Thread: OEM Operating Systems.

Originally Posted by Cecil900

I have been looking at these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116400

Anyway, my question is, would i be able to just pop this in the drive and install on a computer with Windows already on it? Basically reformatting or upgrading to Vista. Or would i need to get a retail version of windows?

Stick it in your drive and load it!

I have not bought a retail version of an OS since DOS 6.2.

Originally Posted by Cecil900

What would qualify as system builder type hardware?

HDD, Mobo, Proc, RAM, internally mounted optical drives... Guts type stuff. Although I have bought several my OEM OS stand alone... technically they are not supposed to do that unless you buy something that only a "system builder" would need...

Many vendors will offer you an OEM OS if you are buying system builder qualified stuff... directron.com (located in Texas in fact) offered me OEM OS all the time when I would make a cart with certain things in it.

"you might also be interested in ..."

Originally Posted by HGRickover

...there are 'user rights' differences between the two versions but not, generally speaking, in terms of function.

Exactly... It is just like any windows install disk put it in and go. It is just you are not "supposed" to be able to buy it unless you are building a system. Or at least that was my take.. I have not carefully researched the rules.. I just bought them.

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

Originally Posted by HGRickover

...there are 'user rights' differences between the two versions but not, generally speaking, in terms of function.

Exactly... It is just like any windows install disk put it in and go. It is just you are not "supposed" to be able to buy it unless you are building a system. Or at least that was my take.. I have not carefully researched the rules.. I just bought them.

Addendum: if I remember correctly the last OEM OS I bought also didnt have a fancy box or manual. But do you need the instructions when you have the google?

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

I have not bought a retail version of an OS since DOS 6.2.

then you're a criminal, and my shit is more expensive because of you.

Originally Posted by Cecil900

What would qualify as system builder type hardware?

it means you are building a computer. Techincally, you shouldn't be able to buy an OEM version of windows, or other OS's, unless you are buying a 'qualified' piece of hardware along with it. like a motherboard, or a CPU, or a processor. But some places let you sqeak by with buying a simple fan, or even the OS OEM totally by itself.

OEM will come in the same pretty windows folder, with the same windows key, and the same installation procedures as the regular shit. Only people that buy windows retail are.....silly people.

I have never, ever bought a retail version of windows. It's been OEM since day 1. Cheaper, and without all the bullshit retail editions come with. Just a nice, clean envelope, a CD, and a key. All you need.

I would recommend you back up everything you want...put it on your extra hard drive or start burning some disks, and then pop in the disk. Boot from the disk, say you want to install windows, say that you want to delete the existing windows partitions (not the one with your backed up stuff on it, if you have 2 drives), repartition it, format it, and then install windows.

immediately install motherboard drivers, and then keep going to windowsupdate.com until you run out of updates. Then proceed with your graphics, sound, and other drivers as needed.