I very confused about Win7 versions :( I want to order the 64bit version, but all the one I see online are marked as either 'OEM' or 'OEI'. Should I be looking to find 'Retail' versions?Thanks for any help

I upgraded from Vista Premium 64 to Windows 7 64. I bought it at Office depot. It had both cds ( 32 bit and 64 bit). There is more work required, according to the instructions, if you are going up from XP. The box didn't have much more info on it.

Cheapest solution is OEM or System Builder. You get the full version, but only 64 or 32 bit (retail has both). The OS is bound to your hardware, unlike with retail. You can only use it on the computer you installed it first. Buy a new system, and you will need a new system builder version (in theory *g*).

Cheapest solution is OEM or System Builder. You get the full version, but only 64 or 32 bit (retail has both). The OS is bound to your hardware, unlike with retail. You can only use it on the computer you installed it first. Buy a new system, and you will need a new system builder version (in theory *g*).

ThanksHow is it that so many sites (UK) are only offering OEM or OEI? I thought you could only buy OEM when also buying hardware????I don't know what OEI is?

The content of OEM is the same as the retail version - just no fancy box but you need to buy a piece of hardware to make it legit (a cheapo mouse will do). The same with retail vs OEM DVDroms - one in a box, one not.The retail W7 has both disks 32bit and 64bit whereas the OEM has either 32bit OR 64bit.Obviously you can only install one version as you get a single license.John E

I'll be getting the OEM version of 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate. Save quite a bit of money by doing so.