I have a question regarding the OEM Version of Vista HOme Premium. Newegg is offering it for several dollars less than the upgrade version. After some research I have found that Microsoft no longer wishes to have you verify that you have ownership on a qualified previous MS CD. Now they are requiring that you install (even if it is a reformat)from within XP. I understand that can be done by using the Custom option. If that is the case and I have reformatted, why would I want to pay $40.00 more for an upgrade if in fact the OEM would work. Please advise.

Now they are requiring that you install (even if it is a reformat)from within XP. ? Show us the link. i_XpUser

Xp User, I found this on a Microsoft Support Site and am sure it is correct. Here is the web address. Let me know if I am wrong!! http://support.microsoft.com/defaul... I think you will see that I am right.

All that states is that if you go to do a "upgrade" version install and get a error it is due to the fact that the DVD/CD's cannot find the upgrade prodkey from the previous version of windows, so you you need to do it from within windows (boot to xp, put dvd/cd in drive and run setup) OEM is the full install / non-upgrade retail is full install allowing you to not need a previous install for proper instatallion - hence 'no upgrade' - the full install may require a clean install though (not sure forgot), and if you want programs/documents saved without backup/reinstall then you purchase the upgrade for 40 more - yup!

Along the same lines, Amazon in the UK is offering Vista Basic Upgrade for £99.99 yet is also offering Vista Basic OEM/OEI DSP for £64.99. The OEM version is presumably a full version for system builders as the MS licence suggests, but what is to stop anyone buying this to load onto their formatted PC? Why does the full version work out cheaper than the upgrade?

Reasons to get the upgrade over the OEM version: The retail versions gets you technical support from Microsoft. OEM versions say that the system builder is the one responsible for technical support. (This is the real reason the upgrade costs most - it costs Microsoft more to support than OEM's do.) OEM versions require it to be sold with hardware. Upgrade obviously don't. In fact, OEM is intended for sale with new systems only, but Microsoft doesn't seem to be enforcing that heavily. "Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion! Hats off & applause to rogues & evolution! The ripple effect is too good not to mention. If you’re not affected, you’re not paying attention!"