OEM Versions of Vista - "Cheap" at Microcenter

[DestruyaUR]

You might ask why I've got cheap in quotations. Well, I don't like Vista. But, for those who do - and those tempted to upgrade, there's no reason to waste a lot of money doing it.

This just came in my email, and 199.99 for a full version of Vista Ultimate struck me as relatively hot (especially considering the full Retail version is SKUed into the 300 dollar range):

Vista Home Basic (32 bit) - $99

Vista Home Premium (32 bit) - $119.43

Vista Home Premium (64 bit) - $129.99

Vista Business (32 bit) - $149.26

Vista Business (64 bit) - $159.99

Vista Ultimate (32 bit) - $199.99

Vista Ultimate (64 bit) - $199.99

There's no "you must buy hardware" agreement listed with these prices, only the following:

The purchaser has been advised of the following license requirement of Microsoft Corporation: You accept the license contained on this Microsoft System Builder Pack product when you open this package. By accepting this license, you agree that you are a system builder (ie: system assembler, reassembler, or installer of software on computer systems). Individual software licenses cannot be returned after this package is opened.

NOTE: Evidently OEM versions of Vista become "married" to their parent hardware - don't expect to be able to godfather these keys to future systems.

 

[videopho]

I've got the same email from MC tonight as well.
The pricing is absolutely drooling... especially the price of the home Vista Premium 64 is half of what I've seen in the amazon.com site deal.
Is it too good to be true? Or am I missing something?

 

[JImmyK]

By accepting this license, you agree that you are a system builder (ie: system assembler, reassembler, or installer of software on computer systems). Individual software licenses cannot be returned after this package is opened.

What does that mean? I know most of us here can assmble/build systems but does it have a working license?

 

[DestruyaUR]

Typically OEM versions of the software require it to be sold with hardware. Most retailers get around this by selling you a screw or mouse with the software to still meet the "requirement." It appears Micro Center is eschewing that.

Also, I read on overclockers.com that unlike the retail version, you're just buying one version of the OS - 32 or 64 bit - supposedly the retail boxes come with both versions. So if/when 64-bit is actually WORTH it, you'll have to buy the 64-bit version.

 

[videopho]

I may jump on this deal.
I've been using x64 for > a year now and now this is just icing on the cake, so to speak.

 

[Elixer]

The retail versions do NOT have 64bit. You must call in to get the 64bit, and then they add s&h charges.

http://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vistaunbox71nw.jpg


The difference is that with the retail version, you can install it on a motherboard, but, if you upgrade, you can still use the retail version for the next machine you build.
The OEM version will only work on the original motherboard you install it on. Then they tie that to your key, so if you upgrade that machine, then you must fork over $120 more or whatever you paid for the OEM version.

 

[DestruyaUR]

/\/\/\/\/\/\/
That's a rather large caveat.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: Elixer
The retail versions do NOT have 64bit. You must call in to get the 64bit, and then they add s&h charges.
The difference is that with the retail version, you can install it on a motherboard, but, if you upgrade, you can still use the retail version for the next machine you build.
The OEM version will only work on the original motherboard you install it on. Then they tie that to your key, so if you upgrade that machine, then you must fork over $120 more or whatever you paid for the OEM version.

Is this a Vista specific requirement, or are you stating this about OEM OS discs in general, because this is definitely not true for XP.

 

[Elixer]

Originally posted by: Ike0069

Originally posted by: Elixer
The retail versions do NOT have 64bit. You must call in to get the 64bit, and then they add s&h charges.
The difference is that with the retail version, you can install it on a motherboard, but, if you upgrade, you can still use the retail version for the next machine you build.
The OEM version will only work on the original motherboard you install it on. Then they tie that to your key, so if you upgrade that machine, then you must fork over $120 more or whatever you paid for the OEM version.

Is this a Vista specific requirement, or are you stating this about OEM OS discs in general, because this is definitely not true for XP.

It *was* true for XP also. They just didn't enforce it from what I gather.
They will be enforcing it now though. This is why OEM version sucks *if* you do a motherboard upgrade. This is also why the 'Anytime Upgrade' sucks, since it turns your retail license into a OEM license.

Bottom line is, if you are going to buy this, and you plan on upgrading your motherboard, then get the retail version. If no plans to upgrade, then get whatever version you want.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: Elixer

Originally posted by: Ike0069

Originally posted by: Elixer
The retail versions do NOT have 64bit. You must call in to get the 64bit, and then they add s&h charges.
The difference is that with the retail version, you can install it on a motherboard, but, if you upgrade, you can still use the retail version for the next machine you build.
The OEM version will only work on the original motherboard you install it on. Then they tie that to your key, so if you upgrade that machine, then you must fork over $120 more or whatever you paid for the OEM version.

Is this a Vista specific requirement, or are you stating this about OEM OS discs in general, because this is definitely not true for XP.

It *was* true for XP also. They just didn't enforce it from what I gather.
They will be enforcing it now though. This is why OEM version sucks *if* you do a motherboard upgrade. This is also why the 'Anytime Upgrade' sucks, since it turns your retail license into a OEM license.

Bottom line is, if you are going to buy this, and you plan on upgrading your motherboard, then get the retail version. If no plans to upgrade, then get whatever version you want.

Ok, I didn't realize this was the case for Vista. I guess I see MS's point on this, as long as the retail version does not have this restriction.

 

[SilentRunning]

Originally posted by: Elixer
The retail versions do NOT have 64bit. You must call in to get the 64bit, and then they add s&h charges.

http://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vistaunbox71nw.jpg

Are you sure about that because that picture looks suspiciously like the image from engadget located here. But that is from the Academic version as seen in the picture preceding it here.

 

[woofersus]

I don't believe for a second that MS will be enforcing some kind of "no hardware changes" policy on OEM versions of Vista. You just have to reactivate when there is a significant hardware change. That way they could catch abusers. Imagine if you bought all new hardware and vista, and right after you installed it, things get wacky, and after some testing you realize that your brand new motherboard is bad. Do you have to buy another copy of windows? Not a chance. The lawsuits would be fast and furious. Don't expect anything other then exactly how XP was handled for OEM. I worked for a system builder/repair shop for a few years, and the only time we had issues with hardware changes was with special liscensing situations. (i.e. systems from OEMs like HP or Dell) Even then, we could usually make it happen by calling in. Other than that, even OEM copies of the software reactivated properly. I believe you were given three reactivations before you'd have to call. I never buy retail anything if I don't have to.

 

[Skitzer]

Newegg is carrying Vista now ..... looks like about the same price.

 

[videopho]

Originally posted by: woofersus
I don't believe for a second that MS will be enforcing some kind of "no hardware changes" policy on OEM versions of Vista. You just have to reactivate when there is a significant hardware change. That way they could catch abusers. Imagine if you bought all new hardware and vista, and right after you installed it, things get wacky, and after some testing you realize that your brand new motherboard is bad. Do you have to buy another copy of windows? Not a chance. The lawsuits would be fast and furious. Don't expect anything other then exactly how XP was handled for OEM. I worked for a system builder/repair shop for a few years, and the only time we had issues with hardware changes was with special liscensing situations. (i.e. systems from OEMs like HP or Dell) Even then, we could usually make it happen by calling in. Other than that, even OEM copies of the software reactivated properly. I believe you were given three reactivations before you'd have to call. I never buy retail anything if I don't have to.

QFT
I've already gone several hw uprades i.e. cpu, mobo, g/c with my x64 OEM.
At least in a couple of occasions it asks me to reactivate my x64 via internet connection w/o a problem.

 

[Cardio]

Agree with Videpho. I called and asked MS and was told policy same as XP. Major change and you have to reactivate, just call in or on line, same as before. I have an OEM Vista premium and changed MB yesterday and it reactivated on line in 10 seconds.

 

[BIGFOOTPI]

Originally posted by: videopho
I've got the same email from MC tonight as well.
The pricing is absolutely drooling... especially the price of the home Vista Premium 64 is half of what I've seen in the amazon.com site deal.
Is it too good to be true? Or am I missing something?

thats for a 3pack ya goober- lol

 

[erwos]

As long as support isn't draconian about re-activating (eg, they'll hold their tongues for a couple reactivations), I really don't care at all about it. I don't swap motherboards very often.

My only serious beef is that Vista Ultimate OEM apparently doesn't support "get 2 Home Premium licenses for $50 each!".

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: woofersus
I don't believe for a second that MS will be enforcing some kind of "no hardware changes" policy on OEM versions of Vista. You just have to reactivate when there is a significant hardware change. That way they could catch abusers. Imagine if you bought all new hardware and vista, and right after you installed it, things get wacky, and after some testing you realize that your brand new motherboard is bad. Do you have to buy another copy of windows? Not a chance. The lawsuits would be fast and furious. Don't expect anything other then exactly how XP was handled for OEM. I worked for a system builder/repair shop for a few years, and the only time we had issues with hardware changes was with special liscensing situations. (i.e. systems from OEMs like HP or Dell) Even then, we could usually make it happen by calling in. Other than that, even OEM copies of the software reactivated properly. I believe you were given three reactivations before you'd have to call. I never buy retail anything if I don't have to.

Exactly. I have never had a problem re-activating my OEM copies no matter what I changed. All I had to do was call them and tell them I made hardware changes and get my new key.

 

[Elixer]

Ok, don't believe me.


Here it is from MS's web site:

The OEM license for the Windows desktop PC operating system is ?tied? to the device on which software is first installed. Accordingly, customers may not transfer the OEM license to a third party without that device. As long as the license and device remain together, there is no limit to the number of times they may be transferred.

The OEM license for the Windows operating system for desktop PCs is ?tied? to the device on which it is preinstalled. Accordingly, customers may not reassign it to a different device.


http://download.microsoft.com/download/...8ff-4b60-b726-6d91f81d3fa7/os_reqs.doc

It is "tied" to the motherboard.

This also applies if you do a retail ->Anytime upgrade, then it makes your retail product a OEM product.

 

[woofersus]

Tied to the device doesn't mean you can't upgrade or repair the device. XP was the same way. OEM can't be uninstalled from one computer and installed on another TECHNICALLY. However, they can't stop somebody from upgrading their computer, as in the scenario I mentioned earlier, what if your hardware breaks after a week? They can't make you buy a new copy of windows because of that. In my experience, you have to reactivate after replacing either a motherboard or a hard drive for the most part, unless they are identical to the old part. How can MS tell whether you've installed a new mobo or you've sold you're copy to somebody else and they're trying to activate it on a different computer? They can't. That's why they can't very well enforce that policy. After a couple of reactivations you have to call, and if you answer their "why" question with "I bought this from a buddy cuz he upgraded to ultimate," they'll say "hell no you can't activate this." The blurbs on the website are specifically related to reassignment of of the license and volume licensing. XP requirements for OEM's were the same. The reason they disabled online reactivation for HP and Dell was because people were abusing this. Now you have to call. I guess I don't have proof positive until somebody gets an OEM copy of vista running then upgrades their mobo, but I'd be absolutely shocked if you couldn't change out your hardware without buying a new copy.

 

[woofersus]

Hell, even office 2000's eula said you could only install it like 3 times before it wouldn't work anymore, and it turned out you there was no mechanism for enforcement whatsoever. Activation hadn't been introduced yet for MS products.

 

[Dasterdly]

I ordered the Ultimate 64 bit edition and got a confirmation and immediatly after that I was sent a backorder notice.
I called in and canceled, what a waste of time. All I can say is, Microcenter sucks and i wont be doing business with them in the future.

 

[Elixer]

Originally posted by: woofersus
Tied to the device doesn't mean you can't upgrade or repair the device. XP was the same way. OEM can't be uninstalled from one computer and installed on another TECHNICALLY. However, they can't stop somebody from upgrading their computer, as in the scenario I mentioned earlier, what if your hardware breaks after a week? They can't make you buy a new copy of windows because of that. In my experience, you have to reactivate after replacing either a motherboard or a hard drive for the most part, unless they are identical to the old part. How can MS tell whether you've installed a new mobo or you've sold you're copy to somebody else and they're trying to activate it on a different computer? They can't. That's why they can't very well enforce that policy. After a couple of reactivations you have to call, and if you answer their "why" question with "I bought this from a buddy cuz he upgraded to ultimate," they'll say "hell no you can't activate this." The blurbs on the website are specifically related to reassignment of of the license and volume licensing. XP requirements for OEM's were the same. The reason they disabled online reactivation for HP and Dell was because people were abusing this. Now you have to call. I guess I don't have proof positive until somebody gets an OEM copy of vista running then upgrades their mobo, but I'd be absolutely shocked if you couldn't change out your hardware without buying a new copy.

It is EASY to tell if you have a new motherboard. All they do is get the unique info for your board, and everything you have installed, then they produce a hash key. Then when you go activate, the hash key is tied to your account.
Now when you change motherboards, a big chunk of your key is change, and Vista sees this, and on reactivation, it will do something.
While the part I quote says it is "tied", it will be up to MS when you call in and tell them what went on. They can be as draconian as they want, as you said, we will not know 100% what they will do until someone trys it.

 

[RedShirt]

I'm thinking about jumping on this, but trying to justify it. What does Vista do better than XP, besides the Aero stuff? All the articles I read state features that XP can do with addons. Or perhaps that is why people like it, because you don't need to install a couple dozen addons?

 

[Elixer]

Originally posted by: RedShirt
I'm thinking about jumping on this, but trying to justify it. What does Vista do better than XP, besides the Aero stuff? All the articles I read state features that XP can do with addons. Or perhaps that is why people like it, because you don't need to install a couple dozen addons?

You would be better off waiting then. Vista looks a bit better, but you also pay a price for the eye candy, and they also throw in DRM into the mix.

There is no reason at all to get vista at this stage of the game, unless you want DX 10, and have a DX 10 card. The other stuff that vista offers is more of "ho-hum" features, besides the eye candy shell.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Windows_Vista_Ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html
"The bottom line: Windows Vista is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use."

That about says it all.