Ron Schenone

Vista OEM Available For System Builders – But There's A Catch

Posted by on Jan 29, 2007 | 14 Comments

I received a email this AM from a friend of mine who had inquired what were the differences between the OEM and Retail versions of Vista. In my mind I was thinking about the software only, and replied that the software portion is the same, but the EULA End User License Agreement was different. I emailed him back and ask if he was buying a new PC? He said no, but that Newegg was offering OEM copies of Vista Ultimate for $199.99. Hmm……

Over to Newegg I go following the link he provided here. Sure enough, there it was in full color. One-half the price of retail. And what was more surprising is that there was no hardware requirement to buy a hard disk, cpu or some other computer part to make the purchase. In years gone by, this had been a requirement.

Neweggs statement: “Disclaimer: This OEM software is intended for system builders only and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license, including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the software. http://www.microsoft.com/ oem/sblicense/default.mspx”So what is the main difference between a retail copy and OEM copy?

  • No user manual is included. Just a guide to installation. And no pretty box.
  • No support. Don’t call Newegg. You are the support. So if you install a copy on Aunt Tilda’s computer, she calls you if she has a Vista question. OR if you install it on your own system, you call yourself. :-)

And I would also suggest reading the OEM System Builder blurb from Microsoft as well located here.

In my personal opinion, I think this is a great way to get a copy of Vista at a reasonable price. However, be cautious and make sure you understand the limitations of using a OEM copy.

And yes, they have all versions of Vista available. :-)

[tags]vista, windows, oem, system builder, [/tags]

  • Thomas

    The activation FAQ link, links to neweggs Vista Ultimate item instead.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Thomas,

    Thanks for the notification. And the link to the FAQ for activation no longer works. This is very strange.

    Sorry. Ron

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Thomas [again]

    Now this gets even stranger. The page I had originally referenced for activation FAQ’s is gone.

  • Paul

    Do you think you could install the OEM version on a Dell or Lenovo laptop? The reason I ask is because I’m afraid that Vista might realize that this isn’t a system builder computer.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Paul,
    This one sentence kind of sums up the EULA of what Microsoft considers a System Builder:

    System builder” means an original equipment
    manufacturer, an assembler, refurbisher, or pre-installer of software on computer systems.”

    Hope this helps.

  • Jimmy

    “cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed.”
    That line of text has me wondering if MS will hinder re-installations in instances where one or more pieces of hardware is upgraded, or in general emergency re-installations (where you do not get to unvalidated/ backup the PC)Is that the case?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Jimmy,
    In this case, you can still reinstall, but it may require a call to MS for a new key.
    Ron

  • Steve

    wait, I thought you couldn’t call MS for any support, though, if you’re using a system builder OS cd? Are you sure they’ll give out a new key?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Steve,
    Correct. You can’t call MS for support, however, if for some reason you need to do a reinstall, you may have to call them to get a new key. Am I 100% sure they will give out a new key? Nope. Nothing from MS is 100% of anything. But I have done this in the past with out a hitch. Your mileage may vary and will depend on each circumstance. There is no 100% hard and fast rule.

    Sorry for being so vague. But MS changes some rules during the game which make it difficult sometimes to be exact. :-)

  • Tim Kostka

    Thanks for the info Ron! I had just ordered a OEM copy of Vista Home Premium 64 for $100 from newegg and was wondering about the details. It looks like an awesome deal for those who would rather do self-support than calling MS.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Tim,
    You are welcome. Enjoy. :-)

  • C-los

    I was trying to figure if they say the license is for a system builder, does that mean the system builder can install it on more than one computer that he or she has built? According to the answers I see here, I’m assuming no. I would have to find out about the full volume license. I mean, I don’t mind providing the support, but I would like to be able to just refer to one CD for every install and take care of any problems.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    C-los,
    It is one system only unless you purchase volume licensing. I don;t know how many machines you are thinking about, but you can contact MS for pricing.

  • Luke

    Shoot, whenever you buy a new computer from Dell or whatever, you are getting an OEM version, so most people use OEM versions they just don’t realize it. Under the OEM license, system builders are required to give you the license key (in the form of a sticker attached somewhere on your machine) in case you need to reinstall. On my desktop the sticker was located on the top, and on my laptop the sticker was on the bottom.