Windows 7 OEM vs Retail

Hello Toms Hardware,

I have decided to buy a version of Windows 7, though I do not know wether to buy an OEM version or a retail version. Are there any differences between the two? Why is one so much cheaper?

On one particular website, it says the following: "Conditions Apply: You can only purchase OEM Windows with system order or if only you are a system builder. Please contact your nearest branch for more information."

I am building my computer myself, so theoretically I am a system builder. Does that mean I can buy this OEM version of Windows 7 and save hundreds of dollars ($180 vs $400~). I want to get the most out of my version of Windows 7 (be it Ultimate, Professional or Home Premium) and I want fully functional recovery disks should I need them.

Put simply, what is the difference between the OEM and Retail versions of Windows 7?

Thanks,
-Klosteral

OEM Windows is supposed to be sold with a new PC, or the parts required to build a PC (though many sellers ignore this condition).

It is also only supposed to be installed on a single system - as it binds to the motherboard of the system its installed on.

However, I've successfully installed my copy on 3 different builds now (core 2 duo, phenom II, i7) with no problems. Worst case you just call Microsoft and deal with an auto prompter giving you long key codes to validate it again. Obviously though you can only have it installed on one PC at any given time.

the difference is that you get no free technical support with microsoft w/OEM (you have us and google )

Additionally the OEM will only work on one computer retail on 3. Go with the OEM if you only need to install it on one PC more than one Retail.

Choose Pro if you need compatibility with xp, home premium if not

Not sure about recovery disks question

OEM: During online activation, it locks the product Key/OS to one computer (I think the part it locks to is your motherboard, that could be wrong though), so that you can't install it on any other computer. As far as I know, re-installation is fine, unless you're replacing your motherboard AND hard drive. If you need to install to a new HD and mobo, well, you still might be able to do it, but expect to go through hell and back to get it working with the 'help' of mircosoft costumer support.

Retail: A limited number of installations, however, you can install to multiple PCs (but only one at one time). So say, if your uberGamerRig3000 is hit by a meteorite, and you build a new one, you can install your copy of retail windows on it. I cannot however, install it on both uberGamerRig3000 and granniesSubparPC at the same time.

AFAIK, there is no other difference besides the type of license you get.

tl;dr OEM is somewhere between a bitch to reinstall, and impossible. Retail can be reinstalled, even on a new PC.

Also, it's technically illegal to put an OEM version of windows on a PC you're not building yourself. Although who the hell is going to do anything about it if you install it on your dell? No one.

In addition to what Nerdbox 87 said,

OEM is only the bit that you purchase. The full retail version has 32 and 64 bit included. Not really a problem though if you bought the 64bit OEM.

Wow, thanks for all the rapid responses!

Here is my situation. I am currently running Windows 7 x86 (32-Bit) on my first build. It came with two disks in the package (32 bit and 64 bit) so I assume I have the retail version.

My second build is sitting - still in boxes - on the floor behind me. The only things I did not buy are monitor, keyboard + mouse, DVD drive, HDDs and PSU. I want to install a x64 version of Windows onto my "new" computer but with my "old" hard drive.

I am wondering wether I can re-activate Windows on a completely different computer in a completely different version (64-Bit). If I can do it with my retail disks, I will be happy. If not, I will have to buy a new version of Windows, hence the OEM question.

Question 2: Can I reuse my current retail version of Windows 7 Home Premium? Does it matter that I have reinstalled this on my current system multiple times in 32-Bit form?

Hmm yes I do read that, however that should not really be an issue for me. I am going to be purchasing a new version of Windows 7 for use on a new computer, once. An OEM version of Windows costs $99 and can only be used once, vs a retail version that costs $299 and can be used 3 times. I would say that it would be better to keep buying OEM versions, right?

Also, I have just found the box for my current retail version of Windows 7 HP. It came with 2 disks - 64-Bit and 32-Bit but only one license key. Does that mean I can use that license key to run and install both versions of the operating system?

Yes, some people might want to dual boot a 32 bit version and a 64 bit version on the same pc.. That is OK. You just can't do it on two different PC's with the same activation code.

I agree that you probably have an upgrade package.
When you go to install, the dvd load will probably detect that there was a previous windows present. You can go ahead and install on top of it. So long as the previous windows is not in use anywhere else, you are OK.

The manual and documentation are minimal. You did not lose much there.

Because upgrade is considered retail, you can reinstall it as many times as you wish, just not on different pc's at the same time.

To anyone who may be concerned - you can replace the motherboard very easily (even to different models/sockets) and still re-activate OEM copies.

I've done this multiple times with various different builds, you simply ring a microsoft number, and deal with a computer auto-prompter. You select the option that you're reinstalling on the same computer, and then it reads out long series of activation codes you enter. It's that simple. (Takes <5mins)

Hell - my upgrade from an AMD board to my i7 board just activated no questions asked lol