Windows OEM

Post by **fazin** » Tue May 08, 2007 2:01 pm

I have been considering buying this just for the cheapness sake.

I just wanted to clarify a point if anyone know more about the OEM version.

If my hard drive break down/wipe out/etc. and I have to buy a new hard drive. the OEM will be invalid correct? It will not let me reinstall it on new hard drive?

Just wondering. Thanks.

Post by **Svarien** » Tue May 08, 2007 4:32 pm

if u buy non system specific OEM then you can install it on any computer

Post by **fazin** » Tue May 08, 2007 8:24 pm

okay. The one I saw said that OEM is not transferable so it made me wonder.

Let me provide a link to the product. I was thinking about purchasing it.

http://www.viosoftware.com/Windows+Vist ... c5de4c8b52

That's why I have been hestitant about buying it. It sounds like I can't use it on a replacement HD if my original fails which would be pointless of buying this thing.

Post by **Svarien** » Tue May 08, 2007 10:06 pm

The oem your thinking of is Manufacurer specific. Its linked to the model number on the motherboard and can't be use on a different motherboard. Harddrives have nothing to do with them even. OEM like the one you may be buying you have to buy something cheap like a mouse or some other type of hardware so they can sell it as OEM. The big companies like HP Gateway etc they take a copy of windows and customize it to there needs often removing or adding features. but the OEM linked can be used for upgrades up to 4 i think but even then all you have to do is reactivate it.

Post by **Noircogi** » Wed May 09, 2007 5:21 pm

I always by the OEM version. I recently upgraded the CPU in one of my Vista systems and I had to re-activate it. I couldn't do it automatically, but eventually it works up to having you call and chat with a nice Indian lady. I told her what happened and she gave me a new registration code over the phone with no bother at all.

I normally just buy them from this local shop:
http://www.centralcomputers.com/commerc ... ry_id=1044

You're supposed to buy a motherboard or hard drive (or maybe some other HW) with it to qualify btw.

Post by **Laleldil** » Wed May 09, 2007 6:07 pm

Stutters, you mean you actually mean to by Vista?! Are you daft!? I really hate my Vista and my computer and wish someone would come and steal the @#$@#$ thing.

Post by **Noircogi** » Wed May 09, 2007 6:26 pm

I have it on three of my systems, but all are configured to dual-boot between it and XP. I just added a new disk in each of the systems and installed Vista onto that. It has a nice boot manager included.

That way my XP and Vista installs are both pristine and I can access all disks from either OS.

I like a lot of the new vista features, but wouldn't want to use it to play EQ for now.

My wife doesn't do any gaming, so her system only has Vista.

Post by **Laleldil** » Wed May 09, 2007 7:20 pm

So I could put in a new hard drive and install Windows XP? huh? And maybe add a new video card and my $1K computer might be able to play EQ?

/em shakes head and sighs

With all the money I have spent on computers, things to put in the computers, the many many expansions, I could have gotten all the books I would ever have needed to get my Masters and contractors liscense. And with all the time spent playing the dumb game I could have made enough money to buy fancy new cars.

Maybe it is time to really re-evalutate my priorities.

Post by **Peill** » Thu May 10, 2007 2:12 am

i totally had to talk to that same indian lady when i installed my winxp recently.