difference??sry noob question

[aznman]

is there really a difference in the actual disk of windows XP oem and retail? Iv herd some ppl say u can only use it once but never found proof. Sry im a noob...hate me for it...but please answer my question!

 

[AFB]

The license says it is bound to the hardware it is sold with. (OEM)

 

[pitupepito2000]

I think the only difference is with the license. You should be able to install the software more than once, I bought Win2k OEM, and I was able to install it more than once.

 

[pitupepito2000]

Also, don't worry about asking question that may seem to you simple or very easy to answer, most people will answer questions unless is a question that has been answered in these forums a lot. Just make sure that you use the search feature in the forums

 

[lilnnjaboy]

difference between OEM and Retail are the CD Keys. You can use any OEM CD key on any OEM disk. Same goes for Retail but you cannot use a retail CD key while doing an installation on OEM CD.

 

[aznman]

hey thanks to u all. been a good help. mmm i kinda like this place

 

[Smilin]

CD keys and licensing are the two noticeable ones.

If you are using a Dell, IBM or Compaq (etc..) copy there will often be quite a few other changes. The OEM cds often contain altered drivers or services. You may also find and $oem$ folder containing apps, drivers and other changes.

If you buy a "boxed" oem copy from newegg for instance the CD keys and licensing will be the only real changes.

 

[Sianath]

In addition to the above, you also cannot upgrade an existing installation using OEM media. OEM media is designed to be deployed to a machine without an OS, so you do not get the option to upgrade.