What is the Difference Between OEM Windows Vista and the Retail Version?
Beyond the typical consumer choices for Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system–retail, or box, version and preinstalled on a new computer–there is a less well-known option: OEM, which stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” OEM-licensed Vista includes all the features of retail Vista; it’s the license that’s different.CostThe OEM version costs less than the retail version: from $100 to $200 at the time of Vista’s launch.PackagingOEM-licensed Vista does not include a manual or packaging meant to be attractive to consumers.Return PolicyUnlike retail versions, OEM versions cannot be returned.HardwareWhereas you may legally transfer a retail version of Vista from one PC to another, the terms of the OEM license prohibit transfer. As Microsoft executes the license, even changing a PC’s motherboard counts as a transfer.SupportIf you buy the OEM-licensed version, you are considered the OEM. Microsoft has no obligation to provide support for an OEM-licensed version of its operating
