[cyberspacegenie]

Hi all, Not been on for a while, nice to be back! Quick question. I picked up a second hand computer and in the stuff that came with it was a copy of windows vista home. The computer has no hard drive at the mo so cant get any info about it. I'm trying to find out if its a retail copy or oem copy. I know in the past OEM copies have had the letters OEM in the serial number - is that still the case? This one does not have OEM in the serial so I'm hoping its a retail copy so I can install it on another computer instead of this one (I know you cant install the same copy one 2 computers at the same time). Can anyone clarify?

[zerocool]

If my memory serves me correctly on the disk it will say "for distribution with a new pc only" if it is an oem version

[cyberspacegenie]

Unfortunately I dont think it works that way with vista. The box looks just like a retail box, with product code and quick start guide. No where on the box does it say OEM or retail. I've been told the OEM doesnt appear in the product code but rather the activation code, which I think is what happened with my copy of XP so that makes sense. I think the clue may be that the disk says 32 bit only. As I understand retail versions include both 32 and 64 bit versions. Can anyone clarify one way or the other?

[serverguy]

I don't think it would have the retail box if it was OEM.. You would only get a paper sleeve but I could be wrong.

[Cew27]

thats correct you get a cardboard sleeve
also what is the difference between oem and normal

[serverguy]

Originally Posted by Cew27

thats correct you get a cardboard sleeve
also what is the difference between oem and normal

OEM has no Microsoft support, the manufacturer provides it.

Retail has a pretty box, Microsoft support and a bigger price tag.

[cyberspacegenie]

The other difference between OEM and retail is that OEM can only be installed on one computer. It is locked to the motherboard of the computer to which it is first installed. With retail you can install on another computer provided it is uninstalled from the first one. Despite the fact this one has a pretty box I think its OEM. I suspect the only way to find out for sure is to install it and find out. I was just hoping I could avoid the hassle of an install if it wasnt going to work.