Difference between OEM and retail Windows 7 packages

[allanlewis]

Is there any difference, from the end-user's point of view, between buying Windows 7 as an OEM package or as a retail package, other than the retail package coming with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions?

[Midknyte]

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

[allanlewis]

Thanks Midknyte - incredibly comprehensive answer!