“Which version of Windows should I buy? I have a laptop with no operating system. I recently put a new hard drive in and want to know. Do I buy retail or oem?”
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Hello there, The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is the version computer makers use and pre-install into the computer they make and is later sold through a retailer. As a consumer, buying the full version of Windows 8.1 will work best for your needs. For information, please visit : http://www.bestbuy.com/site/windows-8-1-windows/1805813.p?id=1219064868521&skuId=1805813 I hope this was helpful.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.You should be fine with either one... OEM is intended to be used on a new computer with no OS (like you currently have). The copy of Windows will be locked to that specific computer, and cannot be transferred to a new one. I believe the retail version is not as limited... so if you switch to a new PC, you can move your copy of Windows to the new machine. At least, that's how it was supposed to work in Windows 7.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Saw that the answer was to get the retail version. Soooo is this the retail version and not an Upgrade (that requires a Win7 Install)?
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I recommend Windows 7, if your hard drive and RAM are sufficient. I would avoid Windows 8 like the plague.
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