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I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home
premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a
64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to
Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a
32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However, I
have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with
this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows or
do I need to start buying computers from HP?

You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM
version, which wouldn't accept your key.

Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If
they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though
only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you
have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as
the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

--
Charlie.
"Jonathon" <> wrote in message
news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-...
>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home
> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a
> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to
> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a
> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However,
> I
> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with
> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows
> or
> do I need to start buying computers from HP?

In that case. Can I purchase a 64-bit OEM version and install that on my
Dell or do I have to get a retail version?

"Charlie Russel - MVP" wrote:

> You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM
> version, which wouldn't accept your key.
>
> Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If
> they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.
>
> Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though
> only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you
> have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as
> the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)
>
> --
> Charlie.
> "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
> news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-...
> >I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home
> > premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a
> > 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to
> > Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a
> > 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However,
> > I
> > have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with
> > this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows
> > or
> > do I need to start buying computers from HP?
>
>

Yes, you should be able to purchase a 64-bit OEM version. However, keep in
mind that any OEM version is permanently tied to the one machine - if you
decide to dump that machine and build a new one, you have no rights to move
the copy. Oh, and one other thing - an OEM version doesn't have support from
MS. A retail one does.

Note also that buying an "any time upgrade" moves you from OEM to Retail -
with the attendant rights.

--
Charlie.
"Jonathon" <> wrote in message
news:6E81E317-FFC2-410D-959A-...
> In that case. Can I purchase a 64-bit OEM version and install that on my
> Dell or do I have to get a retail version?
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" wrote:
>
>> You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM
>> version, which wouldn't accept your key.
>>
>> Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If
>> they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.
>>
>> Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though
>> only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you
>> have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as
>> the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)
>>
>> --
>> Charlie.
>> "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
>> news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-...
>> >I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home
>> > premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a
>> > 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to
>> > Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using
>> > a
>> > 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.
>> > However,
>> > I
>> > have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging
>> > with
>> > this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of
>> > windows
>> > or
>> > do I need to start buying computers from HP?
>>
>>

So it is possible! But is it actually legal? I'd rather just spend $100 to
get another OEM version if there is any chance of me getting in trouble.

"Mark H" wrote:

> Obviously, Charlie hasn't tried it.
>
> A retail version WILL accept your OEM key and install correctly. The OEM key
> must be the one on the bottom of the machine, not the one supplied by Dell
> as part of the manufacturer's setup. (If you extracted the current product
> key, it doesn't match the one on the bottom.) To install this, you would
> have to clean install, use the OEM key on the bottom of the machine (during
> installation), and activation would have to be with a representative at MS.
> (Who will give you the activation string by telling them Dell is the
> manufacturer. I've done this with two machines to remove all the "Dell/HP"
> garbage and maintain OEM.) Removal of the recovery partition is up to you,
> but until you know it worked, leave it alone.
>
> Another option is to google "Vista ABR" (no quotes.) This little program
> will extract your Dell product key and activation file to a USB stick.
> Perform a clean install of x64 with the retail disk, but do not enter a
> product key when asked. Upon completion, use the ABR program to put the key
> and activation back on the drive. NOTE: This will only work with the machine
> for which the Dell product key was intended since it is tied to the BIOS.
>
> In both cases, you will need to get your drivers from the Dell website.
>
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> > You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM
> > version, which wouldn't accept your key.
> >
> > Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If
> > they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.
> >
> > Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though
> > only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you
> > have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as
> > the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)
> >
> > --
> > Charlie.
> > "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
> > news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-...
> >>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home
> >> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a
> >> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to
> >> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a
> >> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However,
> >> I
> >> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with
> >> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows
> >> or
> >> do I need to start buying computers from HP?
> >
>

You will have the same OEM version of Vista as originally installed with
it's legally purchased product key (one on the bottom, or the Dell "company
OEM" PK) and activated on the machine to which it was originally "tied."
That meets the EULA.

Doesn't matter what disk the product comes from. You can even switch between
32-bit and 64-bit with the same key. (Of course, requires a different
install disk.)


"Jonathon" <> wrote in message
news:8B4BC66C-0DAA-4F2F-A44A-...
> So it is possible! But is it actually legal? I'd rather just spend $100
> to
> get another OEM version if there is any chance of me getting in trouble.
>
> "Mark H" wrote:
>
>> Obviously, Charlie hasn't tried it.
>>
>> A retail version WILL accept your OEM key and install correctly. The OEM
>> key
>> must be the one on the bottom of the machine, not the one supplied by
>> Dell
>> as part of the manufacturer's setup. (If you extracted the current
>> product
>> key, it doesn't match the one on the bottom.) To install this, you would
>> have to clean install, use the OEM key on the bottom of the machine
>> (during
>> installation), and activation would have to be with a representative at
>> MS.
>> (Who will give you the activation string by telling them Dell is the
>> manufacturer. I've done this with two machines to remove all the
>> "Dell/HP"
>> garbage and maintain OEM.) Removal of the recovery partition is up to
>> you,
>> but until you know it worked, leave it alone.
>>
>> Another option is to google "Vista ABR" (no quotes.) This little program
>> will extract your Dell product key and activation file to a USB stick.
>> Perform a clean install of x64 with the retail disk, but do not enter a
>> product key when asked. Upon completion, use the ABR program to put the
>> key
>> and activation back on the drive. NOTE: This will only work with the
>> machine
>> for which the Dell product key was intended since it is tied to the BIOS.
>>
>> In both cases, you will need to get your drivers from the Dell website.
>>
>>
>> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>> > You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM
>> > version, which wouldn't accept your key.
>> >
>> > Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice.
>> > If
>> > they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.
>> >
>> > Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit,
>> > though
>> > only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else
>> > you
>> > have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key
>> > as
>> > the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)
>> >
>> > --
>> > Charlie.
>> > "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
>> > news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-...
>> >>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista
>> >>home
>> >> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire
>> >> a
>> >> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to
>> >> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that
>> >> using a
>> >> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.
>> >> However,
>> >> I
>> >> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging
>> >> with
>> >> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of
>> >> windows
>> >> or
>> >> do I need to start buying computers from HP?
>> >
>>

We have been told, repeatedly, that the EULA for OEM version is one. Or the
other. But not both. So you make a _one time_ choice - 32-bit or 64-bit. If
you change your mind, and want to change architectures after the initial
install? You require a new copy.

--
Charlie.
"Mark H" <> wrote in message
news:CD427004-3CF4-4201-8AB2-...
> You will have the same OEM version of Vista as originally installed with
> it's legally purchased product key (one on the bottom, or the Dell
> "company OEM" PK) and activated on the machine to which it was originally
> "tied."
> That meets the EULA.
>
> Doesn't matter what disk the product comes from. You can even switch
> between 32-bit and 64-bit with the same key. (Of course, requires a
> different install disk.)
>
>
> "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
> news:8B4BC66C-0DAA-4F2F-A44A-...
>> So it is possible! But is it actually legal? I'd rather just spend $100
>> to
>> get another OEM version if there is any chance of me getting in trouble.
>>
>> "Mark H" wrote:
>>
>>> Obviously, Charlie hasn't tried it.
>>>
>>> A retail version WILL accept your OEM key and install correctly. The OEM
>>> key
>>> must be the one on the bottom of the machine, not the one supplied by
>>> Dell
>>> as part of the manufacturer's setup. (If you extracted the current
>>> product
>>> key, it doesn't match the one on the bottom.) To install this, you would
>>> have to clean install, use the OEM key on the bottom of the machine
>>> (during
>>> installation), and activation would have to be with a representative at
>>> MS.
>>> (Who will give you the activation string by telling them Dell is the
>>> manufacturer. I've done this with two machines to remove all the
>>> "Dell/HP"
>>> garbage and maintain OEM.) Removal of the recovery partition is up to
>>> you,
>>> but until you know it worked, leave it alone.
>>>
>>> Another option is to google "Vista ABR" (no quotes.) This little program
>>> will extract your Dell product key and activation file to a USB stick.
>>> Perform a clean install of x64 with the retail disk, but do not enter a
>>> product key when asked. Upon completion, use the ABR program to put the
>>> key
>>> and activation back on the drive. NOTE: This will only work with the
>>> machine
>>> for which the Dell product key was intended since it is tied to the
>>> BIOS.
>>>
>>> In both cases, you will need to get your drivers from the Dell website.
>>>
>>>
>>> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <> wrote in
>>> message
>>> news:...
>>> > You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a
>>> > non-OEM
>>> > version, which wouldn't accept your key.
>>> >
>>> > Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice.
>>> > If
>>> > they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.
>>> >
>>> > Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit,
>>> > though
>>> > only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else
>>> > you
>>> > have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key
>>> > as
>>> > the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Charlie.
>>> > "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
>>> > news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-...
>>> >>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista
>>> >>home
>>> >> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire
>>> >> a
>>> >> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link
>>> >> to
>>> >> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that
>>> >> using a
>>> >> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.
>>> >> However,
>>> >> I
>>> >> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging
>>> >> with
>>> >> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of
>>> >> windows
>>> >> or
>>> >> do I need to start buying computers from HP?
>>> >
>>>
>

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Yes, you should be able to purchase a 64-bit OEM version. However, keep in
> mind that any OEM version is permanently tied to the one machine - if you
> decide to dump that machine and build a new one, you have no rights to
> move the copy. Oh, and one other thing - an OEM version doesn't have
> support from MS. A retail one does.
>
> Note also that buying an "any time upgrade" moves you from OEM to Retail -
> with the attendant rights.
>
> --
> Charlie.
> "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
> news:6E81E317-FFC2-410D-959A-...
>> In that case. Can I purchase a 64-bit OEM version and install that on my
>> Dell or do I have to get a retail version?
>>
>> "Charlie Russel - MVP" wrote:
>>
>>> You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM
>>> version, which wouldn't accept your key.
>>>
>>> Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If
>>> they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.
>>>
>>> Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though
>>> only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else
>>> you
>>> have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key
>>> as
>>> the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)
>>>
>>> --
>>> Charlie.
>>> "Jonathon" <> wrote in message
>>> news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-...
>>> >I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista
>>> >home
>>> > premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire
>>> > a
>>> > 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to
>>> > Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that
>>> > using a
>>> > 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.
>>> > However,
>>> > I
>>> > have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging
>>> > with
>>> > this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of
>>> > windows
>>> > or
>>> > do I need to start buying computers from HP?
>>>
>>>
>


Since OEM packs do not come with both x86 and x64 dvds and since an OEM
product key does not qualify you for both dvds you should consider just
buying a retail copy of Vista. Also, the OEM (System Builder) license does
not grant the purchaser of the OEM pack the right to use the software, but
only to install it on a computer for sale to a customer. Don't get involved
with questionable licensing for your computer.

Why are you two making it sound so sinister to perform something Microsoft
supports?

> Since OEM packs do not come with both x86 and x64 dvds
Neither do any retail versions other than Ultimate.

> and since an OEM product key does not qualify you for both dvds
That is correct, sort of. MS will not honor an OEM product key to purchase
the alternate media. (You are not a recognized Licensed System Builder.)
Instead, they will refer you to the maker of your computer who can choose to
provide the other bitness. Some do, some do not, even though they are both
under the System Builder EULA. (I don't see MS jumping on them for giving
you the other version.) If you are the maker, then you will not be able to
obtain the alternate media.

> you should consider just buying a retail copy of Vista.
Why?

> Also, the OEM (System Builder) license does not grant the purchaser of the
> OEM pack the right to use the software, but only to install it on a
> computer for sale to a customer.
Which only applies to Licensed System Builders acknowledged by MS
and does not apply to the end-user.

> Don't get involved with questionable licensing for your computer.
What's questionable?

I agree, don't pirate your software. If you want support, get the retail
version.
But, as long as MS supports activation of a single product key for either
bitness, whether OEM or retail, it's not questionable.

So if I decide to reformat my computer as soon as I get it and install 64-bit
and use the OEM key on my Dell laptop thats fine?