Windows 7 OEM or normal 7?

[hartzsquare]

Hey guys, im building my first PC today and its nearly done. However i still need a OS. Ive seen these OEM OS for windows7 and they are a lot cheaper than the normal ones. Im just wondering is it safe to buy on of these and what is the difference? Ive checked on google and i cant really find a decent answer to help me out. Thanks in advance.

 

[wanderer11]

OEM will only give you one key and will become tied to your computer (motherboard). The retail version will let you install it a few different times on different machines. Also, OEM is technically supposed to be put on a computer that you sell to someone else. Anyway, just get the OEM. That's all anyone here buys.

 

[hartzsquare]

OEM will only give you one key and will become tied to your computer (motherboard). The retail version will let you install it a few different times on different machines. Also, OEM is technically supposed to be put on a computer that you sell to someone else. Anyway, just get the OEM. That's all anyone here buys.

Thanks, and when you say "tie to the motherboard" can I overwrite it and update it like usual if i wanted to?

 

[wanderer11]

What I mean is if you change your motherboard then the key will no longer work. Supposedly you can call MS and they will fix it if you convince them, but I've never had to try. Once it's installed it will act exactly the same as a retail copy. Also, I'm pretty sure that if your mobo dies and you replace it with the exact same make/model then the key will still work.

In case you're wondering, I have formatted/reinstalled Windows several times with my OEM copy and it has never had a problem activating.

 

[Hawkeye22]

OEM copies also come with no support as the builder is expected to support it.