Wrong. OEM is a full version not an upgrade. Only thing, the agreement you make with Microsoft is that you will install it one one machine only and it must come with a new machine or hardware. To ensure you keep the agreement, they have made online activation compulsory and keeps track of your hardware changes.

It is all about agreements and whether you wanna agree with them or not. In the end, if you couldn't be bothered, you will just end up getting a pirated copy at the pasar malam. If you are buying an OEM to install on an old machine, then just the same as buying pirated stuff, cause you are not complying with the EULA in the end. And updates, fixs and stuff will always be leaked into the net. That is why pirated software users prevail.

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Added on February 18, 2007, 6:58 pmYou can buy the upgrade and use the upgrade version no matter ho wlong ago you bought your XP. Just that some computer and some copies of windows bought in the past 3-4 months are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows Vista by Microsoft or the Computer Manufacturer. Some Manufacturers, if I am not mistaken, extends this offer to all Vista Capable PCs. So just try calling the Manufacturer and see if you are eligible or not. IF your computer has the Vista Ready sticker, there is high chance that your are.

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Feb 18 2007, 06:58 PM

[quote=moto-moto,Feb 18 2007, 10:28 PM]
did u mean retail price for vista home premium?i asked in low yat microsoft store he siad rm999 only..

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Added on February 19, 2007, 12:08 am

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Added on February 18, 2007, 6:58 pm

You can buy the upgrade and use the upgrade version no matter ho wlong ago you bought your XP. Just that some computer and some copies of windows bought in the past 3-4 months are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows Vista by Microsoft or the Computer Manufacturer. Some Manufacturers, if I am not mistaken, extends this offer to all Vista Capable PCs. So just try calling the Manufacturer and see if you are eligible or not. IF your computer has the Vista Ready sticker, there is high chance that your are.

[/quote]
so do u mean there are 3 types of vista
1.retail:i can install in whichever pc i want
2.OEM:only can stick to one pc,after install in one pc i can't change to others even i uninstall the previous one
3.upgrade:which is i must have one OS running then only applicable

correct me if i am wrong...and is the upgrade version more cheaper than OEM?

[/quote]


[quote=adriankhoo153,Feb 19 2007, 01:08 PM]
Yup, i would like to know. Is there any upgrade list price? Is it cheaper than OEM? Basically if i wan to upgrade, do i have to bring my Win XP Pro cds to show them or what so that i can entitle to free upgrade? Any clear instruction?

[/quote]

1. Retail Pack = Install on any PC you want. But limited to one PC at a time.(Maybe can install on one portable PC also, not too sure about Microsoft Vista EULA, but some software allows you to install on one desktop and one laptop as long as you only use either one at a time). If you change hardware, no problem. If you change computer, then you have to uninstall Vista form the old computer then only can install on the new one.

2.OEM = Can only be installed on new PC or when you buy a new hardware that make you eligible for an OEM license.(Check with Microsoft what hardware can). And it will be stuck to that PC forever. If you wanna upgrade, you will have to call Microsoft when you activate and validate your copy of Vista. Tell them that you upgraded and bla bla bla.

3. Upgrade = You must have any version of windows XP already running on your computer. I do not think you can upgrade from a version prior to XP. Call Microsoft to confirm.

4. I do not know the price for OEM or Upgrade. Just call the shop lah. Got so many price list on LYN main page. Download them, get the number and call the shop. If you want to upgrade, you will have to buy the Upgrade Pack. No need to bring any CDs. (Some computer don't even come with Windows CD like my one cause XP Tablet PC has no official CD. It come only pre installed.)

5. If you want a free upgrade you have to contact your manufacturer/distributor or go to their website to find out how you can get a free upgrade. This is an example for Toshiba's PC. Or go an visit Microsoft website, look for the free upgrade section and select your manufacturer. Then you will be directed to your manufacturer's website.

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/ebtext...aExpressUpgrade

[quote=moto-moto,Feb 22 2007, 01:09 AM]
4. I do not know the price for OEM or Upgrade. Just call the shop lah. Got so many price list on LYN main page. Download them, get the number and call the shop. If you want to upgrade, you will have to buy the Upgrade Pack. No need to bring any CDs. (Some computer don't even come with Windows CD like my one cause XP Tablet PC has no official CD. It come only pre installed.)

[/quote]
well thanks for the info...i just wanna get some extra info from u guys to clear my doubts...u are right, there are a lot of shops selling vista but every shop i asked they told me different thing.the mirosoft shop in lyp said rm999 for premium is retail,the other said only rm395 the other one said rm395 is oem version,so who is correct?microsoft?then what is rm395?

[/quote]

The highest price one should be the retail pack. Check the box before buying. Maybe you can call Microsoft and ask them if they have a recommended retail price and what are their authorised resellers/distributors. Also make sure that you state the version of Vista when you ask the Price, like Homa Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate. So ask them like this "What is the price of an original copy of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Retail Pack?"

And beware there may be people selling fake windows that are cleverly packed to look like originals. So call Microsoft and find out who is an authorised dealer. You gonna use vista for quite sometime and it cost alot so might as well put in a little effort into it, even if you have to drive a little further or pay a little more. I would easily fork out an extra 30-100 for the peace of mind.