got OEM SP1 - do I have to download and use OPK?

  • Thread starter Thread starter newbieLeon
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newbieLeon

I am fairly new to all this and have just built my first operational system.
I did have a Windows-based system running. But lets say there are reasons I
couldn't upgrade it online to SP2. So, I thought I'd buy a nice bit of
software - Vista Ultimate SP1 OEM. Its for system builders. Ok - I thought
that's me. I built my system. Configured it and after downloading, upgrading,
partitioning and tinkering with the BIOS got it to work.

S/w arrives big label says something like I must pre-install the OPK in
order to use the software contained. I am never going to need to pre-install
Vista s/w on the levels that would make the 1.4Gb download and all the hassle
(132 pg instruction manual) installing it to be worth it.

Do I have to load the OPK to run the SP1 OEM s/w. Any ideas?
 
why not?
is this all just a way of making more money for Microsoft and scaring
newbies like me?
 
OK, thanks! It was long - can see why OPK would be useful to regular system
builder. However, anyone who understands the basics of O/S BIOS etc should be
able to load this no hassle at all. In fact the software was so intelligent
it even installed things for me without the hassle of driver loading and
finding etc. Don't worry about the warning guys! it's a scare tactic from MS.
I rang them up and they confirmed what Rick said.
 
This is very interesting as I really AM a genuine small system builder
consistent with the MS definition/EULA.
However I only build and sell to others in a small way.
Given what I have read on the MS website and indeed the OEM Vista packaging,
I have always been under the impression that I had to use the OPK for ALL
installs.
Indeed I have never tried a 'clean install' with an OEM disk - only the full
retail version !
Obviously if I was setting up 20 + PCs for a company then the OPK is clearly
the way to go, but I dont do that [to date anyway].
So I am about to try a Vista Home Premium install directly from theOEM disk
but before I do [and upset MS !] does anyone know something that I need to
know before I start ??? Thanks.
 
why not?
is this all just a way of making more money for Microsoft and scaring
newbies like me?
Click to expand...

Actually, Microsoft makes LESS money (per sale) with the System
Builder Kit, not more.

Since the kit is for "professional" (or skilled amateur) System
builders, Microsoft assumes you know enough to install it on a single
machine, so it has nothing to do with scaring you. Basically, all one
needs to do is stick the DVD in the drive and recycle power.

But I can see why some would be frightened. The name sounds so
daunting, doesn't it?

Actually, there are a few differences between a retail license and an
OEM license: (For all intents and purposes, a System Builder Kit is an
OEM license).

1) An OEM license has no support from Microsoft other than during
installation. Once it's installed support costs $39/incident.
2) An OEM license may only be installed on a single integral machine.
(i.e., The license may not be transferred to a second person unless
the first integral machine is transferred along with the license.)
3) For the purposes of the license, a machine is defined as a working
motherboard. To change motherboards, one must obtain a new license
(unless the motherboard is provided by the OEM as a result of warranty
repair.)
3) An OEM license costs about one-half the amount of a retail license.
This works out to be about $100-$299, depending on SKU, usually. Some
dealers charge more, some less. I paid $135 for mine back when Vista
was first released. (For Home Premium). I paid $289 for Ultimate, not
a good price at all. But I did save $100 over the price of Retail.
4) An OEM license can only do a clean installation. Can't be used to
do an in-place Upgrade.

IF one is willing to live with the implications of these limitations,
the license is a good one, and very generously priced. Which is why
folks like you and I usually purchase them.
 
This is very interesting as I really AM a genuine small system builder
consistent with the MS definition/EULA.
However I only build and sell to others in a small way.
Given what I have read on the MS website and indeed the OEM Vista packaging,
I have always been under the impression that I had to use the OPK for ALL
installs.
Indeed I have never tried a 'clean install' with an OEM disk - only the full
retail version !
Obviously if I was setting up 20 + PCs for a company then the OPK is clearly
the way to go, but I dont do that [to date anyway].
So I am about to try a Vista Home Premium install directly from theOEM disk
but before I do [and upset MS !] does anyone know something that I need to
know before I start ??? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yep. You will need a license for that SKU to use it beyond 30-day
shake-out period.
 
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