I need to pick up a copy and the price difference is critical at the moment... I can get OEM versions for$85 with free shipping...

My understanding is that it can only be installed on one piece of hardware and can't be transferred to a different machine later... But someone I know recently had Microsoft re-enable a copy of Office that was moved to a new machine.... What's the story?

I seem to remember that OEM was meant to be shipped with a machine to be re-sold...

Much Thanks...

Keni

Keni


I need to pick up a copy and the price difference is critical at the moment... I can get OEM versions for$85 with free shipping...

My understanding is that it can only be installed on one piece of hardware and can't be transferred to a different machine later... But someone I know recently had Microsoft re-enable a copy of Office that was moved to a new machine.... What's the story?

I seem to remember that OEM was meant to be shipped with a machine to be re-sold...

Much Thanks...

Keni

That is the usual case Keni....

OEM Software comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer's machine...i.e.  Dell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, Acer, etc...
Those are usually sold to the Manufacturer of a PC, for use on their system builds, hence the discounted price, as they
are usually bought in quantity.

Does that mean it's "safe" for me to buy/use?

:-)

Thanks...
Keni

As long as you buy it from a reputable seller.

Keni


Does that mean it's "safe" for me to buy/use?

:-)

Thanks...
Keni

I use an OEM version, the license states 'for distribution only with a PC', which mine was, it was an option that came with my build.
 
It's a legitimate copy of Windows therefore it is perfectly safe to use.
 
Thing is there is no such thing as a 'reputable' seller of OEM versions as they are licensed to be distributed with hardware so whoever is selling them is flouting those terms of distribution if they are not supplying it along with the hardware.
 
That's how it works so you'll have to draw you own conclusions about whether you proceed with any purchase.

A legitimate OEM copy of Windows is perfectly fine.
Just make sure you're getting it from a legitimate source.
Beware of "OEM" deals that are too good to be true.  If you see a copy of Win7x64 discounted more than about $10, chances are it's not legit.  IOW, If you see an OEM copy of Win7x64 Pro for $85, run the other direction.  It's a pirated copy...


A single copy of Windows can only be installed on a single machine.
However, that machine can be upgraded (changed).