[P5200]

I guess it might be a dumb question but, could someone explain what the difference is and, which I should buy for personal use. Also, able to be applied more than once after hardware changes and such. Thanks!

[Mike0001]

Get an OEM version, which is much cheaper than retail. You can re-apply after hardware changes but you can't transfer to a new PC, though that would be difficult to argue if your machine were stolen.

Even better, get Linux, which is free!

[P5200]

Thanks for the advice! I will google Linux and read up about it also.

[sjb007]

An OEM version is for use with one computer only, with an OEM licence the serial is tied into the system and cannot be transfered to another. OEM software is meant for system builders for installing on new systems only . With a retail version, you can install this on any computer as long as it is only installed on one computer at a time, you can transfer the operating system to another PC but you must remove the operating system from the previous machine.

[Hybr!d]

Also, with OEM you get no box, manual, packaging or support via email or telephone from Microsoft.

[P5200]

I guess what I bought was the retail version since it came with box. my problem was, after installing new motherboard, it said new hardware changes had been found. also, it said I had 3 days to activate when I tried, it said my number of activation times had been used up. so, I called microsoft told them I installed a new motherboard. she asked for a long number that was on the screen then, told me a bunch of letters and numbers to inter into the product key boxes that were on activation screen. I asked if I should click on new product key she said no, just click next then it was reactivated. I was not even allowed to log onto windows till I did that. I thought now, might be a good time to be asking about a new OS.

[Hybr!d]

The no box may not be true with Vista, think OEM Vista has a box, XP certainly didn't. But the rest of what I said is correct regarding support.

[Mike0001]

Originally Posted by P5200

I guess what I bought was the retail version since it came with box. my problem was, after installing new motherboard, it said new hardware changes had been found. also, it said I had 3 days to activate when I tried, it said my number of activation times had been used up. so, I called microsoft told them I installed a new motherboard. she asked for a long number that was on the screen then, told me a bunch of letters and numbers to inter into the product key boxes that were on activation screen. I asked if I should click on new product key she said no, just click next then it was reactivated. I was not even allowed to log onto windows till I did that. I thought now, might be a good time to be asking about a new OS.

Don't worry! Some of us have to do this regularly! Most reactivations are done without even speaking to anyone.

[sjb007]

Originally Posted by Dave Hybrid

The no box may not be true with Vista, think OEM Vista has a box, XP certainly didn't..

Yup your right Dave - Vista OEM does indeed come inside a DVD case, I have two verisons of Vista OEM (32 bit for old computer and 64bit current comp) both came boxed