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I'm eventually going to be replacing WinXP to Win7 Pro but I'm confused as to which version of Pro to get. I've seen listed 32Bit, and 64Bit versions but I've also seen one that just says "Full" and is about $100 more expensive than the other two. Also the 32Bit and 64Bit versions were under the OEM category while the Full version was Retail.

So the question is, which version is better overall? Would it be better just to get the "Full" version and eat the extra $100 or should I go for one of the OEMs?

The only differences between the OEM and Retail versions are that their product keys are incompatible, and that the Retail version contains both 32-bit and 64-bit installation media. As for 32-bit versus 64-bit, there's really no reason not to get the 64-bit version if your computer is capable, unless you're still using some really old 16-bit programs or something.

The Upgrade retail version (which you didn't mention) is the best buy in my opinion, but it technically only allows you to install Windows 7 as an upgrade to an existing install of Windows. You can get around that, though, by doing a clean install of Windows 7 with it, not entering your product key because it will be rejected. Then, immediately do an upgrade install on top of it, entering the product key this time. It will be accepted the second time and you will have paid around half-price for your full retail copy of Windows.

Get the 64-bit OEM version. Retail just provides you with 6 months of Microsoft tech support.

Don't want to bother with the upgrade version. I prefer a complete Win 7 so I don't have to spend a lot of time installing two OSes.

So I guess Win7 Pro 64bit OEM is the way to go then. Thanks.

I assume that going through ebay is a very risky proposition? lol

Meh, my local Microcenter will have one for $140.

If I may ask, why Pro instead of Home Premium?

Block wrote:If I may ask, why Pro instead of Home Premium?

Mainly the use of XP mode. AFAIK, Home Premium doesn't have it.

$140? I got my retail upgrade copy of Ultimate for $150 from Newegg, and that was two years ago.

EDIT: Huh, it's $185 there now, with the OEM version of Ultimate going for $189. OEM Pro is going for $140 there, too.

Enigma wrote:

Block wrote:If I may ask, why Pro instead of Home Premium?

Mainly the use of XP mode. AFAIK, Home Premium doesn't have it.

Correct, but if you have a spare XP license, you can just use Virtualbox or VMware Player instead.

Enigma wrote:I'm eventually going to be replacing WinXP to Win7 Pro but I'm confused as to which version of Pro to get. I've seen listed 32Bit, and 64Bit versions but I've also seen one that just says "Full" and is about $100 more expensive than the other two. Also the 32Bit and 64Bit versions were under the OEM category while the Full version was Retail.

So the question is, which version is better overall? Would it be better just to get the "Full" version and eat the extra $100 or should I go for one of the OEMs?

The only 'major' downside is that OEM versions are tied to the motherboard.

Xeriar wrote:

Enigma wrote:I'm eventually going to be replacing WinXP to Win7 Pro but I'm confused as to which version of Pro to get. I've seen listed 32Bit, and 64Bit versions but I've also seen one that just says "Full" and is about $100 more expensive than the other two. Also the 32Bit and 64Bit versions were under the OEM category while the Full version was Retail.

So the question is, which version is better overall? Would it be better just to get the "Full" version and eat the extra $100 or should I go for one of the OEMs?

The only 'major' downside is that OEM versions are tied to the motherboard.

That reminds me how Microsoft is STILL pissed that in Germany the highest court ruled that binding an OEM to hardware is illegal, meaning we can buy OEM Windows (which is a fully functional version) without any problem for just 1/2 to 1/3 of the full price. Just to put that into perspective: I bought a Windows 7 Professional (which had both, the 32 and 64 bit DVD) for just 80€.

Maybe you should look for a german online shop that also delivers into the US and sells multilingual versions of Win 7?

If you haven't bought it yet, here's a coupon for 10% off at Newegg:

BTENHND38

As a side note, and I thought that this topic would be the best place to ask: I read once that another difference between an "OEM" and "Retail" license was that with an OEM key, there would be a hard limit on its activation such that it can only be used on one computer in that key's lifetime.

(I'm not talking about "self-activation" through BIOS, by the way - I know that isn't transferrable - but I mean genuine OEM product keys.)

With a Retail key, however, there would not be such a limit and I could install it on any computer that I wished, provided that it wasn't being used concurrently between two or more computers. Is all of this true, or just internet drivel? Based on what Tribun said, I'm guessing that it's the latter...but just to confirm.

Yes, Microsoft ties the OEM key to the motherboard it was installed on.

However, it is sometimes possible to get an activation for motherboard replacements by calling them on the phone, but I haven't done this since XP, so your mileage may vary.

Dominus Atheos wrote:If you haven't bought it yet, here's a coupon for 10% off at Newegg:

BTENHND38

I haven't bought it yet but most likely in the next few weeks.

I just needed the info before deciding which version to get.