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Win 8.1 (Pro) – Differences between OEM version and Upgraded Version in terms of functionality a and performance

Anonymous
2014-06-07T08:19:16+00:00

Hi,

I understand that the Upgraded version from Win 7 does not have a Recovery Partition at the hard drive C.

Thus it cannot perform complete the task of system repair by SFC/Scannow, System Refresh and Restore PC to an earlier point. The Recovery Flash drive created from the Action Centre > Recovery > Create a Recovery Drive does not help to complete these task.

This upgraded version’s USB driver was easily misconfigured when running a cleaning tool for installation of Wireless Connect Manager Software for the internet.

May I know if it is safe to use this version? Does it have any security issue?

What are the differences in the functionality, features and performance between an OEM Version and the Upgraded Version? 

Is there any Table of Comparison?

At present I have downgraded to the original Win 7 (Home Premium) OEM Version that came with my PC.

I am considering reinstalling it back from a Reinstallation disk created at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-my/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

Is it likely for MS to modify  the functionality, features and performance of the OS download  from this site in coming months for the  upgraded version?

If that is the case, I will wait for a few months before creating the installation disk, otherwise I think it is better for me to stick to the Sin 7 OEM Version.

Thank you

Low

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-08T13:39:23+00:00

    Hi,

    That means that the OEM Version, Upgrade Version and Retail Version all don't have a Recovery Partition unlike the Window 7. Am I right?

    Thanks

    Low

    Recovery partitions are only ever created by the OEM computer manufacturers, not by Microsoft or its operating systems.  Every manufacturer has their own unique way of configuring their recovery partitions.  The purpose of the partition is to provide your backup copy of the OEM version operating system and software that came pre-installed on the computer. Recovery partitions typically contain a complete pre-installed copy of the OS plus all or most of the drivers and software that the computer manufacturer supplied with that computer. If you use the recovery partition the software and operating system within it are 'copied' over onto the harddisk essentially already ready to run, rather than the OS and each program or driver being individually "installed" from scratch as it would be from normal software installation CDs or DVDs.

    The partition might however also include individually installable versions of specific 3rd party software and drivers.

    When you install a Windows upgrade OS onto your computer all it does is replace the installed operating system on the computer. You might have to re-install some drivers or 3rd party software after upgrading the OS. There is no facility to also upgrade OEM recovery partitions.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-09T05:46:46+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for the detail explanation.

    Now I know better about this subject.

    Best Regards

    Low

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-08T08:52:44+00:00

    Hi,

    That means that the OEM Version, Upgrade Version and Retail Version all don't have a Recovery Partition unlike the Window 7. Am I right?

    Thanks

    Low

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-06-08T03:14:12+00:00

    Hi Low,

    Both the Windows 8.1 Pro Upgrade and Windows 8.1 Pro OEM licenses are identical in features. As far as functionality is concerned, there is no difference between any of the versions.

    Windows 8.1 Pro Upgrade requires that you have a previous qualifying version of Windows installed in order to use it (Windows XP, Vista or 7).

    The Windows 8.1 Pro OEM license can only do clean installs, it is not tied to the computer it is installed on and can be transferred to another computer or motherboard.

    Windows 8.1 OEM editions are the Full version of the product and are designed to be installed on a single new PC only. Unlike the retail media, you cannot use OEM media to upgrade an existing version of Windows to Windows 8.1.

    Hope this helps. Let us know in case you need further help on this issue or any issues related to Windows.

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