News - There will be no “full retail version” of Windows 8 on sale

[miniyazz]

I don't see why they shouldn't: if one company does something clearly better, the other companies should copy that, for the benefit of their customers.

So how is this something better? As it stands?

[watercooled]

Orly!? Ooops I've activated my win 7 pro on 3 now!

You've activated an OEM copy of Windows 7 on 3 different computers, with different motherboards? I know it didn't work with Vista, and AFAIK nothing changed with 7. From MS:

You can upgrade any components or peripherals on your PC and keep your license intact. You can replace the motherboard with an identical model or an equivalent model from the OEM if it fails. However, if you personally replace or upgrade the motherboard, your OEM Windows license is null and void.

[mallett]

You've activated an OEM copy of Windows 7 on 3 different computers, with different motherboards? I know it didn't work with Vista, and AFAIK nothing changed with 7. From MS:

I've got Vista 64bit OEM and I've completely replaced everything in the case from when I first installed it and had no problems. Didn't even need to call the freephone number, just activated as normal when it booted up the first time.

[brasco]

You've activated an OEM copy of Windows 7 on 3 different computers, with different motherboards? I know it didn't work with Vista, and AFAIK nothing changed with 7. From MS:

Yeah I have, and 2 different mobos with the Ultimate version looks like I shouldn't have though!

[jim]

I've done it as well with Vista.

[Hicks12]

if they are changing the agreement/license terms for OEM to match retail and simply reducing the price, i see that as a massive win .

With MSDNAA you get 10 activations per cd key, somehow i matched this... it thought my pc was over 10 computers and i still need to ring up and get it renewed!.

[watercooled]

Hmm maybe I'm mistaken then, I was pretty sure a friend had to buy another OEM copy of Vista when he went from Q6600>i7 950, obviously changing the motherboard in the process. Luckily I still have that OEM Vista disc so I could find a use for it, and I got 7 on the preorder deal for £50 so not had any experience with the OEM version myself.

[Noli]

I have an OEM version of Win 7. Works a charm and don't see what I'm missing over retail. I'll need to upgrade soon but I'll just wait till Win 8 is out before buying a new mobo etc. I only need to upgrade about once every new edition of Windows anyway. Any more often and you just convince MS or stump up for a new copy but for around £70 OEM it's not much for the MOST IMPORTANT piece of software on your computer that RUNS EVERYTHING and is on ALL THE TIME. Sorry to shout but a game costs £40 so £70 for a decent operating system really isn't much. And I'm a scringer as well.

[watercooled]

It's not so much the cost, assuming it's actually that price, rather the concern you may have to buy it over and over again if you like to tinker...

[tickedon]

OEM versions are locked to the motherboard, so it's money down the drain when you upgrade, unless you can convince MS your motherboard failed and you cant get one of exactly the same model. Yes, you can upgrade other components, but never the motherboard. With the retail version, you can change what you want within reason, worst case you phone the freephone automated activation number which takes a couple of minutes. There is NO UPSIDE to this move if it's true, unless they change what you can do with the license.

I've never had this problem with OEM licenses. I built a PC for my family which they ruined with cocacola only a few months ago - new motherboard, CPU and pretty much everything else (except the case). Activated no problem!

[amdavies]

I wonder how the OEM nature of software is going to interact with the recent EU ruling over first-sale doctrine. Given that it seemed to rule the "it's not sold, it's licenced" defence about reselling software null and void under EU law, it'll be interesting to see if it's applied to something that's purportedly only available to trade rather than retail.

[ddg4005]

OEM versions are locked to the motherboard, so it's money down the drain when you upgrade, unless you can convince MS your motherboard failed and you cant get one of exactly the same model. Yes, you can upgrade other components, but never the motherboard. With the retail version, you can change what you want within reason, worst case you phone the freephone automated activation number which takes a couple of minutes. There is NO UPSIDE to this move if it's true, unless they change what you can do with the license.

I've never had this problem with OEM licenses. I built a PC for my family which they ruined with cocacola only a few months ago - new motherboard, CPU and pretty much everything else (except the case). Activated no problem!

Thank you. Some people don't realize you can reactivate an OEM copy of Windows on a different motherboard without issue. I've done it with Vista and had no problems at all. Besides, people have b!tched for years that the retail version of Windows was too expensive and needed to come down in price. An OEM copy is far cheaper and has everything included in the retail SKU except the cool box (if that matters).

[directhex]

Thank you. Some people don't realize you can reactivate an OEM copy of Windows on a different motherboard without issue. I've done it with Vista and had no problems at all. Besides, people have b!tched for years that the retail version of Windows was too expensive and needed to come down in price. An OEM copy is far cheaper and has everything included in the retail SKU except the cool box (if that matters).

Some people don't realise that there is a difference between what is technically possible, and what contractual agreements you made regarding what you would do when you opened the packaging.

Re-read your OEM System Builders' license. It's on the cardboard sleeve you had to open to get access to your OEM DVD.

[directhex]

People are missing the bigger picture here, by the way

The key difference between the OEM and Retail products is technical support. OEM you get OS support only from the PC vendor (which on a self-built system means you support yourself). Retail Windows you get OS support from Microsoft.

No Retail means no more support from Microsoft. For anyone.

[Bluecube]

In all seriousness, who really bothers or actually cares about what the contractual agreement is? In the real world, so long as it works everyone's happy. It may be illegal but your average man in the street, or even your average techy person doesn't care...

And I don't know anyone who's ever received any support from Microsoft so that won't make much difference either.

[Percy1983]

I too have moved OEM licenses around with no problems, I do believe its against the EULA to microsoft don't care all that much and know it happens.

As it is my 7 install is retail as I got it for £45 in the preorder deals.

As for support I have never needed it so no problem there.