The answer is: USERS (not manufacturers) should get the RETAIL version, since
you CAN'T reinstall the OEM version on another motherboard!

Here's the reply of a Microsoft employee:
_______________________________________________________________________

Hello,

Thanks for your interest in OEM licensing. We realize that our licensing is
often confusing and let us try to help clarify this issue.

An upgrade or replacement of the motherboard is considered to result in a
"new personal computer" to which Microsoft® OEM operating system software
cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded
or replaced, then a new computer has been created and the license of new
operating system software is required.

If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do NOT need to
acquire a new operating system license for the PC. The replacement
motherboard must be the same make/model or the same manufacturer’s
replacement/equivalent, as defined by that manufacturer’s warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user license
agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The
EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC manufacturer
and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular
PC. The System Builder is required to support the software on that individual
PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC with different
components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that
would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU
and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for
reasons other than defect replaced under warranty) a new PC is essentially
created. The original System Builder, therefore, cannot be expected to
support this new PC that they in effect, did not manufacture.

We hope this helps clarify why we have this licensing rule. For more
information on System Builder licensing please see
[url]http://oem.microsoft.com/licensing_main[/url].

Thank you,

Microsoft OEM Internet Business Support

[url]http://oem.microsoft.com[/url]
_________________________________________________________


"Nijmegen" wrote:
[color=blue]
> ...or is it also for users, who don't run a comapny?
>
> I have bought a Windows VISTA DVD and when I received it, it had "OEM System
> Builder Pack" written on it.
>
> It also says: "EXCLUSIVELY for system builders."
>
> And after some research on the Wikipedia I see that COMPANIES that sell PCs
> normally buy OEM licenced software.
>
> I gues users should buy a "retail" version. (NOT OEM versions)
>
> Am I right?
>
> Or is it OK to install it?
>
> Because Wikipedia says the requirements are:"The requirements include:
> automated methods of installation of the product; customization of the
> installation to identify the OEM; first level technical support of the
> product..etc."
> ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer[/url])
>
> I want to install it because there's NO 64-bit Vista Ultimate in my
> language...excepting this OEM version. But I don't know what the consequences
> might be...(I mean, I can't add info about customer support, my company's
> name, etc....Because I'm just a user, not a manufacturer!)[/color]