OEM and OEI

[Haydn Wood]

Hello, could someone tell me what the difference is between Windows 7 OEM and OEI.
Thanks

 

[ex_bubblehead]

OEI versions are for small system builders (DSP = "delivery service partners"), usually containing a single Windows (1pk = 32-bit or 64-bit, not both like in retail versions) and an OEM preinstallation kit to preconfigure Windows and/or to integrate additional tools (OEI = "Original Equipment Installation" or "Organizational Environment Integration"). They have the same limitations as OEM versions = the license is tied to the first computer where the OS was installed and not transferrable if the machine dies.

 

[VenomXII]

OEM means the software won't be supported by Microsoft, most pre builds you buy from other providers would support the software they put on it.
In your case if your looking to buy retail package vs OEM.
you'd be able to call MS if you needed help with your Retail version of windows.
If you bought OEM you'd have to do the support yourself if you built your own PC or contact the people you bought the PC from, IE bestbuy, Ibuypower, Dell etc.....