Vista - Using OEM versions of Vista

I'm an experienced Windows user who wants to get a Vista system as cheaply
as possible. I've never had to contact Microsoft for help with problems for
any prior versions of windows back to W3.1, so I think purchasing an OEM
version of Vista is a reasonable way to go. Online forums provide all the
help I need.

I've tried to understand the requirements printed on OEM 1-packs, which says
something like: " ... must be preinstalled on the hard drive of the fully
assembled computer system, using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK)." It
gives the Microsoft URL of the system builder program; the rules there
indicate to me that anyone can qualify to be a system builder. It also
indicates that a major feature of the OPK is its ability to 'brand' the
system, I'm assuming to make the end user more dependent on the system
builder so that more money can be extracted from the end user.

What I haven't found are words that clearly state whether the end user can
use the DVD in the OEM 1-pack to do a clean install of Vista on that
computer at a later date, without the need for any 'preinstallation'
nonsense.

I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.

-Paul Randall

You do not have to use an OPK.
Insert DVD, boot, start installation, enter Product ID when prompted to do
so.

--
Maxwell Bluemeanie
----
"Paul Randall" <paulr90@aol.com> wrote in message
news:eDdpqgqrHHA.1200@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> What I haven't found are words that clearly state whether the end user can
> use the DVD in the OEM 1-pack to do a clean install of Vista on that
> computer at a later date, without the need for any 'preinstallation'
> nonsense.
>
> I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.

I installed Ultimate 64-bit OEM withouth using the OPK. You don't need it.
But, as you probably realize, OEM is tied to a specific machine, probably
the motherboard. So, all future reinstallations have to be to that machine.
At least that's the rule. There are people on this forum who say they've
gotten around that.

And if you're not aware already, I found that New Egg had the best price at
the time for OEM Vista versions (around February). That may have changed.

Hope I've answerwed your questions. If not, ask again.



"Paul Randall" <paulr90@aol.com> wrote in message
news:eDdpqgqrHHA.1200@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> I'm an experienced Windows user who wants to get a Vista system as cheaply
> as possible. I've never had to contact Microsoft for help with problems
> for any prior versions of windows back to W3.1, so I think purchasing an
> OEM version of Vista is a reasonable way to go. Online forums provide all
> the help I need.
>
> I've tried to understand the requirements printed on OEM 1-packs, which
> says something like: " ... must be preinstalled on the hard drive of the
> fully assembled computer system, using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK)."
> It gives the Microsoft URL of the system builder program; the rules there
> indicate to me that anyone can qualify to be a system builder. It also
> indicates that a major feature of the OPK is its ability to 'brand' the
> system, I'm assuming to make the end user more dependent on the system
> builder so that more money can be extracted from the end user.
>
> What I haven't found are words that clearly state whether the end user can
> use the DVD in the OEM 1-pack to do a clean install of Vista on that
> computer at a later date, without the need for any 'preinstallation'
> nonsense.
>
> I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.
>
> -Paul Randall
>
>

Yes, OEM versions are only available preinstalled on a new computer when you
purchase it, but the OEM pack is not included with a new computer. It's used
by the people at Dell or Gateway, etc., when they build the computer, then
it's up to them whether or not they include a full install version. Many
only include a customized restore disk to get your computer back to how they
manufactured it, including whatever AntiVirus they added, optional software
like Instant Messengers or additional games, and their logo all over it.
Also, OEM's can only be Activated on the original computer, not a
replacement if it breaks down. If you might someday buy another computer and
want to install your purchased copy of Vista on it without buying another
one, Full Retail Versions can be uninstalled and then installed over and
over again, as long as you only have it activated on one computer at a time.

KB

"Paul Randall" wrote in message
news:eDdpqgqrHHA.1200@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> I'm an experienced Windows user who wants to get a Vista system as cheaply
> as possible. I've never had to contact Microsoft for help with problems
> for any prior versions of windows back to W3.1, so I think purchasing an
> OEM version of Vista is a reasonable way to go. Online forums provide all
> the help I need.
>
> I've tried to understand the requirements printed on OEM 1-packs, which
> says something like: " ... must be preinstalled on the hard drive of the
> fully assembled computer system, using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK)."
> It gives the Microsoft URL of the system builder program; the rules there
> indicate to me that anyone can qualify to be a system builder. It also
> indicates that a major feature of the OPK is its ability to 'brand' the
> system, I'm assuming to make the end user more dependent on the system
> builder so that more money can be extracted from the end user.
>
> What I haven't found are words that clearly state whether the end user can
> use the DVD in the OEM 1-pack to do a clean install of Vista on that
> computer at a later date, without the need for any 'preinstallation'
> nonsense.
>
> I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.
>
> -Paul Randall
>
>

You can use the OEM DVD to do a clean install at any time. I have the
Home Premium OEM version and had no problems whatsoever doing a clean
install.


--
SeriousShave
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=765983

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Paul

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/licensin...fault.mspx#EMC

OEM Licences are intended for the situations where the Original
Equipment Manufacturer assemblies and sells on an assembled computer to
an end-user. They are not intended for a DIY enthusiast. Some OEM copies
install without requiring an OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). The
situation changes periodically as Microsoft seeks to restrict the
pirating of software.

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Paul Randall" <paulr90@aol.com> wrote in message
news:eDdpqgqrHHA.1200@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> I'm an experienced Windows user who wants to get a Vista system as
> cheaply as possible. I've never had to contact Microsoft for help
> with problems for any prior versions of windows back to W3.1, so I
> think purchasing an OEM version of Vista is a reasonable way to go.
> Online forums provide all the help I need.
>
> I've tried to understand the requirements printed on OEM 1-packs,
> which says something like: " ... must be preinstalled on the hard
> drive of the fully assembled computer system, using the OEM
> Preinstallation Kit (OPK)." It gives the Microsoft URL of the system
> builder program; the rules there indicate to me that anyone can
> qualify to be a system builder. It also indicates that a major
> feature of the OPK is its ability to 'brand' the system, I'm assuming
> to make the end user more dependent on the system builder so that more
> money can be extracted from the end user.
>
> What I haven't found are words that clearly state whether the end user
> can use the DVD in the OEM 1-pack to do a clean install of Vista on
> that computer at a later date, without the need for any
> 'preinstallation' nonsense.
>
> I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.
>
> -Paul Randall
>
>

"Paul Randall" <paulr90@aol.com> wrote in message
news:eDdpqgqrHHA.1200@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> I'm an experienced Windows user who wants to get a Vista system as cheaply
> as possible. I've never had to contact Microsoft for help with problems
> for any prior versions of windows back to W3.1, so I think purchasing an
> OEM version of Vista is a reasonable way to go. Online forums provide all
> the help I need.
>
> I've tried to understand the requirements printed on OEM 1-packs, which
> says something like: " ... must be preinstalled on the hard drive of the
> fully assembled computer system, using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK)."
> It gives the Microsoft URL of the system builder program; the rules there
> indicate to me that anyone can qualify to be a system builder. It also
> indicates that a major feature of the OPK is its ability to 'brand' the
> system, I'm assuming to make the end user more dependent on the system
> builder so that more money can be extracted from the end user.
>
> What I haven't found are words that clearly state whether the end user can
> use the DVD in the OEM 1-pack to do a clean install of Vista on that
> computer at a later date, without the need for any 'preinstallation'
> nonsense.
>
> I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.
>
> -Paul Randall
>
>


The weird and wonderful thing about the OEM world is that the system builder
adheres to the system builder terms whereas the one who acquires the system
adheres to Vista's EULA. *Sometimes they are the one and the same person* ..
which makes you both the system builder AND the end user.

So quite fussing over the over-complicated - it - takes - a - lawyer words
and get yourself an OEM copy and install it clean on the computer. With OEM
you don't get the 90 days warranty: if you want that then get the full
retail .. if not, then install yourself the OEM.

Saucy

"Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:%236LmqKrrHHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Paul
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/uk/licensin...fault.mspx#EMC
>
> OEM Licences are intended for the situations where the Original Equipment
> Manufacturer assemblies and sells on an assembled computer to an end-user.
> They are not intended for a DIY enthusiast.

I don't have time to look for the page (maybe someone else will come up with
it) but MS issued an edict earlier this year basically saying it's OK for
individual users to use the OEM version as long as they realized there was
no free tech support for it. Or something like that.
If no one else posts the link, I'll come up with it eventually, though it
might be a couple of days.

Hi Paul, I'm using a 5 yo Packard Bell, CPU 2Ghz, I gig Ram, 128 MBs
Graphics, with Vista Home Premium. Works like a dream!

I purchased an OEM DVD. Too easy!

OPK is not needed for a single install; that is used on an assembly line!
Don't bother updating Bios

One thing, when you are installing Vista, leave the "Admin" and "Admin
Password" part blank which occurs in the middle of an install. You know the
routine.


"Paul Randall" wrote:

> I'm an experienced Windows user who wants to get a Vista system as cheaply
> as possible. I've never had to contact Microsoft for help with problems for
> any prior versions of windows back to W3.1, so I think purchasing an OEM
> version of Vista is a reasonable way to go. Online forums provide all the
> help I need.
>
> I've tried to understand the requirements printed on OEM 1-packs, which says
> something like: " ... must be preinstalled on the hard drive of the fully
> assembled computer system, using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK)." It
> gives the Microsoft URL of the system builder program; the rules there
> indicate to me that anyone can qualify to be a system builder. It also
> indicates that a major feature of the OPK is its ability to 'brand' the
> system, I'm assuming to make the end user more dependent on the system
> builder so that more money can be extracted from the end user.
>
> What I haven't found are words that clearly state whether the end user can
> use the DVD in the OEM 1-pack to do a clean install of Vista on that
> computer at a later date, without the need for any 'preinstallation'
> nonsense.
>
> I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.
>
> -Paul Randall
>
>
>

DP

These are very murky waters. What is the official view of Microsoft on
what can be a very thorny issue and what they choose to enforce are not
always the same. For many the free tech support is of little value but
others can find it invaluable. The provision / non-provision of support
is different for generic OEM and retail copies. Notwithstanding I feel
that self build users are expected to use retail copies but Microsoft do
not feel able to put the resources which would needed to enforce their
intentions. If you can dig out documentary evidence to demonstrate my
view is wrong then please do.

--
Regards.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



"DP" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:eVgKjrsrHHA.2384@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>
> "Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:%236LmqKrrHHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Paul
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/uk/licensin...fault.mspx#EMC
>>
>> OEM Licences are intended for the situations where the Original
>> Equipment Manufacturer assemblies and sells on an assembled computer
>> to an end-user. They are not intended for a DIY enthusiast.
>
> I don't have time to look for the page (maybe someone else will come
> up with it) but MS issued an edict earlier this year basically saying
> it's OK for individual users to use the OEM version as long as they
> realized there was no free tech support for it. Or something like
> that.
> If no one else posts the link, I'll come up with it eventually, though
> it might be a couple of days.
>
>