Different versions? Upgrade vs OEM vs Home ? HELP!!!

[Mfusick]

What is the difference between the upgrade, the normal and the OEM versions of Windows 7 PRO 64bit?

Which one would I want to install on 5 office PC's and two personal PC's ???

 

[WR2]

Hello mfusick;

Since you're not building yourself a new PC the OEM versions are not a player.
If your 8 PC's have a current Windows product they qualify for the upgrade version.
The 'normal' retail version is the most expensive option and you shouldn't need to use that.

 

[Brett928S2]

Hi

Dont forget thats 7 Upgrades you will have to buy...

All the best Brett

 

[Mfusick]

Hello mfusick;

Since you're not building yourself a new PC the OEM versions are not a player.
If your 8 PC's have a current Windows product they qualify for the upgrade version.
The 'normal' retail version is the most expensive option and you shouldn't need to use that.

I am building myself a PC. personal Use.

I am building my partner a PC. Personal Use.

I am building 5 pc's for my office. I own company. Business use.

So what should I do ?

 

[Mfusick]

Also- I already own Windows 7 HOME normal with both 32bit and 64bit dvd's.

I have had it for a while and currently run 64 bit on both my home PC and laptop.


What happens if I just use the disc I already own to install the OS?

I was told the license will only be accepted on 1 or 2 pc's before it would become "invalid"

If I installed with the version I already have now, it is possible to call microsoft and buy a keycode ???

Is that cheaper than buying a new disc each time ?

 

[Mfusick]

One more thing... can you install the upgrade version on a new clean hardrive?

I will need to do this... and at least want to be able to clean install to a new drive in the future if needed.

 

[unksol]

when you buy windows you are buying the license. the disk costs next to nothing. If you install your copy on more PCs than you have licenses for you are in violation of the license and are stealing the software and could be sued by Microsoft.

You should be able to buy licenses from Microsoft. Also see the following links.

www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116987

www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116993

Most people do not need windows PRO for a small business. keep in mind OEM versions are tied to the system. you cant upgrade the PC motherboard down the road and reuse the license.

 

[WR2]

Punt

 

[unksol]

www.windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare

differences between home and pro. up you if you need the domain, XP mode, and network backup.

 

[Mfusick]

ok- so I need to buy the full versions because the OEM is only good on the installed equiptment and only good installed once.

 

[shanky887614]

ok- so I need to buy the full versions because the OEM is only good on the installed equiptment and only good installed once.

not strictly true


you can only have one active key and you might have to ring up microsoft so you can use your key again



upgrade media means, you have to have xp/ another os installed on the machine to install.. if it find the os then you have the option to re-parition/format the drive before install

or there is a hack where you change one value in the registry to activate it



the retail version means its not locked to specific hardware and you get support from micorsoft (the oem version comes with very little to no support from microsoft)


the oem version is for system builders

 

[unksol]

ok- so I need to buy the full versions because the OEM is only good on the installed equiptment and only good installed once.

You can reinstall the OEM version. Its just tied to the hardware and can't be tranfered to a new system. if the motherboard dies for example and you replace it with a different one (you are supposed to use the same model board) it will require reactivation. You can call Microsoft and explain the situation and they may reactivate it for you. realistically if they are office machines you will use for years an OEM license makes sense (to me).

 

[Brett928S2]

Hi

Legally he still needs to buy 7 versions....

All the best Brett

 

[Mfusick]

I am not worried about "legal" Specifically- I am not looking to fraud, or rip anyone off- but I won't spend extra if it's not needed. I just want the best real solution.

Nor am I worried about changing hardware and being no good. If that happens I could call Microsoft and explain I got a new drive, or CPU or whatever...



I want to be able to install to a clean drive. I pretty much would only do this ever. So I need this. The upgrade makes no sense for me.

Last- I will never- ever transfer the OS to another system, copy the drive or move it. I would always install fresh and clean to a new drive and begin there.


So- I am very confused because many of the options you have laid out for me all talk about all these things.

I want to be able to clean install to a bare drive or SSD. I want a legit copy of windows. I don't care if I am doing things "legally" I just want it to work properly and be able to activate so I can enjoy 100% functionality.

So- again I guess I will ask. SHould I just buy a single normal version of PRO and use the same disc on all the machines. Then call microsoft and buy additional keycodes after the second one when they stop working?

Or,

Should I just use the HOME version disc I own now and do that... then call microsoft and buy keycodes ???

Lastly,

Can I upgrade from HOME to PRO if I use my disc I already own ???


PS: I don't need any support from Microsoft. Would OEM make sense? I am building all these systems.

Can OEM be placed on more than 1 system?

 

[Mfusick]

anyone know if you can buy a keycode if you already own the disc? How much is that?

 

[Mfusick]

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