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.

Similar Messages

Windows 7 OEM Version possible?

Hi
I consider installing boot camp on my MacBook Pro. I'm looking at Windows 7 and wonder whether I can use the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OEM Version.
Tks a lot!

If you get the OEM version make sure it's labeled as the "System Builder OEM". Since the regular OEM version is reserved for computer makers such as dell, hp, and others. The system builder version is also offered at a discounted price. Anyway, please be aware that the Windows 7 System Builder OEM version, does not include Microsoft Phone Support since Microsoft, states that a system builder must provide its own tech support, since the equipment was made by the system builder. Additionally, Microsoft changed the terms and conditions of the EULA and now clearly states that the Windows 7 System Builder's OEM version is meant for individuals who build computers and sell them, so there might be a few activation issues or license key removals if any.
Hope this helps, if you want to be in the safe side just buy the full Windows 7 retail version.

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.

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.

OEM Pro, then upgrade or install Full Retail Ultimate 7 directly. W530.

Hi. I've calmed down a bit after the excitement of my first computer upgrade in a few years (went from T61p to W530). Pretty happy with the W530. In fact, very happy. Wish Lenovo would have as much published info about the W530 as was offered for the T61p. I think that info enhances the value of Lenovo's user's experience. Makes Lenovo a better value proposition. Anyway...
I have the (legitmate) OEM Windows 7/64 Pro recovery disks for my W530. I want Ultimate (because of Bitlocker, and a few other features that are nice). I have the UItimate Install disks (w/ legitimate key), but they arent' Lenovo OEM disks. Ideally, I'd install the OEM version (which has all the drivers installed) of Pro, then would use the Ultimate disks to upgrade. If that works, that's what I'll do. Alternately, I could just load Ultimate directly, then load update manager 5, and update my drivers and such.
The question is: is it ok (or even better) to load Ultimate directly, without the Lenovo OEM stuff? Pluses, minuses?
If I can't use the full version key of ultimate to do an upgrade, I guess I can troll eBay for an upgrade key. Can OEM versions be upgraded?
If it matters, the install is going onto a Samsung 850 Pro 500Gb SSD.
Thanks!
Two W530s, i7-3820QM, 2.7Ghz, 500Gb Samsung 850 Pro, 1920x1080, nVidia K2000m/100m, Win 7 Pro
T510, M540, 2.53Ghz, 1Tb hybrid drive, Win 7 Pro
Two T61ps, T9500/T9300, 2.6GHz, 8Gb RAM, 256Gb Samsung 840 Evo, 1900x1200, nVidia 256Mb FX 570m, Win 7 Pro/Ultimate
Solved!
Go to Solution.

If you're not going to use the Lenovo-provided 3rd-party software products (which mostly are lite or trial versions that you need to pay for anyway if you really want to use them fully-featured), or if you already have your own collection of 3rd-party products (both free and non-free) that you would be installing after-the-fact and using anyway on your new W530 no matter how you got whichever Windows version installed (and thus you'd probably be UNINSTALLING any "bloatware" from your delivered W530 in any case), just do what you want if you have a retail Ultimate and you want to use it.
As a 2-year owner of a W530 (243852U, Win7 Pro x64, K1000M, 8GB memory) who 1 year ago replaced the original 500GB spinner with a 512GB Samsung 840 Pro and reinstalled "from scratch" using a retail Windows Pro x64 installation DVD rather than even considering using Lenovo's recovery media (which I never even kept in the first place!), my own feeling is that creating a "pure" self-installed Windows is amost always the way to start if you have a day or two... assuming you have a retail Windows installation DVD and your own collection of 3rd-party software products which characterize any machine setup that you build.
I already maintain my own manually maintained collection of latest up-to-date drivers and Lenovo system products for the W530, as I am periodically checking for any recent updates on their W530 driver download site and maintain my own local folder of all of these installer files anyway so using them all if I had to start over from scratch is not an issue. Actually, I also use more recent versions of drivers from Intel and nVidia than Lenovo provides.
In actuality, the ONLY piece of Lenovo-provided software I have SOMETIMES used is System Update installed on my machine. This is actually a theoretically automated and accurate way of getting all latest drivers and other software needed by your own particular machine which have not already been obtained through standard Windows Updates anyway. But in my experience the database referenced by System Update is not always up-to-date, and often lags somewhat from the actual W530 download site.
Bottom line: I could have my W530 totally devoid of ANY Lenovo-provided system utilities and it would not affect me, but then that's just me. I certainly have not used ANY of the Lenovo-provided 3rd-party software products, as I have my own collection of fully-licensed products that mostly all get installed onto all of my machines (desktop or laptop).
Bottom bottom line: swapping a hard drive spinner for an SSD doesn't normally justify reinstalling Windows. There's no licensing reason to reinstall (i.e. a new hard drive/SSD is an allowable upgrade to continue using the same instlaled Windows with the same license key). So you can just use one of many products to "clone" your existing partition(s) to your new drive (e.g. Macrium Reflect, Minitool Partition Wizard, even the Samsung-provided cloninig software, etc.). Or, if both drives aren't available simultaneously you can just do a 2-step equivalent, by taking a "system image backup" of the existing environment out to an external USB 3.0 backup drive, then swap internal drives, and then do a "system image restore" from the external backup drive to the newly installed internal hard drive. Of course if you really wanted a new version of Windows (e.g. Ultimate, in your case), then a reinstall from scratch is the course you must take since I don't think OEM licenses for a given Windows can be upgraded (but I may be wrong).
NOTE 1: even if you were to just clone your current spinner-based Windows onto the SSD, avoiding the Ultimate install for now, you'd still want to run Samsung Magician to "optimize/tweak" Windows for SSD performance since it had originally been installed as intended for spinner performance. There are some additional tweaks you should probably look at to get the most out of SSD. And Samsung Magician provides (a) rapid mode, and (b) over-provisioning, for still more SSD performance.
NOTE 2: Lenovo also provides a "driver grabber/updater" set of utilities for System Admins, which is like System Update but more under your control and is intended to maintain a folder of drivers/utilities (exactly as I do myself manually, without any assistance from the Lenovo software). But again, it's based on the same database that System Update works off of, so even it can lag behind what's actually available directly on the Lenovo W530 driver download site.
Sorry if this is providing unnecessary information to you. But I've gone through several such spinner->SSD upgrades, or in the case of several M93p desktop machine configurations for friends and family, have ADD'ed an SSD as a second drive (to become the primary boot/system drive), retaining the original Lenovo-provided spinner but repurposing it to become a secondary data drive.
In the case of these M93p situations, I opted to "quickly and easily just clone" the existing Lenovo installed Win7 from spinner to SSD, and avoid having to reinstall Windows from scratch onto the SSD (also avoiding Windows and driver updates, reinstall of 3rd-party software and Windows customizations, etc.). In the case of my own W530, I instead opted to reinstall from scratch onto the newly installed SSD, using the opportunity of the hardware upgrade to truly "build my own Windows" and not have any leftover pieces from Lenovo other than what I chose to manually reinstall myself.

Can i load an oem version of windows on my macbook pro?

Is there any prohibition from using an OEM version of Windows OS to run on Parallels instead of a full retail version, for installation on my Macbook Pro?

There is one OEM type verison that system builders use, that can be used to install on a Mac via Parallels, VMFusion or the free VirtualBox.
The one from your old Dell or Compaq type PC that came with the machine isn't it, that's a vendor specific OEM version.
Of course the retail disks work too.

HT5639 Can Iinstall an OEM version of windows 8

Is it possible to install an OEM version of Windows 8 on my new iMac 21" using bootcamp? I have been unable to find a full retail version. Similarly only OEM versions of windows 7 seem to be available.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
If you are referring to System Builder versions, you can use it. Moreover, you must use it if you haven't got Windows 7 installed in your Mac.
To install Windows in your computer, follow these steps > http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/boot_camp_install-setup_10.8.pdf

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.

OEM Version of Windows 7

So I'm purchasing Windows 7 64-Bit OEM version. I had a pervious thread, but it was getting lost and off topic so I am starting over. I hate to be a pain. Just please answer yes, or no. Can I run the OEM version of Windows 7 64-Bit on BootCamp 4.0 on Lion? If anyone has done this please post here. Thanks for everyone's great help!

No.
You need to validate with Lord Redmond in order to get security and other updates, thus information about your machine is sent to them.
They will know your running a OEM version (if you manage to get it to install in the first place) and likely cut you off after 30 days.
Buy the retail version of Windows
Windows in BootCamp or Virtual Machine?

Bought SSD Separately, am I able to install the OEM version of Windows onto it?

Hi,
I have a new HP Envy Desktop and I bought an SSD seperately which I will be installing soon. I want to install my OS onto it, as I will primarily be using it for gaming. There are no documents I need to back up as the computer is brand new.
Just wondering if someone can clarify the process of me installing the OS which comes with the computer onto the SSD. Am I able to install it through the recovery partition, or do I need to make a bootable disk etc?
Also, will there be any issues with it being an OEM version of Windows as opposed to retail?
Many Thanks

The easiest method to achieve this is to use the Migration Tool available from your SSD manufacturer, don't forget to back up your personal data.
This site also shows how to do it::
http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows
Please mark my post as SOLVED if it has resolved your problem. It helps others with similar situations.

Can I install an OEM version of Windows 7 on my Mac?

I am completely unfamiliar with windows terminology. I ordered a copy of Windows 7 64-bit and when it came it said OEM on it and had all these warnings that it had to be preinstalled on a computer and I assumed it was like the software that comes with a Mac that you can only install on that one machine. I returned it unopened because I was afraid it wouldn't work. Since then I've read on these boards that OEM is a system builder, and it's cheaper, which is why I got it, and can only be used on one machine. But it sounds like I could install it on one Mac. I don't really care about installing it on more than one machine. So my question is, is that correct? can I install an OEM version of Windows 7 on one Mac? I wanted to check, because although it's cheaper, it's still almost $100 and I didn't want to waste that if I opened it and it didn't work. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I plan to use parallels by the way, but I am posting on this board because it was suggested that you folks know the most about windows.

Answered here https://discussions.apple.com/message/21400262#21400262

Can I use an OEM version of windows for bootcamp?

Is windows 7 professional 64-bit (OEM) okay for bootcamp?

"Retail OEM" conflates the two different types of operating systems available for purchase. The proper term for a standalone, non-branded (ie Dell, Asus, etc) Windows disc is System Builder.
This is what you'd want to purchase, and it will work just fine for Boot Camp.
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=sr_ 1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357349576&sr=8-2&keywords=windows+7+oem

Windows XP Home OEM version - help!

I've got XP Home (OEM) installed on my MacBook and it works great. However, I think it would be smarter to put it on my stupid PC (which runs slooooowly) and put XP Pro on my MacBook. If I erase my XP Home partition, will I be able to install XP Home on the PC, or will it refuse to take that serial number because I've already installed it on my MacBook?
I know nothing about Windows (I don't even know what OEM means) but I've heard that OEM versions are trickier and pickier than the "regular" versions of Windows.
Thanks in advance!

laurie1020 wrote:
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
I have read (and been told) that OEM versions of Windows are for use on only one machine. You would have to purchase a separate disc for each install that you perform on a unique machine.
Good grief. The thing is, I only want to put it on one machine; I'm going to take it off this MacBook and put it on the PC. I'm only going to have it on one machine! Do you think if I called Microsoft they'd release the SN for installation on that other computer?
I got that PC from my Mom and it's really old. It was built to run Windows ME, but I'm forcing it to run XP Pro and it really doesn't like it. I think I'd do better to have Home on that PC and XP Pro on my MacBook. The XP Pro disk has a blanket installation SN for install on as many machines as you want (it's a perfectly legal copy; I bought it from my former place of employment for a song - it was an unbelievably great deal).
So, long story short (I know, too late!) can this be done?
Thanks!

Is Windows 7 64bit OEM version installable via Boot camp?

I just bought an iMAC with a 27in display. It has a 3.4 GHz i7 processor and runs Apple Lion 10.7.2 OS. Over a year ago I bought an OEM version of Windows 7 called WIN PRO 7 64-BIT english version to install in a AMD processor PC I was assembling. I never used it and never opend the box. According to the written conditions on the box, it must be preinstalled on the hard drive using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). My question is:
Will this version of Windows 7 install properly using the Apple Bootcamp process software? Will it be able to run in the Bootcamp setup hard drive partition set aside for Windows use?
I am cautious by nature and I don't want to do anything dumb. I remember Ginzburgs corallary to Murphy's Law. Murphy was nothing but a dammned optimist!
Many thanks ......K6JPJ

Rather than asking in the Windows Compatibility forum you should try asking in the Boot Camp forum where Windows Versions and Boot Camp are frequently discussed. https://discussions.apple.com/community/windows_software/boot_camp

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

Windows XP -- full retail or OEM version?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for