What is an OEM version? Solved

Question

I plan to buy Windows, I went to the website of a computer store, and I see that Windows is on sale with the label: "MICROSOFT WINDOWS (oem)".

Does anyone know what "oem" means?
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
What are the differences with the Box version (which costs twice as much)?

Thanks in advance ;)

Configuration: Windows 2000
Firefox 2.0

uniset · Accepted Answer

Little clarification:

An OEM version is perfectly identical to a "Box" version.

The difference is primarily in the packaging, but especially in the warranty and/or after-sales service.

In OEM, the manufacturer is not required to provide either the warranty or support.

For Microsoft operating systems, there is no difference in content between an OEM and a "Box." You have the complete system that you can install as many times as you want on the same machine (1 license per machine), which you can update without restrictions.
In case of a problem with the OS, holders of a Box version have access to Microsoft support, whereas those with an OEM version do not; you're on your own or with the person who provided you with this version of the OS.

I speak from experience, as I have owned Vista Ultimate 64 OEM version for about 2 years, which I paid €180 instead of €500. It has absolutely all the features announced in the box version. I have already installed and activated it several times; the updates work. One day I tried the online help from Microsoft due to an issue with my printer, and they refused to help me.

OEM versions are intended to be sold only to manufacturers, but for some time now, they can be found for direct sale or with hardware (mouse, network card,...) and considering the price difference...

Chlagevuk · Answer

Désolé, je ne peux pas accéder à des sites web. Si vous avez du texte spécifique à traduire, je suis là pour vous aider.

Zempachi · Answer

An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) version is a version that is tied to hardware (or peripherals like a mouse, a hard drive, a motherboard, etc.): generally, the OEM versions of Windows are those sold with PCs in supermarkets which are therefore tied to a PC (actually the motherboard, I believe).

It is a restrictive version in terms of use compared to the boxed version.
Clearly, an OEM Windows sold with a supermarket PC cannot be installed on another PC. The only freedom granted to these versions is the possibility of changing the motherboard if it is fried. So, if you want to change the motherboard, you are only allowed to do so if the original motherboard is dead!

Also, some OEM versions are somewhat tampered with in order to ensure that the Windows in question cannot be installed on any computer other than the original: this is the case for Packard Bell (and others surely) with the famous master CDs (I don't know if they still continue with the upcoming versions of Windows... but apparently they should continue).

For boxed versions, the only limitation is that it can only be installed on one PC: therefore, it is not possible (from the standpoint of licensing rights) to install a boxed version on two PCs. However, you can change hardware as you wish as long as it is not tied to any specific hardware.

For more details, go to Microsoft's website in the licensing section.

Franckygoes · Answer

The downside of a monopoly is that they do whatever they want. It's not for nothing that I switched to Linux :-)
Given the choice between a system that costs money as soon as you want to customize it or a system that takes me a bit of time to understand, the choice is not even a question!
Afterward, everyone has their priorities, but if Bill Gates is one of the richest men on the planet, it's thanks to or because of whom, in your opinion?

Un inconnu · Answer

A small clarification, however. It should be noted that resellers have absolutely no right to sell an OEM version of anything without selling you the hardware that goes with it. Such a reseller would just be worthy of being reported. Because if you buy such a version from them, not only will you probably lack drivers for your hardware, but you will also be in total illegality from a licensing perspective. OEM versions are provided to resellers by hardware manufacturers, which partly explains the low prices associated with them. But indeed, they can only be effective on the machine that you are supposed to have bought with it.
As for the fact that it is expensive to stay legal, it is not Bill's sole responsibility, but is mainly due to today's commercial logic, regardless of the product.

gcm28 · Answer

It's completely normal soprano49150 because an OEM version is not a version that can only be installed on a single machine, but a version sold with the bare minimum (often a CD and a sheet of paper as a manual). The confusion likely comes from the fact that major computer manufacturers/builders lock this license to a motherboard. As a result, the licenses sold with these PCs can only be installed on a single machine. I hope I have answered your questions. Have a good day everyone.

vive Linux · Answer

Since I switched to Linux, I've been laughing while reading these topics. And to be honest with you, even if I were paid, I would refuse to go back to Windows.

k4t4n4 · Answer

You can buy an OEM version with just a hard drive!!!
When I had OEM Vista Ultimate, I wanted to overclock the CPU and then!! Surprise, Vista asked me to reactivate it, impossible with the CD key. I called Microsoft, they asked me if I had changed any hardware and I said no, I just overclocked the CPU. They told me it was like I had installed my version on another machine
and kindly gave me a new key to unlock it. Since then, I reinstall without any issues with the CD key, whether overclocked or not.

tartenpion · Answer

An OEM version from Microsoft must simply be sold with either a hard drive, a memory stick, or a PC.
It is identical to a "retail box" version
except for the packaging.
Manufacturers indeed create CDs that contain Windows with their drivers, which are sometimes impossible to install on other machines,
but the simple Microsoft version is specifically designed to be "factory pre-installed"... or not.
Feel free!
It's cheaper and it works perfectly fine.

!
:-)

sanstif · Answer

Hello and my best wishes to everyone

Your response to everything I've read about the OEM version caught my full attention, and I believe it makes sense and is free from any prejudice.
Nevertheless, I would like to ask you the following question:

- Is the Windows 7 Premium family pack for 3 PCs sold at Materiel.net for 150 Euros valid for Belgium, and if so, can it be "fully" installed on 3 PCs (that is, mine and my 2 children's) given that we are currently using non-genuine Vista BUT I own 3 legal versions with respective licenses of XP Home?

Thank you in advance

Best regards

Sanstif

uniset · Answer

Hello and best wishes to you too.

I couldn't find the offer you're talking about on materiel.net, could you put a link in your next response?

Without having seen it, I'm a bit surprised; I've already seen software sold with a license valid for installation on X machines, but generally, an operating system has a license per PC. But maybe. In that case, yes, if the license is valid for three machines, you can install and activate it on those three PCs.

Regarding buying Windows in France and activating it from Belgium, it would be best to ask Microsoft directly, as the usage rights are complex.

dany31 · Answer

hello

beware sanstif
windows 7 for 150.00 euros that you saw on matéreil.net
it's not a full version
it's an upgrade valid for 3 PCs
then
you can buy the version you want and install it on any computer
the country doesn't matter
you can easily buy an English version and install it on a computer in France
by the way, on matériel.net they sell UK versions

uniset · Answer

So yes, it's great for upgrading up to 3 PCs running XP or higher, so Vista too, but it's not recommended if your Vistas are not "genuine".

Just a clarification regarding the update:

once the update is complete, you will have a full Windows 7, meaning no difference from a Windows 7 already installed on a new PC.

The difference is that you cannot boot your PCs from the upgrade disk and install W7 on a blank disk; you are required to install either XP or Vista first before upgrading with W7.

uniset · Answer

Nothing prevents you, once it's finished and W7 is activated, from making a backup of the disk so you don't need to reinstall two systems every time, you just need to restore your backup.

t100t10 · Answer

The update is available starting from minimum Vista, XP is possible but https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows?ui=en-US&rs=en-001&ad=US

playboy · Answer

WIN 7 OEM
This product is for pre-installation by "System Builders" only.
- The term "System Builder" refers to an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), a assembler, a repairer, or a software pre-installer who sells the Client Systems to a third party.
- The term "Client System" denotes a fully assembled computer system consisting of a central unit, a motherboard, a power supply, integrated memory, an internal hard drive, and a case.

OEM License Features:
- The OEM license must be installed by a system builder within 90 days of the purchase of the client system.
- The OEM license is valid only on the first machine on which the product was installed. It is not transferable to another client system.
- A major change to the configuration of the client system (for example: motherboard replacement) invalidates the license.
- Support for this product is provided only by the system builder.
- The product is available in either 32-bit or 64-bit.

not clearer than that

What is an OEM version?

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