How to distinguish RTM, OEM and Retail version

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by RogerI, Dec 19, 2009.

  1. RogerI

    RogerI MDL Junior Member

    Aug 9, 2009
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    Are their ways to tell a copy of Windows 7 is a
    RTM, OEM or Retail version?

    Thanks
     
  2. Phazor

    Phazor MDL Expert

    Sep 1, 2009
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    #2 Phazor, Dec 20, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2009
    The question is flawed. OEM and Retail are RTM, hence you cannot distinct here at all.

    And OEM and Retail images are really the same thing too in that they both install the very same operating system. The thing that matters is the product key you enter after the installation, as this is what ultimately turns your Windows into a 'Retail' or 'OEM' version.


    So to answer the question as good as possible:

    Retail = RTM

    OEM = RTM

    Retail <=> OEM

    OEM <=> Retail

    (Which means it doesnt matter what type of medium you use to install as all that really matters is the key.)


    P.S.: This is of course only as far as the MS images go. There is another type of OEM images made and distributed by OEM manufacturers, which are different in that they include customized contents.
    These OEM images must not be confused with Microsofts so-called 'OEM' images.
     
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  3. Matrix Leader

    Matrix Leader MDL Addicted

    Dec 8, 2009
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    Ditto ! very well explained
     
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  4. RogerI

    RogerI MDL Junior Member

    Aug 9, 2009
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    can't explain why can't activate a RTM with a Retail Key?
     
  5. Phazor

    Phazor MDL Expert

    Sep 1, 2009
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    Sorry, but i dont understand your question.

    What exactly is the problem youre having?
     
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  6. vdl68

    vdl68 MDL Junior Member

    Sep 11, 2009
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    You can activate either OEM and Retail, and what ever you fell like it with a RTM.... LOL.. If you find a OEM key, then it's a OEM, then if it's a Retail keys, then it a Retail...

    How simple can it be explain???:D ....Ok....1 plus 1 is??? I'm clueless...:p
     
  7. tuvi123

    tuvi123 MDL Addicted

    Jul 29, 2009
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    #7 tuvi123, Dec 20, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2009
    as Phazor said, OEM and Retail version has the same files so they are identical. both are RTM (build is 7600.16385)
    but if you still want to find out what version you have then do this:
    1) if you did not install windows 7 and you have the iso file:
    open your iso, open the file ei.cfg (that is found inside the source folder).
    and check the "channel"
    2) if you have windows 7 installed (and you did not have the iso or you want to check it form inside windows).
    then check the EULA.
    run "winver", click on "Microsoft Software License Terms"
    go to the end of the ducumend and check the EULAID.
    EULAID:Win7_RM.0_ULT_RTL_en-us = Retail
    EULAID:Win7_RM.0_ULT_OEM_en-us = Oem.

    if you use a Retail key on OEM iso then it's actually a RETAIL version and vice versa.
    the key is what matters.
     
  8. PAYMYRENT

    PAYMYRENT MDL Developer

    Jul 28, 2009
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    ok you have to make sure the key is right for your windows version. a retail ultimate key will only activate an ultimate copy of windows :p same with all the others...
     
  9. RogerI

    RogerI MDL Junior Member

    Aug 9, 2009
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    Tuvi123 & PAYMYRENT

    Thank for explaining.
    How to open the file ei.cfg?
     
  10. PAYMYRENT

    PAYMYRENT MDL Developer

    Jul 28, 2009
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    use notepad to open it
     
  11. wuhoatu

    wuhoatu MDL Member

    Apr 24, 2009
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    I do not think that the key is matter. I use OEM SLP key over RTL media, and the EULAID still be Win7_RM.0_ULT_RTL_en-us

    I found that it depend on C:\Windows\System32\en-US\Licenses\_default\Lisense.rtf
     
  12. urie

    urie Moderator
    Staff Member

    May 21, 2007
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    Sorry wrong the key does matter you can use an oem dvd to install retail if you have retail key. notnally it is only ei.cfg file that changes.
     
  13. RogerI

    RogerI MDL Junior Member

    Aug 9, 2009
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    It said somewhere that you have all versions of the Win 7 if you delete the ei.cfg file. If the file is deleted, what version is that copy, a RTL, RTM or OEM?
     
  14. Hoppyah

    Hoppyah MDL Senior Member

    Aug 12, 2009
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    Any take your pic but I'd have thought retail