Windows Upgrade or OEM

Will the OEM version of Vista Home Premium work on my current XP rig, or will I need to buy the Retail version? Thanks

 

The OEM version will work on any computer you install it on AFAIK, but the limitations are that if you ever change your mobo, you're knackered. Having said that, I have a OEM version of XP and I changed my mobo twice now... just phoned the Microsoft registration line, explained what I did, and they gave me a new key.

I think I'll get the retail version next time tho... less hassle in changing hardware etc. If budget is a concern tho... definitely get the OEM version.

 

Alright thanks. Saved me a bit of money.

 

Don't forget though that Vista has changed the OEM rules now. You really won't be able to install the OEM version on more than one motherboard. If you ring them up they'll tell you you should have got the Retail version.

It's definately a tough choice. I think I will make sure I just get a decent future proof-ish motherboard and hopefully not come across any change it after I eventually get a new system.

 

Its a wise way to think but how long will the MB last? things fail more often now adays.

 

I'm going to wait to hear what people are saying about the replacing motherboards with OEM copies situation. When XP came out I'm sure MS said the same thing but I've never had a problem installing OEM XP on entirely new computers. One quick call to MS and sorted. They just want to make sure that it's not on more than one PC at a time. I know they are saying that they mean it this time but I'll wait to see if they do.

I mean, what happens with an OEM version if your MB dies? Are you really expected to buy a new OS?

 

About OEM and Vista, take a look at dl.tv and hear what they have to say about OEM, new motherboards and VISTA (it was probably episode 135)

Anyway, they said that VISTA OEM rules are even more easy and lax than XP rules. So as long as you keep some of the parts from your old setup, like a harddisk, then updating a motherboard should work fine with Vista.

After two years with my previous motherboard I recently upgraded my motherboard, CPU and Ram and had no problem re-installing XP. I did not even have to call MS activation - could just use the online registration.

 

And will I need to uninstall XP or reformat the hard drive before installation or what?

 

I think you'll need to have XP installed and activated (and probably running) when you stick in your Vista upgrade DVD.

 

But isn't it a normal OEM or Retail version?

In which case, set your computer to boot from the CD and the setup will guide you through the process. Just make sure that you backup all your important files first!

 

I have ordered the OEM version of Home Premium so I will probably do what oasked said.

 

I'm OEM all the way. I don't want to lose my XP serial, I don't want to need to hack around in order to use Upgrade version for clean install. So I choose OEM.

 

Vista has been out what, a week? Saying how loose MS are on the licence terms is a tad premature.

Actually, the current XP OEM rules are more relaxed than the originals, so that's what seems to have been carried on to Vista - the motherboard is the system, anything else can be upgraded.

With OEM, you've always been able to replace a faulty motherboard if it's still in guarantee without affecting the OEM license. And AFAIK UK guarantee period is around 5 years, so not much problem there. Thing to ask yourself is, "Am I trying to work a flanker?".

 

Remember that you might wait an other 3-5 years before a new windows comes out... will upgrade then?! That is the question.

Side question:
If I ghost my OS partition with windows installed and activate windows... Will I have to re-activate it again when I use my ghost image?

 

Yes. Activation creates or changes a file in the Win folder, so activate then ghost.

 

Cool, thanks!

 

Microsoft has come out and said that the "one motherboard" rule is essentially null and void. Computer savvy folks such as the likes of us are free to purchase the oem at a discounted price and expect the same relative licensing as the retail version.

If they argue within you upon activation, hardware failure is a good excuse. They won't deny you, guaranteed.

 

Someone has to try that... really!

 

If you do a search on google then there are a fair few journalists / bloggers who have tried it already and it does work. But as with anything I would say it's your money and it's not garunteed, and we can't be 100% sure whether Microsoft are just being nice now, until they get nasty in the future...

But from what I personally have read people have been able to upgrade without a problem.

 

For business edition, 2 OEM copy is 1$ Canadian less than the retail version.

Vista business edition RETAIL (full) is 379.00$ Canadian
Vista business edition OEM (full) is 189.00$ Canadian. (x2 is 378.00$)
So you still win.

Same applies for all editions
- Win 9$Can for Home Premium
- Win 1$Can for Ultimate


As for upgrade:
Vista business edition RETAIL (upgrade) is 249.00$ Canadian
Vista business edition OEM (full (no OEM upgrade exist)) is 189.00$ Canadian. (x2 is 378.00$)
Here you lose.


But you must remember that retail full and upgrade has both 32 and 64bit, then OEM you ONLY have 1 version either 32 or 64bit version. (You need to select on of them)