Windows Vista Ultimate OEM Questions

WDSnav · 02-02-2007, 06:26 PM

1.Is it illegal?
2.Is it treated just a regular version of ultimate?
3.If I upgrade my ram will it think that I am on a new pc and ban my product key or something?
4.Does it even come with a working product key?
5.I notice on newegg it says for systembuilders so does this mean you can only install it after you build a computer or can you use it on one that already has xp on it and came from Dell?
Thanks for your replies in advance.

SwingWing · 02-04-2007, 05:50 PM

I can't answer all your questions but I think the only real difference between the OEM version and the full retail version is who will provide technical support. For example, you buy the OEM version and have trouble installing... You probably can't call Microsoft for support. Buy retail and you can call MS for help.

Since Newegg sells OEM and Retail versions, I'd have to assume it's "legal." They wouldn't risk loosing Microsoft sales.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong here.

chin · 02-06-2007, 03:20 PM

swing wing is correct, if you buy retail you are eligible for MS support and OEM is perfectly legal.

i believe with OEM the hardware you install it on is the hardware its tied to and with retail you can replace your hard drive or motherboard and transfer the license.

someone correct me if I wrong too! :D

WDSnav · 02-07-2007, 03:29 AM

Can I upgrade memory on an OEM without any problems?

chin · 02-07-2007, 06:51 AM

I believe so, along with other peripherals...

02-02-2007, 06:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
WDSnav Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 163 OS: Windows XP Home Edition SP3, Windows Vista Ultimate	Windows Vista Ultimate OEM Questions 1.Is it illegal? 2.Is it treated just a regular version of ultimate? 3.If I upgrade my ram will it think that I am on a new pc and ban my product key or something? 4.Does it even come with a working product key? 5.I notice on newegg it says for systembuilders so does this mean you can only install it after you build a computer or can you use it on one that already has xp on it and came from Dell? Thanks for your replies in advance.

02-04-2007, 05:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
SwingWing Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 9 OS: Vista Enterprise, XP Home	I can't answer all your questions but I think the only real difference between the OEM version and the full retail version is who will provide technical support. For example, you buy the OEM version and have trouble installing... You probably can't call Microsoft for support. Buy retail and you can call MS for help. Since Newegg sells OEM and Retail versions, I'd have to assume it's "legal." They wouldn't risk loosing Microsoft sales. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong here. __________________ Regards, Nathan Last edited by SwingWing : 02-04-2007 at 05:52 PM.

02-06-2007, 03:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
chin Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 232 OS: XP Home/Vista	swing wing is correct, if you buy retail you are eligible for MS support and OEM is perfectly legal. i believe with OEM the hardware you install it on is the hardware its tied to and with retail you can replace your hard drive or motherboard and transfer the license. someone correct me if I wrong too! :D Last edited by chin : 02-06-2007 at 03:22 PM.

02-07-2007, 03:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
WDSnav Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 163 OS: Windows XP Home Edition SP3, Windows Vista Ultimate	Can I upgrade memory on an OEM without any problems?

02-07-2007, 06:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
chin Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 232 OS: XP Home/Vista	I believe so, along with other peripherals...