Possible upgrade to Vista - Newbie question

[Ryberg]

Hi,

I'm in the situation, that last time my PC crashed while playing V:SOH, it wouldn't turn on again. So I tried Safemode which refused wouldn't work and restore it to the setup it was when I got it. It got to 99% where it then encountered a critical error, something about a windows (system)file which was broken. And now I can't enter the restore function either. I took contact with Packard Bell who've made the PC, and they said I could get an MasterDVD for around 40£. Now knowing that Vista is out and I can get an OEM version for around the double my question is:

The OEM version - What is that? 'Cause if what I've read is true, the only difference is, that it comes with no box/manual, it's seperated in 32 and 64bit classes and are for people who's building a new system. So if that's true, would there then be any harm in buying that instead of the Non-OEM version? And would I be able to install it, even though my XP is broken?

Thanks in Advance,
Tobias

[dabblet®]

Whilst I am sure there will be many differences of opinion about OEM Vista I can only state that (unless you get the Education Version) it makes financial sense :D . There was / is some concern about re-activating windows upon hardware changes however afaik there will be no problems in making changes.

The fact that XP is currently broken should make no difference as with it being OEM it expects there to be no exisiting data on the PC so will fresh install.

[Ryberg]

That sounds good! And just a quickie: There shouldn't be no problem for me installing Vista, without having tried reformatting before?

(And what's different 'bout the Education Version?)

[jesush++]

Hi,

I'm in the situation, that last time my PC crashed while playing V:SOH, it wouldn't turn on again. So I tried Safemode which refused wouldn't work and restore it to the setup it was when I got it. It got to 99% where it then encountered a critical error, something about a windows (system)file which was broken. And now I can't enter the restore function either. I took contact with Packard Bell who've made the PC, and they said I could get an MasterDVD for around 40£. Now knowing that Vista is out and I can get an OEM version for around the double my question is:

The OEM version - What is that? 'Cause if what I've read is true, the only difference is, that it comes with no box/manual, it's seperated in 32 and 64bit classes and are for people who's building a new system. So if that's true, would there then be any harm in buying that instead of the Non-OEM version? And would I be able to install it, even though my XP is broken?

Thanks in Advance,
Tobias

You cant get an OEM edition unless you buy some OEM hardware. Furthermore, what are the specs of your machine, as it might not be vista capable.

[Ryberg]

Well, I'm not sure about the OEM hardware, but I've read somewhere that have been changed. And eBay is drowning in OEM versions.
Manufacturer: Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.40GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Hard Drive: 493 GB Total
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT

Ran the Vista test on this PC which is a little weaker, and it said it was a "Good to go".

[RND]

getting the oem version does not make long term financial sense. Once you install the oem version that software is tied to that hardware and the activation cannot be extended unlike XP and retail products.

[Ryberg]

Well, I don't know about that. I just know, that for every Non-OEM Premium Home edition, I can buy 4-5 OEM's for the same price.

[Archaon]

Precisely. Even with Vista Ultimate, you can buy 3 OEMs for the price of one retail. So do you really think it makes more long term sense to have a Vista licence that can be moved to a different computer, or licences for 3 computers that can't be moved? Even if you build a new computer every 2 years (which is quite a short length of time, even in computing) you'll probably last until the next Windows release.

[dabblet®]

Furthermore there do not appear to be restrictions with regards to re-activation - at least none that I can find in the wording. The only caveat is that you will have to activate on certain changes via the internet or via telephone. It appears that the OEM Vista software is as robust for moving and changing parts as previous OS releases. I've never had a problem anyway :D

Minor update:

Vista Ultimate 64 bit oem - would have updated my existing installation if I'd had XP SP2 running instead of XP Pro x64. Not convinced there is a great deal of difference OEM and upgrade / full.

[toryboy2000]

I must admit with the price diffrence i would buy OEM as i would not do a MAJOR upgrade for a least 2 years with new kit, just bits like RAM, Graphics, HDD Etc!

I would say dont stick the licence to the case if your a mad case swapper