W10 OEM v reg W10 installation

zoonyJ

Hi I am revamping a laptop. I have got a new HDD and now need to install a new win os (prob w10). Apart from oem being restricted to the 1 machine, is there any other differences/complications to installing an OEM version rather than a none OEM one? Is it more difficult? I can't decide which to purchase. There is a big price difference.

AndyPix

OEM versions are same as retail except you are not entitled to free support from actual Microsoft,
They are tied to the very first machine you install them on (Non - transferable), you cant use them to directly upgrade from an older OS (New install required) , and lastly, if you change your motherboard for one that isnt identical, then your license becomes invalid.


You also may find extra [EMAIL="!!!!"]!!!![/EMAIL] on there , such as Dell memory management software, or HP Tune up etc etc

zoonyJ

Does the oem version come with all the drivers etc that the reg verion comes with. Is the installation process the same? Sorry for the questions I just don't want to 'save money' with an oem and then find I am not savvy enough to install it! TIA

AndyPix

Same software - just different licensing options ..

FunTime

Some confusion here between OEM and Royalty OEM. There is no DELL or HP software on Microsoft OEM media and i don't think that zoonyj is considering purchasing a DELL or HP reinstallation disc.

What laptop is this? Didn't it have an operating system in the first place?

zoonyJ

secondhand with empty hard drive. original os not available.

zoonyJ

not looking for a re-install. Just a start from scratch cheapest way :-)

AndyPix

Yes sorry i should have been clearer.


An OEM DISK from a certain manufacturer may have bundled bloat.
I was saying this incase someone was trying to sell you an OEM disk that was branded.


Be careful buying licenses of ebay or anywhere like that

FunTime

zoonyJ wrote: »

secondhand with empty hard drive. original os not available.

Yes, but what laptop exactly? You wouldn't ask someone to fix your car without them knowing the model involved. These details can be important

zoonyJ

Thanks. It does look a bit of a minefield. Is there a recommended seller list anywhere?

Jivesinger

Is there a product key or Certificate of Authenticity sticker on the laptop?
Do you know which OS it came with?
The Win10 upgrade route via a product key was still working after the published deadline, so if it came with Win 7 or Win 8 you may not need to pay for a licence.