*ATTN: Difference between Vista OEM and Retail License*

[Mr Cipher]

Is it better to buy a new vista OS, or the upgrade pack? I remember that the ME upgrade for 98 was absolutely horrible. Is it similar with Vista? (the reason why I ask is that I can get vista ultimate, upgrade version, for $150 through my school, but I don't like the idea of upgrading I want a full OS pack you know?)

 

[Assman]

clean install, with formating, is always prefered. I would suggest that you get a full version.

 

[Rex Baber]

Hello Assman
I bought a Vista OEM 3 Pack intending to build three new PCs.
What I received was just one disc and just one self adhesive "Certificate of Authenticity".
The latter is to be affixed to the new tower.
Whereas I can understand having just one dic, surely there should have been three labels?
Your help would be much appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation

 

[Zoron]

Double-check with the vendor where you purchased the software. Did the box still have it's original seal intact? Does it say anywhere on the box or on any of the literature inside the box anything about it being an OEM 3-pack? Most OEM 3-packs in the past have indeed come with three discs, three OEM booklets and three product license stickers.

 

[Rex Baber]

Thankyou Zoron. You have confirmed my instincts and I can now get back to my supplier.
Best regards
Rex

 

[Rex Baber]

Just a little note, Zoron, I spotted the "more information" link and found the following:

More Information
Age : 36 years
Gender : Male
posts : 4001
Joined : Tue Jan 01, 1970

Now, I haven't got a BSc in arithmetic but ............

 

[Zoron]

Yeah, that's a bug with the site... I joined Tomshardware back in 2001... long before this screwed up new format took over. I think new members are ok... but for anyone that joined before the switch, their join dates are messed up.

 

[randomizer]

Yep, that's how it works (or doesn't).

 

[intelx]

so let me get this strait, if i get a OEM Vista and install it on a computer, then after a while i get a new computer and i want to install the same OEM Vista on the new computer, i have to call Microsoft to activate?

as for retail, i can use the same license key to as many computers without calling Microsoft as long as im using that key on 1 computer and removing from the previous one.

is this correct?

 

[Zoron]

Yes, that's correct. OEM copies are tied to the computer they are installed upon, and they must remain with that computer. Of course, hardware failure is a valid reason to require reactivation.

 

[triggy]

I've got a question regarding the transfer of license to another computer (Vista Retail).

What does it mean by "uninstalling" Vista on the first computer before transferring the license on a new computer - is formatting the HDD considered an "uninstall", or is there a procedure on uninstalling Vista from the machine?

"Responding to the myriad complaints over ambiguities and outright uncool (that's a technical term) licensing terms, Microsoft has revised the Windows Vista retail license to remove some of the most major causes of complaint. A Microsoft spokesperson told Ars Technica that the changes do indeed come in response to concerns from the PC enthusiast community.

"We heard that users wanted more flexibility, and this change should give hardware enthusiasts in particular more latitude to upgrade their PCs or reassign their license to a new PC, while still making clear our intentions to protect our software from piracy," the spokesperson said.

A previous version of the Windows Vista retail license restricted the number of times you may transfer Vista from one device to another. The license read: "The first user of the software may reassign the license to another device one time. If you reassign the license, that other device becomes the 'licensed device.'"

The new license has removed this language relating to device transfers, and now reads: "You may install one copy of the software on the licensed device. You may use the software on up to two processors on that device at one time. Except as provided in the Storage and Network Use (Ultimate edition) sections below, you may not use the software on any other device."

Furthermore, Microsoft has clarified the licenses with regards to re-installation. "You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between devices," the license reads.

Additionally, Microsoft clarified transfer rights to other users. You can transfer your license of Windows Vista to another user provided that you uninstall the original copy and do not keep any of the materials from the original installation."

 

[Zoron]

Well since you can't technically "uninstall" your OS, then formatting the hard drive or wiping it is your only option. How you get it off isn't important... all that is important is that it's gone.

 

[intelx]

so if i have a OEM cd key, and i want to uninstall my OEM from my computer and reinstall it again and again, do i need to call microsoft to do that or it will be activated as long as it stays on that computer.

 

[Zoron]

I think you can reinstall up to 5 times within a certain time period before it will require reactivation.

 

[intelx]

no shyt, do you know how long is that period?

 

[Zoron]

Three months I believe... but I could be mistaken.