Windows 8 OEM For Home Build?

[Saxguy101]

Hello,

I know the difference between OEM and Retail, but I'm wondering if it's legal and all fine and dandy to use OEM on a personal build. I know that it will be tied to the motherboard, but I plan on having this PC a while, and Windows 9 will probably be out by the time I upgrade. Is it okay to do this?

Thanks.

 

[rocknrollz]

What you are describing is fine and perfectly legal. While Microsoft prefers you to use the retail for personal computers, an OEM will work just fine. (I have built hundreds of PC's with the OEM copy, and never have had any problems)

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Go with Windows 8 OEM ,because it can be transferred to a new PC when you move on from your current build.Windows 7 is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[Marlin Schwanke]

I like complete information. To the best of my knowledge here is the answer:

1) There is no Windows 8 Retail version for a new build only an upgrade version for an existing Windows computer.
2) The Windows 8 System Builder version is legitimate for a personal build as long as you build fewer than 5 such Windows 8 PCs for your own use. Same applies to a business, 5 in house builds is the limit.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Don't forget to choose a Best Solution when opening a question thread , the forum members will appreciate that.Thanks for posting on the forum.