How to tell "full retail" from "OEM" version?

I have heard that there is a "full retail" version of Windows 98SE
which is not tied to any hardware like the OEM versions.

How do I tell the "full retail" cd set / COA from an OEM version?


--
My real sig is much better.

An OEM version will be labeled as an OEM version. The retail version comes
in a box (if anyone has a surviving box) and does not say OEM on the
packaging or the disk.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"larryalk" wrote in message
...
I have heard that there is a "full retail" version of Windows 98SE
which is not tied to any hardware like the OEM versions.

How do I tell the "full retail" cd set / COA from an OEM version?


--
My real sig is much better.

Not all OEM say "OEM" on the disk. Mine just says "For distribution with a
new PC..." It is an OEM but,also, a full version of Win98SE.
The OEMs tied to hardware would or should be branded with thw Mfg. they are
tied to. i.e. Dell,Gateway,etc.
Which should be recovery disks.
I may be wrong on the branded bit. But that is why I said it. Someone will
most likely jump in to thoroughly correct me. Thus getting you a more
complete answer to your question.

"larryalk" wrote:

I have heard that there is a "full retail" version of Windows 98SE
which is not tied to any hardware like the OEM versions.

How do I tell the "full retail" cd set / COA from an OEM version?


--
My real sig is much better.

The generic OEM version is not tied to hardware. Its few limiting factors
are no MS support (who cares at this point), you're only supposed to install
to one PC with the hardware you ordered to get that generic OEM version, it
won't do a "dirty" install, clean install only, the license noted during the
install will indicate the OEM limitation related to the purchased hardware.
MS provides these.

There are PC manufacturer specific OEM installation media as well. These
are a modified version of the MS installation software tailored to that PC
model. Support is gotten from the OEM, the PC maker, not MS.
--
Jonny
"larryalk" wrote in message
...
I have heard that there is a "full retail" version of Windows 98SE
which is not tied to any hardware like the OEM versions.

How do I tell the "full retail" cd set / COA from an OEM version?


--
My real sig is much better.

Only the OEM versions of 98 preinstalled by an OEM manufacturer such as Dell
are locked to the hardware or are BIOS locked so that a copy can only be
installed on one PC.

If you buy an OEM copy of 98 on a CD, the Product Key has OEM in the key,
and it is not locked to nay hardware or the BIOS.

Eric,
PC Buyer Beware!
http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/

"larryalk" wrote:

I have heard that there is a "full retail" version of Windows 98SE
which is not tied to any hardware like the OEM versions.

How do I tell the "full retail" cd set / COA from an OEM version?


--
My real sig is much better.

Pretty well answered already but here is some more info:

RETAIL FULL INSTALL: This CD will either upgrade W95/98 to SE or you can
install it to a blank hard drive.

RETAIL UPGRADE INSTALL: This CD will either upgrade W95/98 to SE or you can
install it to a blank hard drive; however, when installing to a blank drive,
install will ask to see the qualifying system (i.e., W95) disk(s).

OEM FULL INSTALL. This SE CD is designed to be installed to a blank hard
drive; however, there is a good possibility that you can trick it into
upgrading. For info, go to:
http://home.satx.rr.com/badour/html/upgrade.html Be aware that if you buy
an OEM disk, it might be customized for installation on a particular
computer; however, this will probably be primarily with a used disk.

UPDATE CD: This CD will only update a functioning copy of W98 to W98SE.
When MS sold them, they were $20 and came with a ProductKey. Some venders
were selling them and advising customers to use the W98 ProductKey which may
or may not work--don't get stung. This outfit is selling them for $35:
http://www.micronetxp.net/Merchant2/...Category_Code=

RECOVERY CD: Some companies will brand an OEM CD and call it a recovery CD.
You should avoid these unless it is the exact recovery CD you are looking
for. Many recovery CDs will only install on the equipment they were
intended for.


--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"larryalk" wrote in message
...
I have heard that there is a "full retail" version of Windows 98SE
which is not tied to any hardware like the OEM versions.

How do I tell the "full retail" cd set / COA from an OEM version?


--
My real sig is much better.

On Thu, 5 Jan 2006 11:34:29 -0600, "Ron Badour"
wrote:

Pretty well answered already but here is some more info:

RETAIL FULL INSTALL: This CD will either upgrade W95/98 to SE or you can
install it to a blank hard drive.

How can find out before purchase if a sealed boxed Windows 98SE COA
plus cd is a "retail full install"?

Is there any number or other indication on the _outside_ of the COA?

Larry
--
My real sig is much better.

I have never seen an OEM version that came in a box; however, the best thing
is to ask the seller. The retail versions of W98 do come in a box and which
will indicate that it is an Upgrade version or one that is for a computer
without a system (note: the full retail version will also do an upgrade).

--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"larryalk" wrote in message
news
On Thu, 5 Jan 2006 11:34:29 -0600, "Ron Badour"
wrote:

Pretty well answered already but here is some more info:

RETAIL FULL INSTALL: This CD will either upgrade W95/98 to SE or you can
install it to a blank hard drive.

How can find out before purchase if a sealed boxed Windows 98SE COA
plus cd is a "retail full install"?

Is there any number or other indication on the _outside_ of the COA?

Larry
--
My real sig is much better.