Is there any difference between the windows XP OEM and retail?

[daizone88]

Are there any differences between the Windows XP OEM and Retail versions? What about Windows Vista? I'm looking at buying an OS for my new build and was planning on purchasing the Windows XP Home OEM as it's $100 cheaper than retail.

 

[networkman]

OEM versions of Windows XP:

-- cannot upgrade over an existing Windows installation.
-- must be installed "clean" on a freshly reformatted drive or partition.
-- cannot be transferred to a different computer or if motherboard is upgraded.
-- the license cannot be sold or transferred to another user.
-- are not eligible for free Microsoft technical support.
-- any problems whatsoever with the installation CD or Product Key.
-- is not eligible for Microsoft support....you have to deal with the "seller".
-- cost less than "retail versions" due to the above limitations/risks.

Best Advice: Purchase a "Retail Version" of Windows XP!

====

Differences between XP Home & XP Pro:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

Note: Google is your friend. Just type in your question like you did here and you'll get tons of hits.

 

[John]

FWIW I will offer up some corrections.

1) Although I haven't tried in quite some time, I recall having some XP Home OEM customers who wanted to upgrade Pro, and I was able to do an in-place upgrade with the full OEM Pro disc. I'll try it again tomorrow to confirm.

2) You can "legally" sell the OEM Windows as long and it's sold with the computer that it is installed on.

However, the entire PC may be transferred to another end user along with the software license rights. When transferring the PC to the new end user the original software media, manuals (if applicable) and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) must be included. It is also advisable to include the original purchase invoice or receipt. The original end user cannot keep any copies of the software.

3) If you ever have a legitimate problem with the product key there are certain OEM system builders (like me) who can call MS and have a new key generated. I can also get the media replaced free of charge.

 

[BladeVenom]

I always thought upgrade versions were the way to go.

 

[Captante]

I was able to get a new key for an OEM version of XP Home from MS myself when I carelessly tore it in half while opening the package & proceeded to lose the half I detached. I simply explained that I was the system builder when questioned about the OEM version & they took care of me right away... also I've done an upgrade from XP Home to Pro (for a doctors office) with a 5-user OEM license so it will work, although I'm not 100% sure it was within terms of the EULA.