Win 7: OEM vs. full retail versions

Hi, just wondering... exactly what's the difference between installing Windows 7 OEM version and the non-OEM, full retail version on a Bootcamp partition? The OEM version's cheaper and I'm sure it may have fewer features or possible compatibility issues, but I've never heard a definitive comparison.

This has been asked many times in this forum. There is a search box upper right of this page to search the forums. Also, it is easier to search Google than retype the results here.
http://www.google.com/search?btnG=1&pws=0&q=windowsoem+vsretail
Basically, there are two OEM versions. One intended for use by computer builders where an OS has not been previously installed, and one for computer manufacturers. The manufacturer's version is typically modified to only contain the specific drivers etc. required by that manufacturer's hardware. Retail versions contain the full OS and can be installed on any supporting hardware.

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WIN XP PRO compatibility - retail OEM (not restore OEM) VS full retail box?

I was under the impression that Boot Camp will only allow installation of Windows XP Pro 32 bits RETAIL, that is the full install copy purchase in store and not an OEM copy.
Then, I realised there is confusion between:
-OEM from a retailer to go in a custom PC
-OEM used to restore a DELL, HP, or other purchase computer
I fund two different Windows XP Pro 32 bits that are 150$ difference:
OEM from online store (just the CD) such as,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=25718 30&CatId=672
vs
RETAIL version (full boxe) such as,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=11049 19&CatId=672
Please clarify if you can.

Brun:
Please click [HERE|http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116511] and you will see that it is an OEM version however cheaper than the links you proposed.
You right. OEM Installations will work as long as the user understands that the license (once activated) will only work on the first computer that it is installed and is not transferable. The link above is an example of this. These installations disks are bought directly and do not accompany any computers.
The other OEM version is the version that come with branded disks such as DELL and HP etc. This will not work and will almost always fail installation.
Then there is the FULL retail version where the license is transferabe from one computer to another as long as it is only used on one machine at a time.
Axel F.

I have a MacBook Pro Late 2011 and I'm wondering if I install Windows 7 Ultimate to this MacBook Pro with this Full Retail Version. And if so, which bit to use either 32-bit or 64-bit since I have both disks.

I have a MacBook Pro Late 2011 and I'm wondering if I install Windows 7 Ultimate to this MacBook Pro with this Full Retail Version. And if so, which bit to use either 32-bit or 64-bit since I have both disks.

64 bit.
32 bit won't use all your computer's ram.
64 bit allows you to run 32 bit programs
Your computer is 64 bit
New programs use 64 bit.
There is no reason to use the 32 bit version of Windows.

Help with installation of OS X 10.4.6 Full retail version (new)

First, you can still purchase Tiger from Apple (I just did), but not Panther.
I have a G4 Cube, 450 MHz, 384MB memory, 40 GB harddrive
On the hard drive I have OS 9.2.2 and OS 10.1
I don't use the 10.1 and never have so it has not been upgraded at all. I seem to remember that I did try to do some updates but they always failed, or I just couldn't for some reason. It just wouldn't download them. So I stopped trying as I didn't use it anyway. But now I want to install OS 10.4.6 and use that so I can use a current browser.
Apple says what the system I have will run it.
I see by the installation instructions I cannot do an up-grade installation as I do not have OS 10.2. It says I can do a installation and archive the old 10.1 but I don't really need to do that as there is nothing in it I want to keep. I do want to keep OS 9.2.2 as all the files I need are in it.
I don't think I want to do a clean install (as I don't have a way to back up files except for a flash drive), or do I?
I need some advice!

Your only choice is to do the Archive & Install, you can later get rid of the 10.1 install because it'll be in a folder called Previous Systems.
Other wise the whole HD gets wiped pretty much.
Hopefully you have a Backup of your OS9/important stuff.

Installing Full Retail Win 8 Pro on a Lenovo System supplied with Win 8 Standard/Core

If you are attempting to install a full retail (or similar) copy of Win 8 Pro on Lenovo system that came with standard Win 8 (also referred to as Win 8 Core) installed from the factory, you will run into an issue at install time.
By MS design default , full Win 8 Pro retail (etc) versions look for a key embedded in the BIOS (often referred to as an OA3 or OA3.0 key). If that key does not match the version of Win 8 you are trying to install, the install will fail without offering the option of entering the retail key that was supplied with your full retail (etc) Win 8 Pro.
Microsoft has issued a "FAST PUBLISH" support article on how to work around this design approach. See
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2796988
Note that this workaround requires the creating and placing of a PID.txt file by methods which are not entirely described in the support article, so be prepared to do some more digging for all the relevant information.
Cheers,
Bill
I don't work for Lenovo

Hi,
I have a Lenovo H520g essential desktop, which came with Windows 8 SL pre-installed. I bought my Lenovo on August 8 2013 and as of the November 2013 the machine was updated to Windows 8.1 Single Language.
Today, April 14th 2014, I bought Windows 8.1 Pro on a full retail DVD from a local physical Microsoft reseller. I have successfully installed Windows 8.1 Pro on my H520g. The installation run smooothly, no problems at all.
The steps I took were as follows:
1) Checked the UEFI BIOS to see if the DVD drive were included on the boot list and set it as the first boot device.
2) Booted the computer with the Windows 8.1 pro DVD on the optical drive.
3) Entered the Windows 8.1 License Key that came on the retail DVD.
4) Erased all partitions from the HDD were Windows 8.1 SL were installed.
5) Proceeded normally with the installation
Yesterday I made a phone call to the Microsoft support and they assured me that on all computers that come with Windows 8 SL pre-installed, it is possible to install Windows 8.1 Pro. The conditions are: 1) you must install the full retail version of Windows 8.1 Pro, not the OEM version; 2) you must do a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro, not the install that preserves files and applications.
Cheers,
PauloBR

OEM vs. Retail: On-demand de-activation?

The differences, as I understand it, are that OEM versions are, once installed, locked to a specific machine. Also, there's no phone support (no big deal). And you have to buy a specific 32- or 64-bit version. (not a big deal for me either)
On the other hand, the full retail has both 32- and 64-bit on the same disc. You get some tech support. AND... this is the biggest difference for me me: Even though you can only install it one machine at a time, you can de-activate it on one machine and activate it on another any number of times. I'm using Boot Camp so there's a strong possibility I might decide to change the partition size, add hardware, switch to 32-bit, or want to use another computer entirely -- all things that would cause the OEM version to invalidate my single activation.
Before I spend the cash and break that very expensive seal, I just wanted to verify with you geniuses that this is indeed the situation.
Does the full retail version allow on-demand activation and de-activation?? I've just never seen or heard of a Windows "De-Activator" before.

Hi,
here a re some informations about the WIndows activation process http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WindowsProductActivation
In essence, when you activate a second Windows installation the first Windows installation becomes unuseable.
It's not like a 'switch' with which you can turn-on/off a Windows installation to your liking.
Changing partition sizes and some hardware parts does not require a reactivation of Windows.
Only if significant hardware changes occured (logic board, processor, etc.) a reactivation is neccessary.
Regards
Stefan

Purchased full retail Logic Pro 8; can't get rid of academic serial number

I had originally purchased the *Academic version*, entered the serial number, but *aborted the install* without going beyond entering the serial number when I found out from this forum that I would never be able to upgrade the software unless I paid the extra $50 now for the Full Retail version.
I *bought the full retail version* $499 (returning the not-installed academic program $449,) proceeded with the >4 hour install, only to find that *I cannot update the serial number* to the full retail serial number. I tried uninstalling using appzapper, it only deleted 384MB of the 40 GB install, and then it took the same >4 hours to re-install - still with no chance to enter the full retail serial number.
Does anyone know how to update Logic Pro 8's serial number or to do a *re-install that will force me to re-enter the serial number*?
--R

The program is exactly the same, it's only the serial number that you need to dump. So no need to uninstall or reinstall Logic, just leave it as it is. App Zapper won't find the file that contains the serial number, I've checked. Hence your problem.
Very easy fix. Go to Users/YOUR USER/Library/Preferences/Logic. Inside that folder will be 'com.apple.logic.pro' and 'com.apple.logic.pro.cs'. I can't remember which is the serial, but just dump both, start Logic, and it will ask for your serial again. Put it in, and it will create a new one of those with your correct serial. And you're done.
NOTE - Inside the Preferences folder mentioned above, there may be some preference files with the same names, but those aren't the ones you're looking for. You need to look *inside the LOGIC FOLDER that is contained within the Preferences folder mentioned above*. Others have made this mistake.
Good Luck!

Difference Between "Leopard Drop-In" and "Full Retail" disks?

Hello there. I've been running OS X 10.4.11 on my MBP for two years, and I'm interested in upgrading to Leopard. I can't find it in any stores, so that leaves eBay, I guess.
I am wondering what the difference is between the Leopard "Drop-In" install disks and the box that is described as the "Full Retail" version. My guess is that the Drop-In will upgrade Tiger to Leopard 10.5 while keeping all of the same programs, i.e. no updates to anything like iWork or iPhoto, etc; and that the "Full Retail" means Leopard 10.5 plus all the new versions of the programs.
With these disks, would I need to wipe my HD for the install? Would I need to create a backup on my external HD?
Should I wait a little longer until Snow Leopard becomes a little more stable? Is the "Mac Box Set" with Snow Leopard that is available right now the same (except w/Leopard) as the Leopard Full Retail box?
Thank you!
C

Hi CBA713,
Before you consider upgrading, have you confirmed that all of your software will run on Snow Leopard? The OS is relatively new, only about a month. Based on the programs you were running in Tiger (which probably are compatible) they may not run in OS X 10.6
Considering the cost of going to Snow Leopard from Tiger ($169) it might make more sense to try and grab a copy of the Leopard box set (you'll still get iLife & iWork '09) and then upgrade to Snow Leopard at a later time for the $29. Especially if there's some concern over application compatibility.
You can backup your hard drive via a cloning software, there are two free ones that are pretty popular among the discussions.
1.) Carbon Copy Cloner (www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html)
2.) SuperDuper! (http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html)

Buying a full retail install OS X 10.5 for upgrade

Hi all,
I've got a 15" Powerbook G4, currently running Tiger (which I upgraded to; the machine originally came with Panther). I've since lost the install discs, but I'd like to do a full re-install and thought I may as well buy the install discs for Leopard. I've been looking around and they seem quite hard to find. Many of those on eBay ("Full Retail Install DVD") say that they've been used once. Would I be able to use these, or can you only do one install per disk?
Thanks,
Matt.

The SLA for Leopard says that it can only be installed on one Mac at the same time. There is no problem with buying and using a used Leopard DVD, as long as you only install it on one of your Macs. The previous owner should have deleted Leopard from his Mac before parting with the install DVD. But if he didn't, it won't affect your ability to use the DVD according to the permitted terms under the license.
Make sure you get the full retail version. A grey-coloured Leopard System Restore DVD that shipped with a new Mac will only work with the same model it shipped with; it won't work on yours.

My retail version of OSX Leopard is damaged, possible to get replacement?

The subject pretty much sums it up. Before I waste time contacting Apple, will they even replace damaged disks? Or do I have to bite the bullet and buy another full retail version... if I can even find a copy.
Any advice is appreciated.

Before I waste time contacting Apple, will they even replace damaged disks?
Unlikely it would be for free, unless you can prove it was done when they shipped you the disc.
Apple support does still sell by phone Leopard retail.
Some used and refurbished Mac shops do too*:
http://www.macmaps.com/usedrefurbished.html
- * Links to my pages may give me compensation.

Windows XP -- full retail or OEM version?

I want to install Windows XP on an Intel MacBook. Do I need a retail version of XP with service pack 2, or can I use a new, OEM version of XP with service pack 2 that has never been installed on another PC? I can't seem to find a clear answer from previous posts. Many thanks.

I'm new to the mac world and I installed an OEM version of XP sp2 home edition with no problems whatsoever. Just make sure it's the standard OEM version and not bespoke to a pc manufacturer (hp, Dell etc). Lots for sale on ebay at very reasonable prices - at least half the price of the retail version.

Basic question; compatability of Win XP oem version with Parallels on mac

I am very new to this, being a recent win to mac convert so please excuse.
I have ordered a new Imac 24 and I need to use a few of my old windows programs on it. I understand the use of parallel and boot camp.
my question; I would like to purchase the OEM version of Win XP as it is less expensive than the full boxed version.
Will it work on the boot camp and Parallel programs and allow me to boot up win XP on my new mac and use the windows based Dragon Naturally speaking program.???
thanks in advance for your anticipated response.

Yes

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?

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.

Oem vs full version

Are there any restrictions on the full vs. oem versions? I can't seem to find a different user agreement so I'm assuming not but some places are selling oem with only one install and some are 2 installs (more money). I know the full upgrade versions allow you to install on say a work machine and laptop but I'm not sure if the oem allows this also. Can anyone answer if oem can install on two machines also?
Thanks!

Correct, they also cannot be moved to a different computer. Sometimes and OEM version of Acrobat is sold with a scanner. Last year I purchased a Fijitsu Snapscan scanner it came with an OEM version of Acrobat 8, years after Acrobat 9 shipped. In the case of an OEM version with a scanner it can only be used on the computer the scanner is being used with.

Possible to Have the DVD Drive: SHW-160H6S OEM Original Firmware (FW Version: CP81)

Hello,
I have a Compaq Presario SR1850NX desktop computer. It's about 8 years old now but what I want to talk about today is specifically about the DVD Burner that comes included with the desktop.
The model is a Liteon SHW-160H6S OEM drive packaged with the CP81 firmware (OEM firmware, not retail firmware).
A few years ago, I decided to flash the firmware for the sake of updating using the provided firmware available on the HP site which was version CP91. After the seemingly successful flash, my dvd burner would never work properly again. The DVD burner will still turn on and can still open and close the disc tray but won't detect or read the DVD/CDs but is properly detected by the BIOS and by Windows.
I have looked online by myself to figure out how to unbrick my drive after the failed firmware upgrade but with no luck. Now I ask any of you if you may possibly have this working dvd drive which may be like finding a needle in a haystack but still worth asking so I can receive a copy of your working or original firmware. I tried to flash it after the unsucessful flash but it seems like it has no effect.
Retail firmwares won't work since this drive won't accept it. Also...
@HP Customer Service
If you have the original firmware possibly somewhere in your archivces but I won't bet on it, it would be great if you could provide me access to it so I can try to revive my dead DVD drive. Many thanks and I just hope I can get this drive working again someday!
For reference,
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?cc=us&lc=en&product=1843679

Cats869, welcome to the forum.
The only Firmware that is available for the Drive is in the "Drivers" section of the link that you provided.
Please click the "Thumbs up + button" if I have helped you and click "Accept as Solution" if your problem is solved.
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Win 7: OEM vs. full retail versions

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