Windows 7 OEM pricing is considerably cheaper than than upgrade or full versions. But what is an OEM version and can you buy it? OEMs are meant to be purchased and installed on on hardware that will be resold to another user. When you buy an OEM disk, you will not be given a box, only the CD. As a “computer builder” you are to pre-install the Microsoft OEM Preinstalltion Kit (OPK), install the OEM and then sell the computer to someone. If you do not fall into that category, you must use the full version of Windows 7 or the upgrade if your computer qualifies for it. OEM disks will often not be sold by retailers unless you purchase a piece of hardware that will be used to build the computer on which the OEM will be used.
Windows 7 OEM Prices
At the time of this article, these are the comparisons of OEM and Upgrade versions of Windows 7 from NewEgg.com:
Windows 7 Ultimate OEM - $174.99
OEM disk in white box without manuals.
Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade – $194.99
Disk in a box with manuals and full support from Microsoft.
Windows 7 Professional OEM – $139.00
OEM disk in white box without manuals.
Windows 7 Professional Upgrade – $175.99
Disk in a box with manuals and full support from Microsoft.
Windows 7 Home Premium OEM – $99.99
OEM disk in white box without manuals.
Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade – $109.99
Disk in a box with manuals and full support from Microsoft.
If you qualify to use the OEM version, you can save a lot of money on the Operating System. Be sure to refer to the OEM Preinstallation Kit documentation on the Microsoft website for more details.
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