Windows OEM questions

[slubbermand]

Hey guys!

So a long time ago I was given an old XP OEM install by a friend who didn't need it since he was upgrading to Vista.

Since then I've installed and re-installed it numerous times without problem, but a few days ago I talked to a guy that said that what I was doing was essentially illegal, since an OEM version is for my friends computer specifically.

Is that right? Do I really need to buy my own version of an OS, that my friend don't need anyway?

Cheers

 

[treefrog07]

According to the MS EULA, the OEM versions are tied to the computer on which they were originally installed, they are not transferable. Only the Full and Upgrade versions are transferable to another computer.

 

[TenPc]

Considering that you cannot actually buy a legal version of XP anyhow, you have to accept whateer you got from your friend. There would be more than 10 million illegal copies of XP world wide, lots of people to put into a prison.

Microsoft are not really concerned with home users using other copies, only businesses who do not have licences for multiple copies. Besides all that, your friend is upgrading to Vista so he will no longer have XP on his PC.

If it were actually possible to purchase a new licence serial number then Microsoft could have profited (@$10 per serial number key) about 100 million dollars but you can't buy it and XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft after March 2014 (no more updates sent - yippeee!!)

Basically, as long as you are not running a business, you won't get caught.

 

[slubbermand]

Alright. It makes sense that they won't try to prosecute so many. Ah well, then I'm gonna continue to enjoy this half-illegal windows ;P

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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