windows retail vs oem

robina_80 · 10-22-2009, 11:25 AM

i want to clarify differences between the 2 copys of windows you can get and ive put them below

retail - you can install on any number of pcs but only one at a time and you can upgrade it and it wont ask you to renter the cd key

oem - you can only install on one pc and it stays with that pc and if you do a big upgrade it will invalidate it and you have to call up india???

Nubbleet · 10-22-2009, 11:31 AM

Differences between OEM and Retail

Mak213 · 10-22-2009, 11:43 AM

Sorry but that is wrong. Retail you can NOT put on any number of PC's. Even if you only have it on 1 machine at a time.

OEM is tied to the machine you installed it on. It can not be transferred. It will require you to buy a new version of Windows if you upgrade the mother board as that is what Microsoft considers a new PC.

Microsoft: Upgraded Motherboard = New Windows Licence - Aviran’s Place

Nubb already pointed out the thread i have created on this subject and it spells it out pretty clear in there.

Member Login