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Thread ID: 120947 2011-10-04 06:14:00 What are the OEM pros and cons? Bryan (147) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1235345 2011-10-04 06:14:00 I am thinking of getting a second copy of WIN7 Home Premium for a second computer (then again maybe I should wait for Win8).

I see that the OEM version is quite a lot cheaper than a retail copy. What is the opinion of the Forum regarding OEMs?
Bryan (147)
1235346 2011-10-04 06:25:00 It's exactly the same product. It's just a licensing thing - technically you're only allowed to purchase and use the OEM copy on a "new" computer (some retailers will require you to purchase a significant hardware component like motherboard etc to cover their arse on this bit) and you can't transfer it to another computer at a later stage. inphinity (7274)
1235347 2011-10-04 06:25:00 I'm using an OEM version of Win7 Pro. Nothing wrong with it. Dont think there are any cons if you get the OEM. You usually have to buy something (as in hardware to get OEM). It doesnt have to be expensive. But I didnt. I just brought the DVD Speedy Gonzales (78)
1235348 2011-10-04 06:37:00 You only get a disk for one version. I.E 64bit only (no 32). Then again who uses 32bit these days? icow (15313)
1235349 2011-10-04 06:42:00 OEM versions of Windows 7 usually can't be transferred to another computer (unless the hardware breaks ;)).


Then again who uses 32bit these days?

My workshop PC runs 32-bit Windows 7, it has an older Pentium 4 processor and 1GB RAM ;)
pcuser42 (130)
1235350 2011-10-04 07:00:00 Further to this question, if you don't mind.

If you were to buy a boxed copy of W7 from such as Dick Smiths, you would have a complete hard copy.

If you bught a new computer with W7 installed, that would be the OEM version with no Disc. Yes?

If you made a Boot or Backup Disc (have I got that right?) from the computer W7, would that be the same as a boxed version?

PJ
Poppa John (284)
1235351 2011-10-04 07:00:00 OEM doesn't let you have any help from MS gary67 (56)
1235352 2011-10-04 07:02:00 Most systems with windows pre-installed have a hidden partition. You can (or should) be able to burn an ISO to dvd (the program maybe / should be in the menu). To create it. And the stuff on the ISO (on a pre-installed system) may have drivers for whatever is on the computer. Which may save you reinstalling the drivers (if you have to reformat) Speedy Gonzales (78)
1235353 2011-10-04 07:02:00 No PJ a backup would have all the drivers for the comp it was made on in the backup, but you can just copy a Win7 DVD from someone else as all it requires is your licence to work and the disc can be made so that it sees all the versions since they are on there anyway gary67 (56)
1235354 2011-10-04 07:10:00 Most systems with windows pre-installed have a hidden partition. You can (or should) be able to burn an ISO to dvd (the program maybe / should be in the menu). To create it. And the stuff on the ISO (on a pre-installed system) may have drivers for whatever is on the computer. Which may save you reinstalling the drivers (if you have to reformat)

Thats what I was tihnking of. Is whatever is in the hidden partition the same as what is on a Disc of W7? PJ
Poppa John (284)
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