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Windows Vista OEM vs Retail versions

I am looking to install Windows Vista onto a bootcamp partition. Should I purchase a OEM version of the operating system, or the retail version? I am looking to upgrade Vista to Windows 7, but I am able to purchase the upgrade version of Windows 7. Which tells me that I need some sort of operating system first to upgrade from.

What is the differences between the OEM version and the Retail version beside price? For instance, if I were ever to delete my windows partition, would I be able to reinstall vista, then windows 7 using either the OEM or retail version of Vista? Also, would I be able to use the same OEM or retail version on a different computer and different partition?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Nov 19, 2009 1:03 PM

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4 replies

Nov 19, 2009 2:05 PM in response to hyster

Depends on what you mean by an OEM version. OEM versions typically are discs that came with a particular computer model and are now being sold off separately by some third-party. In most cases these discs will not work for you. Hence the need to buy a standard retail copy.

OEM discs may also not be accepted for activation by MS after installation. MS' activation site will nag you about using an illegal copy. Eventually it will boot into black background screen and not allow you to perform any kind of upgrades.

Windows Vista OEM vs Retail versions

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