What's The Difference Between System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM vs. DVD - Retail

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rjbehrman

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Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116215

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate DVD - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116140

the first is 200 and the other is 400

help a noob out plz

any help is GREATLY appreciated
 
forget it my friend found out

This version of Windows Vista is the OEM version, which means that it does not come with a box or a manual, just a "Quick Install" guide. This is the FULL version of Vista but another thing that it is lacking is support from Microsoft. Because this version is intended for (as the title suggests) system builders, whoever that may be, they are the people who are supposed to provide the End User Support not Microsoft. It does, however, still include Windows Update so there do not think that you will not be getting updates from Microsoft, because you do. But if you are building a computer for your grandmother, and she BSOD's Vista, its up to you to fix it; Not Microsoft. Another difference between this version and the full 400 $ version is that this version only comes with the 32 Bit version of Windows Vista, but the full version comes with both the 32 and 64 Bit versions.
 
OEM vs. Retail is what it comes down to.

Also, with retail, if you change the hardware configuration in your machine, it will still activate fine, and if it eventually stops activating, you can call Microsoft and they will change their system or something so that it will activate.

With the OEM, the license agreement says that you can only activate it on one machine, and after that you will have to purchase a new one, although several websites have tested this, and they called Microsoft, and they changed the system information on their side so that it would activate, but according to the license, they are not required to do this, so this service may stop eventually.

Otherwise you hit it right on the main point.
 
I got the system builders OEM Vista 64-bit ultimate...

As far as I know, the only limitation is the OEM version supposedly can't be moved to a new machine (new motherboard) but the retail version can.
 
i really want the OEM because its half the price and i dont need support from microsoft, but i dont like the idea of having to buy it again if i build a new computer.
 
i've done this on xp pro using oem key from my dead compaq laptop. however i've yet to try this on vista because i haven't tried it yet
 
They aren't required to activate it when you change boards, but they are required to activate it for a reinstall. Since there is no way to tell the difference, they can't say no when you call.
 
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