OEM License

[Guest RichM]

Hello,

 

I saw online an ad for XP Pro x64 and it says, "No Retail Box (OEM)". The

price is way below many other sites. In plain english, can someone explain

what OEM means in this context? I know it stands for Original Equipment

Manufacturer, but

1) what does it mean,

2) why doesn't come in the box, and

3) is it the same as more expensive products that do come in a retail box?

 

I look forward to a simple and understandable explanation.

 

Thank you.

 

Here's the link if anyone is interested

http://software.pricegrabber.com/windows-family-os/m/11995825/search=xp%20professional%20x64%20edition/skd=1/qlty=o

[Guest S.SubZero]

Re: OEM License

 

1. OEM is software intended for the PC maker to install, not end

users

2. It doesn't come in a box because that is added expense the end

user will never see

3. It is "the same" product in that it's functionally the same. for

32-bit XP, the OEM and retail do not share the same keys, so there are

OEM keys and retail keys. With XP64 this is not an issue, as XP64 is

*only* sold as an OEM product. There's no such thing as a boxed,

retail XP64.

[Guest RichM]

Re: OEM License

 

Okay, thanks. That all makes sense. There's a wide range of prices for this

software. I see anywhere from $72 to $140. So even at $140 you don't get a

retail box. I guess the only confusion is the term "Original Equipment

Manufacturer." That sounds more like the company that made the disc and OS,

but now I understand it's the company that uses the OS on their equipment,

like Dell, Gateway, etc.

 

Thanks again.

 

"S.SubZero" wrote:

> 1. OEM is software intended for the PC maker to install, not end

> users

> 2. It doesn't come in a box because that is added expense the end

> user will never see

> 3. It is "the same" product in that it's functionally the same. for

> 32-bit XP, the OEM and retail do not share the same keys, so there are

> OEM keys and retail keys. With XP64 this is not an issue, as XP64 is

> *only* sold as an OEM product. There's no such thing as a boxed,

> retail XP64.

>

[Guest R. C. White]

Re: OEM License

 

Hi, Rich.

 

As S.Subzero said, you don't get a box with the OEM version. If a system

builder ordered 1,000 copies, he'd have a thousand boxes to throw away.

:>( But the missing box explains only a small part of the price difference.

 

The "bits" on the "generic" OEM disk are identical to the ones on the retail

disk. The major OEMs (Dell, Gateway) often add custom drivers, splash

screens and other touches, but the operating system itself should be

identical. The big difference is in the licensing - and the support. The

OEM versions are much less expensive because of volume discounts AND because

they do not come with support by Microsoft. The OE Manufacturer assumes the

burden of support. If you have a problem with the Windows pre-installed on

your HP or Dell, you call HP or Dell, not Microsoft. If YOU are the builder

(the OEM) of YOUR system, then YOU are the Tech Support Department

responsible for it. Not ASUS or Seagate - or Microsoft.

 

RC

--

R. C. White, CPA

San Marcos, TX

rc@grandecom.net

Microsoft Windows MVP

(Running Windows Live Mail 2008 in Vista Ultimate x64)

 

"RichM" <RichM@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:7B277C2B-08B2-4078-9BC9-FE512B69161C@microsoft.com...

> Okay, thanks. That all makes sense. There's a wide range of prices for

> this

> software. I see anywhere from $72 to $140. So even at $140 you don't get a

> retail box. I guess the only confusion is the term "Original Equipment

> Manufacturer." That sounds more like the company that made the disc and

> OS,

> but now I understand it's the company that uses the OS on their equipment,

> like Dell, Gateway, etc.

>

> Thanks again.

>

> "S.SubZero" wrote:

>

>> 1. OEM is software intended for the PC maker to install, not end

>> users

>> 2. It doesn't come in a box because that is added expense the end

>> user will never see

>> 3. It is "the same" product in that it's functionally the same. for

>> 32-bit XP, the OEM and retail do not share the same keys, so there are

>> OEM keys and retail keys. With XP64 this is not an issue, as XP64 is

>> *only* sold as an OEM product. There's no such thing as a boxed,

>> retail XP64.

[Guest Ken Triebold]

Re: OEM License

 

You're right about the system builder being responsible for OS support on

OEM versions. I get most (all) of my support from forums like this one, so

the OEM version is not at much of a disadvantage in this area.

 

 

"R. C. White" <rc@grandecom.net> wrote in message

news:92116E2C-93A7-4014-BF58-35E8BFE77D3B@microsoft.com...

> Hi, Rich.

>

> As S.Subzero said, you don't get a box with the OEM version. If a system

> builder ordered 1,000 copies, he'd have a thousand boxes to throw away.

> :>( But the missing box explains only a small part of the price

> difference.

>

> The "bits" on the "generic" OEM disk are identical to the ones on the

> retail disk. The major OEMs (Dell, Gateway) often add custom drivers,

> splash screens and other touches, but the operating system itself should

> be identical. The big difference is in the licensing - and the support.

> The OEM versions are much less expensive because of volume discounts AND

> because they do not come with support by Microsoft. The OE Manufacturer

> assumes the burden of support. If you have a problem with the Windows

> pre-installed on your HP or Dell, you call HP or Dell, not Microsoft. If

> YOU are the builder (the OEM) of YOUR system, then YOU are the Tech

> Support Department responsible for it. Not ASUS or Seagate - or

> Microsoft.

>

> RC

> --

> R. C. White, CPA

> San Marcos, TX

> rc@grandecom.net

> Microsoft Windows MVP

> (Running Windows Live Mail 2008 in Vista Ultimate x64)

>

> "RichM" <RichM@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:7B277C2B-08B2-4078-9BC9-FE512B69161C@microsoft.com...

>> Okay, thanks. That all makes sense. There's a wide range of prices for

>> this

>> software. I see anywhere from $72 to $140. So even at $140 you don't get

>> a

>> retail box. I guess the only confusion is the term "Original Equipment

>> Manufacturer." That sounds more like the company that made the disc and

>> OS,

>> but now I understand it's the company that uses the OS on their

>> equipment,

>> like Dell, Gateway, etc.

>>

>> Thanks again.

>>

>> "S.SubZero" wrote:

>>

>>> 1. OEM is software intended for the PC maker to install, not end

>>> users

>>> 2. It doesn't come in a box because that is added expense the end

>>> user will never see

>>> 3. It is "the same" product in that it's functionally the same. for

>>> 32-bit XP, the OEM and retail do not share the same keys, so there are

>>> OEM keys and retail keys. With XP64 this is not an issue, as XP64 is

>>> *only* sold as an OEM product. There's no such thing as a boxed,

>>> retail XP64.

>

[Guest RichM]

Re: OEM License

 

Okay, thanks. Makes even more sense now. Support on these boards is typically

as good or better than what you get if you call tech support at the big

vendors and less annoying (you odn't have to repeat your service tag #,

address, etc. etc.). There is a wide range of prices for the OS online and

that's a good thing.

 

Thanks again.

 

"R. C. White" wrote:

> Hi, Rich.

>

> As S.Subzero said, you don't get a box with the OEM version. If a system

> builder ordered 1,000 copies, he'd have a thousand boxes to throw away.

> :>( But the missing box explains only a small part of the price difference.

>

> The "bits" on the "generic" OEM disk are identical to the ones on the retail

> disk. The major OEMs (Dell, Gateway) often add custom drivers, splash

> screens and other touches, but the operating system itself should be

> identical. The big difference is in the licensing - and the support. The

> OEM versions are much less expensive because of volume discounts AND because

> they do not come with support by Microsoft. The OE Manufacturer assumes the

> burden of support. If you have a problem with the Windows pre-installed on

> your HP or Dell, you call HP or Dell, not Microsoft. If YOU are the builder

> (the OEM) of YOUR system, then YOU are the Tech Support Department

> responsible for it. Not ASUS or Seagate - or Microsoft.

>

> RC

> --

> R. C. White, CPA

> San Marcos, TX

> rc@grandecom.net

> Microsoft Windows MVP

> (Running Windows Live Mail 2008 in Vista Ultimate x64)

>

> "RichM" <RichM@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:7B277C2B-08B2-4078-9BC9-FE512B69161C@microsoft.com...

> > Okay, thanks. That all makes sense. There's a wide range of prices for

> > this

> > software. I see anywhere from $72 to $140. So even at $140 you don't get a

> > retail box. I guess the only confusion is the term "Original Equipment

> > Manufacturer." That sounds more like the company that made the disc and

> > OS,

> > but now I understand it's the company that uses the OS on their equipment,

> > like Dell, Gateway, etc.

> >

> > Thanks again.

> >

> > "S.SubZero" wrote:

> >

> >> 1. OEM is software intended for the PC maker to install, not end

> >> users

> >> 2. It doesn't come in a box because that is added expense the end

> >> user will never see

> >> 3. It is "the same" product in that it's functionally the same. for

> >> 32-bit XP, the OEM and retail do not share the same keys, so there are

> >> OEM keys and retail keys. With XP64 this is not an issue, as XP64 is

> >> *only* sold as an OEM product. There's no such thing as a boxed,

> >> retail XP64.

>

[Guest DP]

Re: OEM License

 

 

 

You've gotten some good responses. However, I would add one caveat in the

form of a question:

Who is the retailer for this product?

A company like Newegg can be trusted. Not a plug, just my experience. I'm

sure others on the group can suggest other vendors for OEM (and maybe they

should).

However, you need to be aware of the numerous scam artists out there, like

those who sell Photoshop for $9 or or Office for $29 or something like that,

claiming it's OEM. It would take forever here to try to give you tips as to

how to tell the legitimate vendors who sell OEM products and those scam

artists.

You might also look at the list of suggested vendors at planetamd64.com .

 

 

"RichM" <RichM@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:4297A691-A089-4730-8DBE-4A0C3A836A0B@microsoft.com...

> Hello,

>

> I saw online an ad for XP Pro x64 and it says, "No Retail Box (OEM)". The

> price is way below many other sites. In plain english, can someone explain

> what OEM means in this context? I know it stands for Original Equipment

> Manufacturer, but

> 1) what does it mean,

> 2) why doesn't come in the box, and

> 3) is it the same as more expensive products that do come in a retail box?

>

> I look forward to a simple and understandable explanation.

>

> Thank you.

>

> Here's the link if anyone is interested

> http://software.pricegrabber.com/windows-family-os/m/11995825/search=xp%20professional%20x64%20edition/skd=1/qlty=o

>

[Guest Mark]

Re: OEM License

 

While I don't have any real issues with OEM, please keep the following in

mind:

 

1. If buying on-line, make sure it is a reputable dealer.

Look at the disk carefully before you install.

I've ended up with someone's VOLUME license instead of an OEM license

and that only leads to trouble.

Some "vendors" sell you their already activated OEM license.

2. OEM can only be installed on one machine.

Once activated, do not plan on any upgrades to the motherboard or

processor.

Other upgrades will typically require a phone call with a person to

re-activate.

You cannot uninstall and move the product to another computer.

 

"DP" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message

news:OD%23AEc7PIHA.536@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>

>

> You've gotten some good responses. However, I would add one caveat in the

> form of a question:

> Who is the retailer for this product?

> A company like Newegg can be trusted. Not a plug, just my experience. I'm

> sure others on the group can suggest other vendors for OEM (and maybe they

> should).

> However, you need to be aware of the numerous scam artists out there, like

> those who sell Photoshop for $9 or or Office for $29 or something like

that,

> claiming it's OEM. It would take forever here to try to give you tips as

to

> how to tell the legitimate vendors who sell OEM products and those scam

> artists.

> You might also look at the list of suggested vendors at planetamd64.com .

>

>

> "RichM" <RichM@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:4297A691-A089-4730-8DBE-4A0C3A836A0B@microsoft.com...

> > Hello,

> >

> > I saw online an ad for XP Pro x64 and it says, "No Retail Box (OEM)".

The

> > price is way below many other sites. In plain english, can someone

explain

> > what OEM means in this context? I know it stands for Original Equipment

> > Manufacturer, but

> > 1) what does it mean,

> > 2) why doesn't come in the box, and

> > 3) is it the same as more expensive products that do come in a retail

box?

> >

> > I look forward to a simple and understandable explanation.

> >

> > Thank you.

> >

> > Here's the link if anyone is interested

> >

http://software.pricegrabber.com/windows-family-os/m/11995825/search=xp%20professional%20x64%20edition/skd=1/qlty=o

> >

>

[Guest Colin Barnhorst]

Re: OEM License

 

The main differences between OEM copies and retail copies of any Windows is

the license and upgrade functionality. An OEM license grants the right to

install on one machine (not transferrable to a new machine later) and an OEM

cd is designed for installing the Windows as a new OS (upgrading is

blocked). If are putting together a new machine and understand that another

new machine later will require a new copy of Windows for it, then OEM is how

you might go.

 

Of course XP Pro x64 is only OEM so any copy you buy will not be

transferrable to a new machine. Given the low price compared to what a

retail box would cost you, you can afford three OEM copies for the same

money it would have cost you to get a retail edition if they were made so

having to buy another one for a later machine is not deal-breaker.

 

btw, the reason it is only OEM is that there is no way it can be sold as a

standalone item in a place like Best Buy due to the situation with devices

and drivers at the time x64 went Gold (2005). For that reason MS decided to

put it in the hands of system builders because they would ensure that

everything worked before shipping a machine. An impulse purchaser in a

retail store would be in over his head and his printer, modem, etc. would

not work. This would be very bad PR for MS and real disservice to the

consumer.

 

"RichM" <RichM@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:4297A691-A089-4730-8DBE-4A0C3A836A0B@microsoft.com...

> Hello,

>

> I saw online an ad for XP Pro x64 and it says, "No Retail Box (OEM)". The

> price is way below many other sites. In plain english, can someone explain

> what OEM means in this context? I know it stands for Original Equipment

> Manufacturer, but

> 1) what does it mean,

> 2) why doesn't come in the box, and

> 3) is it the same as more expensive products that do come in a retail box?

>

> I look forward to a simple and understandable explanation.

>

> Thank you.

>

> Here's the link if anyone is interested

> http://software.pricegrabber.com/windows-family-os/m/11995825/search=xp%20professional%20x64%20edition/skd=1/qlty=o

>

[Guest Tony Harding]

Re: OEM License

 

DP wrote:

>

>

> You've gotten some good responses. However, I would add one caveat in

> the form of a question:

> Who is the retailer for this product?

> A company like Newegg can be trusted. Not a plug, just my experience.

> I'm sure others on the group can suggest other vendors for OEM (and

> maybe they should).

 

I bought my copy of x64 from Cietdirect, received a CD and product key

which activated without a problem. They were on the cheaper side of

prices, i.e., $88.

 

http://www.cietdirect.com/product_special_detail.php?s=1&id=163

[Guest Tony Harding]

Re: OEM License

 

Mark wrote:

> While I don't have any real issues with OEM, please keep the following in

> mind:

>

> 1. If buying on-line, make sure it is a reputable dealer.

> Look at the disk carefully before you install.

> I've ended up with someone's VOLUME license instead of an OEM license

> and that only leads to trouble.

> Some "vendors" sell you their already activated OEM license.

> 2. OEM can only be installed on one machine.

 

Per: the terms of the license with Microsoft.

> Once activated, do not plan on any upgrades to the motherboard or

> processor.

 

I think Mark is being overly cautious here, I've upgraded a Dell system

with a new mobo & processor (Intel quad) and had no problems activating

I can remember.

> Other upgrades will typically require a phone call with a person to

> re-activate.

> You cannot uninstall and move the product to another computer.

 

Again, per: the terms of the license agreement with Microsoft. An OEM

license for Windows is tied to the system on which it's first installed,

if the computer dies, so does the Windows' license. 'Don't know what the

"system" is exactly, i.e., it's not the mobo. I'm sure someone else here

can explain MS licensing more fully.

[Guest Colin Barnhorst]

Re: OEM License

 

I have to agree with Mark on this one. Vista is proving far less tolerant

of hardware changes before triggering reactivation.

 

"Tony Harding" <ToHard@nowhere.org> wrote in message

news:4767f4e3$0$31152$607ed4bc@cv.net...

> Mark wrote:

>> While I don't have any real issues with OEM, please keep the following in

>> mind:

>>

>> 1. If buying on-line, make sure it is a reputable dealer.

>> Look at the disk carefully before you install.

>> I've ended up with someone's VOLUME license instead of an OEM

>> license

>> and that only leads to trouble.

>> Some "vendors" sell you their already activated OEM license.

>> 2. OEM can only be installed on one machine.

>

> Per: the terms of the license with Microsoft.

>

>> Once activated, do not plan on any upgrades to the motherboard or

>> processor.

>

> I think Mark is being overly cautious here, I've upgraded a Dell system

> with a new mobo & processor (Intel quad) and had no problems activating I

> can remember.

>

>> Other upgrades will typically require a phone call with a person

>> to

>> re-activate.

>> You cannot uninstall and move the product to another computer.

>

> Again, per: the terms of the license agreement with Microsoft. An OEM

> license for Windows is tied to the system on which it's first installed,

> if the computer dies, so does the Windows' license. 'Don't know what the

> "system" is exactly, i.e., it's not the mobo. I'm sure someone else here

> can explain MS licensing more fully.

[Guest DP]

Re: OEM License

 

 

I note that the site says:

"CD's state Student Media / Work at Home Media. This software installs the

same and has all the same functions of software that comes in a retail box."

 

I'm not sure if the license for "student" media puts restrictions on your

use of it. But then I guess the restrictions are only as good as the

enforcement and I doubt MS is going to bother looking for violators of

something like XP x64.

 

Another thing from that website strikes me. This language: "Full Version -

NOT an upgrade version but will perform an upgrade on 95% of computers. Buy

a full version at an upgrade price."

 

You cannot do an upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, AFIK. I hope lots of their

customers didn't lose data trying to "upgrade."

 

Those two things lead me to believe the company tends to play fast and

loose with facts. So I would be wary about the kinds of things I buy from

them. You seem to have been fortunate to get a decent price and I assume you

haven't had any problems (which is good since the company says they won't

take the product back if you do).

 

 

 

 

"Tony Harding" <ToHard@nowhere.org> wrote in message

news:4767f23b$0$31160$607ed4bc@cv.net...

> DP wrote:

>>

>>

>> You've gotten some good responses. However, I would add one caveat in the

>> form of a question:

>> Who is the retailer for this product?

>> A company like Newegg can be trusted. Not a plug, just my experience. I'm

>> sure others on the group can suggest other vendors for OEM (and maybe

>> they should).

>

> I bought my copy of x64 from Cietdirect, received a CD and product key

> which activated without a problem. They were on the cheaper side of

> prices, i.e., $88.

>

> http://www.cietdirect.com/product_special_detail.php?s=1&id=163

[Guest DP]

Re: OEM License

 

It's strange.

I changed my athlon processor to an Opteron and Vista didn't complain.

But a few months later, when I doubled the memory from 2gb to 4, I had to

reactivate.

Go figure.

 

 

 

"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message

news:CB458AD8-CBAD-43F5-8D1B-B0DCE85A9028@microsoft.com...

>I have to agree with Mark on this one. Vista is proving far less tolerant

>of hardware changes before triggering reactivation.

>

> "Tony Harding" <ToHard@nowhere.org> wrote in message

> news:4767f4e3$0$31152$607ed4bc@cv.net...

>> Mark wrote:

>>> While I don't have any real issues with OEM, please keep the following

>>> in

>>> mind:

>>>

>>> 1. If buying on-line, make sure it is a reputable dealer.

>>> Look at the disk carefully before you install.

>>> I've ended up with someone's VOLUME license instead of an OEM

>>> license

>>> and that only leads to trouble.

>>> Some "vendors" sell you their already activated OEM license.

>>> 2. OEM can only be installed on one machine.

>>

>> Per: the terms of the license with Microsoft.

>>

>>> Once activated, do not plan on any upgrades to the motherboard

>>> or

>>> processor.

>>

>> I think Mark is being overly cautious here, I've upgraded a Dell system

>> with a new mobo & processor (Intel quad) and had no problems activating I

>> can remember.

>>

>>> Other upgrades will typically require a phone call with a person

>>> to

>>> re-activate.

>>> You cannot uninstall and move the product to another computer.

>>

>> Again, per: the terms of the license agreement with Microsoft. An OEM

>> license for Windows is tied to the system on which it's first installed,

>> if the computer dies, so does the Windows' license. 'Don't know what the

>> "system" is exactly, i.e., it's not the mobo. I'm sure someone else here

>> can explain MS licensing more fully.

>

[Guest Colin Barnhorst]

Re: OEM License

 

The cpu was one hardware characteristic and the memory was the second. XP

would not have required reactivation with just two of the hc flags set but

Vista apparently can. XP would not trigger reactivation until the seventh

hc was changed. You could change one of the hc's many times but only the

first time counted. If you changed the ram by at least 64mb the hc flag was

set and you could go back and change the memory as many times more as you

wanted without any further effect. But Vista is less tolerant. Recently

even a device driver change could trigger reactivation (that one was a bug,

though).

 

"DP" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message

news:eC$IP9gQIHA.4128@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> It's strange.

> I changed my athlon processor to an Opteron and Vista didn't complain.

> But a few months later, when I doubled the memory from 2gb to 4, I had to

> reactivate.

> Go figure.

>

>

>

> "Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message

> news:CB458AD8-CBAD-43F5-8D1B-B0DCE85A9028@microsoft.com...

>>I have to agree with Mark on this one. Vista is proving far less tolerant

>>of hardware changes before triggering reactivation.

>>

>> "Tony Harding" <ToHard@nowhere.org> wrote in message

>> news:4767f4e3$0$31152$607ed4bc@cv.net...

>>> Mark wrote:

>>>> While I don't have any real issues with OEM, please keep the following

>>>> in

>>>> mind:

>>>>

>>>> 1. If buying on-line, make sure it is a reputable dealer.

>>>> Look at the disk carefully before you install.

>>>> I've ended up with someone's VOLUME license instead of an OEM

>>>> license

>>>> and that only leads to trouble.

>>>> Some "vendors" sell you their already activated OEM license.

>>>> 2. OEM can only be installed on one machine.

>>>

>>> Per: the terms of the license with Microsoft.

>>>

>>>> Once activated, do not plan on any upgrades to the motherboard

>>>> or

>>>> processor.

>>>

>>> I think Mark is being overly cautious here, I've upgraded a Dell system

>>> with a new mobo & processor (Intel quad) and had no problems activating

>>> I can remember.

>>>

>>>> Other upgrades will typically require a phone call with a

>>>> person to

>>>> re-activate.

>>>> You cannot uninstall and move the product to another computer.

>>>

>>> Again, per: the terms of the license agreement with Microsoft. An OEM

>>> license for Windows is tied to the system on which it's first installed,

>>> if the computer dies, so does the Windows' license. 'Don't know what the

>>> "system" is exactly, i.e., it's not the mobo. I'm sure someone else here

>>> can explain MS licensing more fully.

>>

>