In the past, Genuine Microsoft OEM discs, were obtained from a select group
of top tier resellers, in bulk packs.
25, 50, 100.....or more at a time. In order to have access to purchase these
bulk packs directly, a number of requirements had to be met.The discs
contained the exact same OS--all the bits were identical-- as any version
sold at retail.
Each disc was wrapped in cellophane with a cardboard backing--no fancy
packaging at all. On the outside of the cellophane was a peel off sticker
with the Product ID indicating that it must be affixed to the computer that
it was sold with. Also were the words (within the hologram on the disc) "For
distribution with a new PC only". The intention was obviously that they go
to 2nd tier and lower System Builders who provided the actual media with the
new computers they sold. Businesses and companies that actually sold
complete new systems at retail. Or at least those that SOLD to businesses
and companies that built and sold their own complete systems--the middlemen
to the Moms and Pops.
Somehow, it was interpreted that the sale of ANY hardware constituted
authority to also sell the OEM OS (at a substantial discount over retail).
So you started to see things like "Buy this motherboard, and Get OEM for
only......".
Then it got ridiculous with "Buy this mouse and get OEM..." and "Buy this
printer cable, and get OEM.....".
Now you see the OEM versions sold stand-alone by various
retailers--especially on-line. This deviates from the original intention
(and certain retailers have been known to be "cut off" from their supply of
OEM versions for this reason), but it still happens.
I have not yet seen a VISTA OEM disc, but I don't expect them to be
substantially different.
--
Maxwell Bluemeanie
Peter Foldes said:
It is a genuine MS OEM disc
HUH?? Can you explain the above to me
