Windows 7 Breakdown

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Snipeye

EGO Is My Life!
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Alright, I need some help. I, with many of you, are looking forward to getting Windows 7, and great news, today on Newegg.com, they have released pre-order prices for the various version of Windows 7. Here's where I need the help. I KNOW that I only need Home Premium version (64 bit) because the Professional and Ultimate's additional features are far above than what I would need. I'm not a coder or anything like that, so those extra "features" are just extra junk that I don't worry about honestly. The problem is that there are two, technically three, versions of home that I can get. Upgrade, OEM, and Retail. Upgrade is out, been using XP for +5 years now, refused to switch over to Vista. The OEM version of Home is about $100, the Retail is about $200.

Can someone please explain the difference between these two versions, and feel free to post additional tips/explanations as a guide to other home buyers out there! Thank you.
 
Snipeye said:
Alright, I need some help. I, with many of you, are looking forward to getting Windows 7, and great news, today on Newegg.com, they have released pre-order prices for the various version of Windows 7. Here's where I need the help. I KNOW that I only need Home Premium version (64 bit) because the Professional and Ultimate's additional features are far above than what I would need. I'm not a coder or anything like that, so those extra "features" are just extra junk that I don't worry about honestly. The problem is that there are two, technically three, versions of home that I can get. Upgrade, OEM, and Retail. Upgrade is out, been using XP for +5 years now, refused to switch over to Vista. The OEM version of Home is about $100, the Retail is about $200.

Can someone please explain the difference between these two versions, and feel free to post additional tips/explanations as a guide to other home buyers out there! Thank you.
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The short of it:

The 'Upgrade' version requires that you have Vista installed. The 'OEM' version is just the software and the license. The 'retail' version is the software, license, manuals, and support from Microsoft. The 'OEM' version is normally the best choice in my experience.
 
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Well the first and most important thing you need to know is that you CANNOT upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7. What this means is that you need to backup ALL your data, wipe your hard drive and begin to install everything from scratch.

If you can get OEM that's perfect. OEM is the software you would normally get from a retailer such as Dell and as such is fully featured and IMO the best bang-4-buck out there. The only downside like gothroach mentioned is that there is no documentation.

Do not buy the upgrade version.

**Edit** - Just found some more information:

"Newegg has listed prices for OEM copies of Windows 7?technically intended for little computer building businesses, but there's nothing stopping you buying them. And as long as you understand some mostly-minor limitations, you can save some serious money.

Take a look at the table?that's not chump change. Newegg is also taking a further $5-$15 off some prices for pre-orders before October 20.

The main two caveats: OEM product keys aren't transferrable from one PC to another, and you'll need to install them on a formatted machine (usually the best way, anyway). Less of a concern is that you don't get any support or packaging; just the disc. Still sounds like a bargain to me?unless you're a college student, in which case you can pick Windows 7 up for just $30 bucks. "
 
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or even better just attend a collage that give stuff out.

got win7 for free from my collage and the pro tools le and adobe cs4
 
Get OEM. Cheaper and doesn't come with a bunch of useless crap. It's the same thing as the others, but unlike the upgrade you can reformat anytime you like.
 
I am also wanting to get Windows 7 but I need an operating system for my new comp soon, Newegg is selling the Vista Premium 64bit OEM with the Windows 7 upgrade for $90. Would this work on my new computer or will I have to buy the retail version?
 
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HaloRacer said:
Get OEM. Cheaper and doesn't come with a bunch of useless crap. It's the same thing as the others, but unlike the upgrade you can reformat anytime you like.
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Once you install an OEM operating system, it is tied to the motherboard it was originally installed on. So it's not the same, if you upgrade or sell your rig you can't use it on your next build.
 
Alright. Upgrade I already knew, since I said it was out of my options. Already graduated from college, and even there, there are some licensing issues you should be aware of, depending on your college.

OEM sounds like the best choice, which is what I was leaning on. HOWEVER, my concern is this:

I KNOW I have to reformat my HDD to install Windows7. But once I do, say that I decide to upgrade my computer from an E6750 CPU w/ corresponding mobo, to an i5 or i7 chip. Typically when I do such an upgrade, I would again reformat the HDD and reinstall the OS. If I do that, will I be unable to reuse the previous OEM that I bought, and need to buy another OEM key? Going by what you said Freaking, I'll need to buy another key to reinstall Windows with.

And also, if I suffer a catastrophic failure or issue, and I have to reformat my hard drive to start over, but it's on the same motherboard, will I be able to in that case?

Namely, the case of upgrading your PC over the lifetime of the software installed is question whether or not OEM versus Retail is better.

Example: I've upgraded/rebuilt my PC about 3 times in the past 4 years, each upgrade consisting of a new CPU and motherboard. I've managed to always reuse the original XP software I bought as a student, which I cannot tell if it was a retail or OEM version. Do not discuss this part as that's not relevant to the issue. The issue is: Assuming I follow the same pattern with Windows 7, whats the best version to buy over such a lifetime?
 
I doubt Microsoft would limit the ability to upgrade our computers. That would be a big reason not to get windows 7 and just keep vista

are they really doing that? I was gonna go buy win7 but after hearing that I think I will just wait. I upgrade all the time too, wow, thanks microblows
 
Snipeye said:
Alright. Upgrade I already knew, since I said it was out of my options. Already graduated from college, and even there, there are some licensing issues you should be aware of, depending on your college.

OEM sounds like the best choice, which is what I was leaning on. HOWEVER, my concern is this:

I KNOW I have to reformat my HDD to install Windows7. But once I do, say that I decide to upgrade my computer from an E6750 CPU w/ corresponding mobo, to an i5 or i7 chip. Typically when I do such an upgrade, I would again reformat the HDD and reinstall the OS. If I do that, will I be unable to reuse the previous OEM that I bought, and need to buy another OEM key? Going by what you said Freaking, I'll need to buy another key to reinstall Windows with.

And also, if I suffer a catastrophic failure or issue, and I have to reformat my hard drive to start over, but it's on the same motherboard, will I be able to in that case?

Namely, the case of upgrading your PC over the lifetime of the software installed is question whether or not OEM versus Retail is better.

Example: I've upgraded/rebuilt my PC about 3 times in the past 4 years, each upgrade consisting of a new CPU and motherboard. I've managed to always reuse the original XP software I bought as a student, which I cannot tell if it was a retail or OEM version. Do not discuss this part as that's not relevant to the issue. The issue is: Assuming I follow the same pattern with Windows 7, whats the best version to buy over such a lifetime?
Click to expand...

You will be able to reinstall it if your hard drive fails or somesuch. I still definitely recommend the OEM version.
 
Question is why is it called windows 7 when its the 8th operation system released
 
If you replace your motherboard, you will need a new copy if you buy OEM. I believe if your motherboard fails and you replace it with the same board, there is a way to get it to work though.

If you are an "upgrader," you will be better off buying retail. If you keep the same build(motherboard) for 3+ years, you are probably safe getting OEM.
 
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i've used oem multiple times on different computers. A lot of times if you contact microsoft and let them know what's going on they will often times activate it for you.
 
Alright, so what I'm hearing is this:

Reformatting HDD with same mobo - Can reuse OEM software.

Installing new HDD with original mobo - Can reuse OEM software.

If you upgrade or replace the motherboard in any shape or form - Must buy new OEM software, or buy Retail originally.

Correct?
 
Snipeye said:
Alright, so what I'm hearing is this:

Reformatting HDD with same mobo - Can reuse OEM software.

Installing new HDD with original mobo - Can reuse OEM software.

If you upgrade or replace the motherboard in any shape or form - Must buy new OEM software, or buy Retail originally.

Correct?
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As long as it only being used on a single PC, OEM will work for all these things. It will only have a single internet activation, but if you activate by phone and tell them it's a reformat they'll let you reuse the same code multiple times, even with motherboard upgrades. I believe this is the same with a retail key, as well.

The only difference between OEM and Retail is lack of manual and official support. You will always have the same activation options available for each. The reason OEM is cheaper is because it's supposed to be for system builders who sell PC's they make for profit. Anyone can buy these keys, however, from Newegg.com and use them as if they were Retail keys. There really is no reason whatsoever to choose Retail over OEM, unless you enjoy spending more money for the same product.

I use OEM keys for all my builds, and never had any issues with reformatting, or major upgrading, beyond needed to use the phone activation (literally 5 minutes on the line).
 
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Ma said:
As long as it only being used on a single PC, OEM will work for all these things. It will only have a single internet activation, but if you activate by phone and tell them it's a reformat they'll let you reuse the same code multiple times, even with motherboard upgrades. I believe this is the same with a retail key, as well.

The only difference between OEM and Retail is lack of manual and official support. You will always have the same activation options available for each. The reason OEM is cheaper is because it's supposed to be for system builders who sell PC's they make for profit. Anyone can buy these keys, however, from Newegg.com and use them as if they were Retail keys. There really is no reason whatsoever to choose Retail over OEM, unless you enjoy spending more money for the same product.

I use OEM keys for all my builds, and never had any issues with reformatting, or major upgrading, beyond needed to use the phone activation (literally 5 minutes on the line).
Click to expand...

My experience in PC tech and retail has taught me the same things :).
 
FreakingHell said:
If you replace your motherboard, you will need a new copy if you buy OEM. I believe if your motherboard fails and you replace it with the same board, there is a way to get it to work though.

If you are an "upgrader," you will be better off buying retail. If you keep the same build(motherboard) for 3+ years, you are probably safe getting OEM.
Click to expand...

This is correct to a point. If you change computers, or change any major hardware (motherboard), the normal internet activation will fail, if the key is tied to other hardware. If you activate the key by phone, however, they will ask you (pretty much verbatim) "How many computers is this software installed on?". Answer honestly, "one", and they give you a key to enter to activate it. Simple as that. I've done this a few times, and each took no longer than 5 minutes on the line with a representative. This, at least, has been my experience with OEM keys in the past.
 
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