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?
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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?
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
Thanks Midknyte - incredibly comprehensive answer!