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Question

What is Genuine Windows 8 OEM License?

Jul 16, 2013 11:20PM PDT

I'm going to buy a Laptop and it says that I am going to have Genuine Windows 8 OEM License (Payed) as the OS.

Link of the product:
http://mcentre.lk/products/Genuine-Windows-8-OEM-License.html

But I don't know what that means and I personally aware of expiring the valid period of the OS. I already went through some of the descriptions in internet but they don't make any sense to me. Someone please describe me simply what are the differences between OEM Vs. Normal Licenses.

Thanks! Helps are appreciated!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
It's pretty simple.
Jul 17, 2013 1:48AM PDT
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OS DVD
Jul 17, 2013 6:52PM PDT

Does the seller provides the OS DVD to me with the License?

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Ask the seller.
Jul 17, 2013 11:08PM PDT

I would but as the deal is made with them and not me and many OEM deals never include media you always have to ask since it's not a sure thing.

But if there is no media be sure to ask how to restore the OS. I was not pleased with a major maker that is walking out on thousands over a non-functional OS restore system with "That's a Microsoft issue." You can bet what Microsoft's reply was. For me, I had another plan so I used that.
Bob

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Answer
There are two types of Windows
Jul 23, 2013 9:37PM PDT

licenses. One is the OEM that is used for computer builders (OEM's) now it can be purchased on disk through internet computer outlets such as Tiger Direct and Newegg. This license it tied to the processor. When you buy a computer with the OS installed it's the OEM version and the vendor places a sticker with the key usually on the bottom of the laptop. They usually don't provide the disks but have the machine configured to ask if you want to make disks for a system restore. All vendors also have a function key or key combination to make restore disk and driver disks. OEM's today are also registering the OS before it's sold so the user doesn't have to. The other type of Windows sold is the retail version and the license for that isn't tied to a processor. The key to this license is you can't run the same time.

Another difference is the support. If you have an OEM version the OEM (computer bulder will support it). The retail version will require Microsoft support.

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Can't find Windows 8 Retail?
Jul 24, 2013 12:43AM PDT
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That article was speculation.
Jul 31, 2013 10:18PM PDT
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What seems to be non-speculation is
Aug 1, 2013 1:30AM PDT

The support period and what they support is reduced.

From the MSFT site I see 90 days and the words appear to be for OS related issues and not what I find most folk have trouble about. (Drivers.)

For most folk, that's as good as no support.
Bob

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I'm looking at MS site and it says
Aug 1, 2013 10:22PM PDT

Windows 8 mainstream support ends Jan 9 2018 and extended Jan 9 2023. It also explains the difference between OEM and retail being the OEM OS's get no free support from the OEM or system builder MUST provide support the OEMversion. It says the OEM version must be installed by the OEM. It also says MS does provide support services for the retail version.

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Ok my bad your
Aug 1, 2013 10:32PM PDT

are right the support is limited to 90 days.

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I should say free
Aug 1, 2013 10:33PM PDT

support is good for 90 days then you have to pay until 2018.

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I won't pay.
Aug 2, 2013 4:19AM PDT

Most of the issues I encounter are solve in CNET forums or with more research on google or http://duckduckgo.com !
Bob

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Now I see Windows 9 being
Jul 31, 2013 10:22PM PDT

availible through the Windows Store as the retail version (meaning it's not tied to a machine). 8.1 is will distributed through the Windows Store.