe that if you buy an OEM version of windows you are just going to recieve a cd and a cd key; if you buy the retail version, you will get the fancy fold out box with the cd key printed on it, a booklet showing you why you need to upgrade, all that crap. Â I believe that if you buy an OEM version of windows you are just going to recieve a cd and a cd key; if you buy the retail version, you will get the fancy fold out box with the cd key printed on it, a booklet showing you why you need to upgrade, all that crap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
romeo55 Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 OEM MS OS= System Builder = Must be bought with some sort of computer hardware... which can be a floppy connector Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigred Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 OEM MS OS= System Builder = Must be bought with some sort of computer hardware... which can be a floppy connector   bingo. it's all in the license agreement. thus the reason I'm including a "free" MS mouse with Vista OEM purchases. which equals nothing more than taking the cost of the $3 mouse off of vista when it's all rung up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swifty11212 Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 for some reason, i think i remember reading someone say that OEM meant that you would only get a "hassle-free" install first-time, and have to register properly for any further installations. i can't verify this because I have always had no problem with my version of XP - just a net connection and done. i also wondered what the difference was, but couls only think that OEM has no support from MS...not that you really ever need any.  Thats more less what I am wondering. OEM MS OS= System Builder = Must be bought with some sort of computer hardware... which can be a floppy connector Thats with all OEM software though There is no difference in the EULA between the OEM and Retail Vista right? Ill go with the OEM. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemo Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 Here's an article that that might answer a few of your questions: Microsoft Answers 'Vista OEM' Questions Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuJuMaN89 Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 i always buy OEM, usually add a audio connectior and stuff, better than buying a box and stuff Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
capthowdy575 Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 i was wondering the same thing also but which one would be good to buy for a home user just wanting to upgrade and play games on. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swifty11212 Posted January 28, 2007 Posted January 28, 2007 Here's an article that that might answer a few of your questions: Microsoft Answers 'Vista OEM' Questions Thanks alot, I think I'll aim for the Ultimate edition. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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