*ATTN: Difference between Vista OEM and Retail License*

I read a post on another forum, Extreme Overclocking, where they specifically took an OEM version of Vista Home Premium, and installed it into a newly built computer and then activated it.

Some short time later, I don't recall exactly how long, they installed that same copy of Vista onto another newly built computer, with completely different parts including mother board and then attempted to activate it.

It wouldn't activate until they callled Microsoft, and told them they were reinstalling it on a new computer.

The person at Microsoft merely asked if they had removed it from the first computer, and when told they had, activated it.

They then waited another short period of time, and did the same thing again into another newly built computer. Again, after talking to a Microsoft rep, they were allowed to activate the OS again.

So...., at least for now, it appears that Microsoft is not taking too hard a line on reactivating OEM versions.

I suspect this might be due to the relatively slow adaption of Vista, but it would only make sense not to try and piss off your early buyers too badly if you want them to buy your new products.

Yeah I read that a few days ago.

here's a little info on volume activation (more info can be found on win. vista support site, but just to outline the basic idea i'm posting here):

if by "transfer Vista" you mean license than yes you can, meaning that if you got oem you don't have to call

nice double post

and you have oem correct?

you should be able to activate it online because your mobo is the same, if it's your 5th activation than you'll have to call but m$ has to activate it without boring you with "stupid questions".

no problem

Look on the discs you received, and if one of them has the "Windows Anytime Upgrade" logo on it, have that disc handy when you upgrade. If you didn't get an upgrade disc, you can request one when you purchase the Windows Vista upgrade license (ex. in your case from home pr to ultimate).

Upgradeable "retail" versions are transferrable, right?

- "During mandatory activation, the software will send information about the software and the device to Microsoft. This information includes the version, language and product key of the software, the Internet protocol address of the device, and information derived from the hardware configuration of the device"

Does other software do this too? Office for example?

So, if I bought a computer from a no-name computer shop and it came with software (M$ Office CD's, etc), is there a chance I won't be able to install it on my new computer?

So if I want to upgrade my core components and then reinstall with my upgrade copy of vista (using the double install method) will I have to call MS or anything for it to activate? or only with the OEMS?

Is it better to buy a new vista OS, or the upgrade pack? I remember that the ME upgrade for 98 was absolutely horrible. Is it similar with Vista? (the reason why I ask is that I can get vista ultimate, upgrade version, for $150 through my school, but I don't like the idea of upgrading I want a full OS pack you know?)

Hello Assman
I bought a Vista OEM 3 Pack intending to build three new PCs.
What I received was just one disc and just one self adhesive "Certificate of Authenticity".
The latter is to be affixed to the new tower.
Whereas I can understand having just one dic, surely there should have been three labels?
Your help would be much appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation

Thankyou Zoron. You have confirmed my instincts and I can now get back to my supplier.
Best regards
Rex

Yeah, that's a bug with the site... I joined Tomshardware back in 2001... long before this screwed up new format took over. I think new members are ok... but for anyone that joined before the switch, their join dates are messed up.

so let me get this strait, if i get a OEM Vista and install it on a computer, then after a while i get a new computer and i want to install the same OEM Vista on the new computer, i have to call Microsoft to activate?

as for retail, i can use the same license key to as many computers without calling Microsoft as long as im using that key on 1 computer and removing from the previous one.

is this correct?

I've got a question regarding the transfer of license to another computer (Vista Retail).

What does it mean by "uninstalling" Vista on the first computer before transferring the license on a new computer - is formatting the HDD considered an "uninstall", or is there a procedure on uninstalling Vista from the machine?

"Responding to the myriad complaints over ambiguities and outright uncool (that's a technical term) licensing terms, Microsoft has revised the Windows Vista retail license to remove some of the most major causes of complaint. A Microsoft spokesperson told Ars Technica that the changes do indeed come in response to concerns from the PC enthusiast community.

"We heard that users wanted more flexibility, and this change should give hardware enthusiasts in particular more latitude to upgrade their PCs or reassign their license to a new PC, while still making clear our intentions to protect our software from piracy," the spokesperson said.

A previous version of the Windows Vista retail license restricted the number of times you may transfer Vista from one device to another. The license read: "The first user of the software may reassign the license to another device one time. If you reassign the license, that other device becomes the 'licensed device.'"

The new license has removed this language relating to device transfers, and now reads: "You may install one copy of the software on the licensed device. You may use the software on up to two processors on that device at one time. Except as provided in the Storage and Network Use (Ultimate edition) sections below, you may not use the software on any other device."

Furthermore, Microsoft has clarified the licenses with regards to re-installation. "You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between devices," the license reads.

Additionally, Microsoft clarified transfer rights to other users. You can transfer your license of Windows Vista to another user provided that you uninstall the original copy and do not keep any of the materials from the original installation."

so if i have a OEM cd key, and i want to uninstall my OEM from my computer and reinstall it again and again, do i need to call microsoft to do that or it will be activated as long as it stays on that computer.

no shyt, do you know how long is that period?