OEM vs System Builders...

[plasmar]

I'm kinda confused about whether OEM and System Builders OS versions are the same or not. I understand that OEM normally means you get the software/hardward without the manual/screws/cables etc and I think I've read that a System Builders OS version means it's tied to the motherboard and you can only reinstall as long as the mobo is the same. Places like Microcenter push the System Builders versions, but I don't see much about OEM. The opposite is true for Newegg.

so my question is for a Windows OS (Vista or XP), does OEM = System Builders? If I buy an OEM version will it be tied to the mobo it's initially installed with? I've read through most of the posts from

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=298346

but it seems like there are conflicting opinions on what OEM really means and how it functions.


anyone ideas?

[Old Thrashbarg]

The way I understand it (and it isn't really clear, as you've found), is that the OEM System Builder license is sort of a superset of the standard OEM license.

Best way to explain it is to use, say, Dell, as an example. They, the system builder, purchase OEM System Builder licenses and pair them with the machines they build. They then sell the whole machine with an OEM license included, and what you, the consumer, are purchasing is a standard OEM licensed copy of the software which cannot be separated from that machine. The regular OEM license is already associated with a certain machine, while the System Builder license assumes a middleman who will construct the machine and pair it with the OEM software himself, for the purposes of resale (or personal use).

And the OEM version isn't necessarily tied to a particular motherboard... technically you're allowed to replace a motherboard if it's defective. For purposes of upgrading, no, but if it breaks, and the only replacements available happen to be an upgrade, then it's ok. *head explodes*

[mkoersvelt]

When you buy OEM you can only get support from the builder;
ie: HP, Dell, or whoever. If you have an OS issue you need to go through the builder.
If you have a hardware replacement like the HDD or Mobo, Microsoft will not help you. For me, I prefer to buy a OS off the shelf and install it. Then MS will give you support too.
I tried for days to get an OEM copy of XP re-activated. What a joke. The builder was Compaq, it was a legit version and I got nowhere. No help, support, re-activation or screw all.
I all got was transfered to this dept, that dept, and sat on hold.
Waste of Time.