In looking at the web pages for my three favourite PC shops only one of them has upgrade versions of Vistas for sale. And this site sells the Vista Home Premium 32/64 bit retail box for $180. Why would anyone buy that when you can buy a full non-upgrade OEM edition for $144 for 32 bit and $145 for 64 bit?

This makes no sense?

Why is it that the upgrade edition of Vista is so hard to find and why is it so ridiculously expensive - i.e. more than an OEM version of the non-upgrade?

Is MS seriously trying to discourage you to update?

One further question - what is the difference between the retail and OEM versions of the OS? Why would you pay $300 for the retail version of Vista Home Prem when you can buy the OEM version for less than half of that?

Why would anyone buy that when you can buy a full non-upgrade OEM edition for $144 for 32 bit and $145 for 64 bit?Where have you seen such prices?
...what is the difference between the retail and OEM versions of the OS?I think the retail version has both 32 and 64-bit versions on the same DVD.

Diogen.

Please make sure this thread doesn't turn into a retail price comparison, which is against the Rules of the Forum. The topic is:Why is it that the upgrade edition of Vista is so hard to find and why is it so ridiculously expensive - i.e. more than an OEM version of the non-upgrade?

The big difference between retail and OEM versions is an OEM version is tied to the "system" it was purchased with. I put system in quotes because a couple of pieces of hardware usually suffice (I bought an OEM version once that came with an optical mouse and a fan - that apparently was enough to qualify as a "system"). However, the rules are still the same. Once you install and validate the OEM version it is tied to that system and cannot be moved to another one.

With the full retail version you can technically purchase a completely new computer, decommission the old one and transfer the license to the new computer. You obviously can't run it on both machines at the same time though. On the other hand, if your license is an OEM version you cannot transfer the license to a new computer - you must buy a new copy (OEM or retail).

Once you install and validate the OEM version it is tied to that system and cannot be moved to another one.Good point. Has anyone here done a rebuild and had their activiation shut off (XP or Vista)? Has anyone been successful in pleading their case to Microsoft that they were doing a rebuild and that things are in proper order?

Apparently Vista does a 10-point check for system specs, and you need 7 out of 10 to keep your license active. I can't remember the exact details, but I remember the CPU was worth 2 pts, the Motherboard was 2 pts, and things like Video card were 1 pt.

Although I have never had to do it personally, I have heard that M$ can be pretty co-operative if you tell them that your motherboard has died, etc. and you wish to reactivate your copy.

Good point. Has anyone here done a rebuild and had their activiation shut off (XP or Vista)? Has anyone been successful in pleading their case to Microsoft that they were doing a rebuild and that things are in proper order?
I had to do an "in place" re-install after XP Pro decided to have a complete mental meltdown and XP Pro demanded to be reactivated after the re-install.

Used the automated system as it was after hours and everything proceeded as it should (Though I felt kinda stupid sitting there at midnight spouting gibberish into the phone to get my activation code)

NefCanuck

When I bought my new computer recently, I reinstalled my OEM version of Windows XP Media Center Edition as the store didn't configure the drives the way I wanted.

Internet activation failed for me as it claims that I have exceeded my activation limit. I called the 1-800 number it listed and talked to someone from Microsoft. She asked me why I am reactivating my copy, where I bought my computer and whether I have Windows installed on another computer.

That's all it took for them to give me an activation code.

Good, it sounds pretty straightforward. Getting back to Wayne's question...

I had to install my full version of XP Pro on a completely new machine. It wouldn't activate over the internet, which I expected. All it took was a phone call (at 4 a.m. - this was a very frustrating install). They asked if I was using this same copy of XP on any other machine, I said "no" and they gave me the activation code. I can't see why Vista would be much different.

Retail versions come with MS support and OEM have no support directly from MS.

And I have upgraded last week, the retail Vista Home Premium Upgrade only comes with 32bit in the box, theres a card in the box with the Microsoft website you go to order your 64 bit version, costs C$13 + tax, I assume thats just for shipping. So they save $50 by not giving you two DVDs in the box!......or whatever:o

As far as the cheaper OEM version, well I read up that theres usually no trouble activating it on a new computer down the road, just have to phone them to do it rather than online, and just mention needed new mobo or something (as mentioned in other posts).

I built a new computer and used all new parts. I had an OEM copy of XP that had previously been used on my old computer. I installed it on the new machine and had no problem activating it on the new machine. This was done online. I should mention that the old machine was sold with a "wiped" hard-drive.

And I have upgraded last week, the retail Vista Home Premium Upgrade only comes with 32bit in the box, theres a card in the box with the Microsoft website you go to order your 64 bit version, costs C$13 + tax, I assume thats just for shipping. So they save $50 by not giving you two DVDs in the box!......or whatever:o

As far as the cheaper OEM version, well I read up that theres usually no trouble activating it on a new computer down the road, just have to phone them to do it rather than online, and just mention needed new mobo or something (as mentioned in other posts).
I specifically wanted 64bit, I bring it home and had to order it, which took 4 weeks to get here. Total crap, they should have included both. The only version that has both in it is Ultimate.

I have had to recactivate my Vista license (oem) once so far due to me swapping out the primary hard drive. I spent about 5 minutes on the phone with a microsoft csr and I had a new activation code.