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In the most recent system's builder guide it says,

The OEM versions are the best deals. They cost less than retail copies, and Microsoft's Personal Use License allows for them to be used on home-built PCs and to be transferred to a new machine after an upgrade.

when I clicked on the link provided:

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/windows-licensing-for-personal-use.aspx#fbid=jCQw1Xl0fIy

At the grey colored table on the page it says:

(Table) Building a PC for personal use licensing comparison by product

(left Column) Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro

(First bullet) Full packaged retail product is needed.


Please tell me I've made a mistake here

Maybe I can have my son build a system with the OEM package and then sell it to me for a penny?

Good spot. I've looked at the linked page, and have the same interpretation as you.

However, that information is peculiar since you are allowed to use an SB license for Windows 8.0 but not 8.1. Given that 8.0 -> 8.1 is a free upgrade, there doesn't seem to be any method to the madness.

I wonder if that leeway was provided for Windows 8.0 just to try and shore up sales of that version.