Vista OEM Question

[stobbo]

Hello,

With Windows XP OEM Editions, from what I can see you could purchase the OEM Edition with a hardrive. I am wondering if this is still possible with Vista?

Thanks,
Stobbo.

[Nox]

I've read its a motherboard, but not from anywhere even vaguely official - info should be on the microsoft site if no one can provide an exact answer within the time constriants.

I can't see why it has to be bought *with* hardware, what if you got home from the shop, then realised you'd forgetten to buy your OS?

Nox

[anthonygriff]

I've bought xp oem on its own, no hardware purchase required. I've just looked on yahoo for vista and found at least two sites who seem to be offering vista without hardware. Just do a search, you never know what you may find:)

[Kevin Street]

I've bought xp oem on its own, no hardware purchase required.

From a legal point of view, that should have come with hardware.

Until, Microsoft changed the EULA. This is no longer necessary, but they have toughened up the agreement in terms of upgrading your computer.

[Nox]

yeah, some places do that, sell without hardware. All comes down to which retailers are happy to break which agreemnts, or not.

And I still can't see why you have to buy it with hardware, if its going on a machine you bought, say yesterday before it was released.

Nox

[Danno]

A Microsoft representative confirmed that users may buy an OEM copy of Windows Vista at a substantial discount, provided they adhere to the terms of the license – which, incidentally, may mean providing support for family members.
the full story is here.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2087792,00.asp

[Nox]

What is novatechs line on these oem copies? Do we need to buy with a qualifying system/hw or can I just place an order then come collect it?

Nox

[Danno]

as far as i know you can order it on its own.

when you order oem vista the person that installs it into the computer is the one that has to support it, its not down to novatech or microsoft to give the support.

if you order a system with windows pre-installed we can give the support. if you order a system and a copy of oem vista or if you order the software on its own you need to support yourself.

[Nox]

thanks, think i've got my own support covered :D

just waiting really for my raid controller to get its drivers signed...

Nox