Hi,

Trying to find some softwares but found that most software selling in the trade zone are OEMs. Is it legal to use OEM software on another machine?

As far as i know OEM software means software that comes together with the hardware, so if i purchase an OEM software but not the hardware, and i use it on my own machine, does that still considered as pirated software?

Asking coz am trying to get a software for commercial use.

Thanx

Well, technically yes

Those shops that sell OEM Windows are only supposed to bundle them with your hardware purchase (even a 1.44" floppy drive)

That's why there are a lot of ebay sellers who bundle OEM softwares with their old spoilt hardwares (no where it was mentioned the bundled hardware must be working)

However, if you do buy OEM from Lowyat and install on the PC, everyone will see it as 'original', all you need is the COA. Microsoft would be happy even if you get OEM software. At least it's not pirated.

Please correct me if i'm wrong.

This post has been edited by karhoe: Jan 7 2009, 01:00 PM

OEM is for pre-assembled notebook or desktop from manufacturer such as Dell, Toshiba, Sony, Acer, Asus, Lenovo etc.....
if one builds own rig, must have the Vista original(non-OEM).

now, use your imagination...........

cant write anymore.

Not really. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufaturer (or red. I forgot). Anyways, the license will bound the software/hardware to the thing that it's suppose to
- bundled with (in case of buying a new PC from a vendor like DELL)
- The first system that it's installed in (3rd party OEM). In this case like buying an OEM Vista from Lowyat, and install it to your PC. The OS is now binded to that machine ONLY and can't be shifted to another.

full explanation here
http://windows.about.com/od/buyupgrade/f/vista_oem.htm

oem is factory preinstalled progs... dell is an example of an oem... try 2 google it for more info

now, let us answer simple and straight
1. yes, is it legal, not pirated
2. no, cant transfer to another notebook/desktop

if you want to transfer, get the retail software.
if you have no intention to transfer, just use the OEM, cheap(RM150/year). couple of years later, just upgrade to M7.

Original equipment manufacturer(OEM)



-wikipedia-

Nope, Dell is a brand of a electrical equipment manufacturer.

I understand OEM Operation System requires it to be sold with a non-peripheral hardware (RAM, Floppy Drive, etc)

However does that apply to OEM Ms Office?

So let's say I got an OEM software with my cd-rom (example la), then that cd rom spoilt and I get another cd rom, can I still use OEM software on the same computer but with different cd-rom strictly speaking? If can, what if I slowly replace the part one by one over a few year until in the end it's totally different computer, still can use? I guess it's a ship of theseus's paradox..

I've gived a call to microsoft after i replaced my hard disc and planning to used my OEM license again as i've used it 1st time on my 1st hard disk which went dead.the guy on the phone told me tht i can install it once againt if i changed the hard disk,but if chg montherboard thn cannot.not sure about other hardware

I too just clarified with Microsoft. Your OEM licensed will be considered "dead" only if you change your PC's motherboard. Other hardwares like RAM, Harddisk, etc do not apply.

Also for business / commercial knowledge, for OEM Operating Systems you need to purchase it with a "non-peripheral" hardware listed on your receipt. (Make sure you keep this receipt for audit purposes)

However, a tip from my business partner, if your PC (own built or direct from Manufacturer) is less then 1 month old you are entitled to purchase and install OEM softwares without any issues. Provided you can show all your receipts/invoices with date of purchase when audited.

Purchase Microsoft OEM version separately with or w/o with a non-peripheral hardware considered illegal since 2005/06 if not mistaken.