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OEM vs Retail Windows xp pro sp/2

drifter106

drifter106

Golden Member
I know by many standards a large majority of people will consider this a "stupid" question. I consider it more along the lines of being ignorant.

I pretty much have a handle for the OEM for hardware...no wires, no screws., blah, blah, blah...

what about OS?

I am referring to xp pro sp/2 here:

is there an advantage to purchasing the retail vs OEM vs upgrade vs whatever?

from what I have seen, the retail usually goes for around $300 and the OEM around $150...

everything being considered,if the opportunity arose, would you buy the retail version for say $182 +$15.00 shipping or go with the OEM for $150

can the retail version be moved from 1 computer to another?
does microsoft give you an advantage to upgrade to a 64 bit OS if you have the retail version?(have heard rumors)

thanks for the advice

jd
 
my oem copy of xp home is exactly the same as retial afaik except it didn't come in a box. not exactly a helpful answer i know, but some info better than nothing eh?
 
absolutely... thanks carl... gotta figure theres something different though ... my luck, i probably just made somebody happy by buying retail version..lol
 
Ya, OEM software comes with no manual, box, or extras, just like OEM hardware. If you buy something OEM, you are getting the product, and the product ONLY. So if you order an OEM version of Windows, you will get the CD in a sleeve in a padded envelope most likely.

EDIT: Also, not sure if software is like hardware on warranties. Most OEM hardware comes with lesser warranties.
 
Less documentation, no box, HELL of a lot cheaper.

If you know how to install windows, just get the OEM. I never understood the point of the windows manual. It's so cryptic and poorly written it might as well be written in Mandarin Chinese...and not the wussy condensed kind, I mean the real hardcore kind with like tens of thousands of symbols.
 
well it looks like i screwed up AGAIN. I ended up buying the retail version... thought id be ahead by doing that... should have posted here first...
 
just went to zzf and checked the price there... was 135 for oem... soooooooooo i plugged in my zip code thinking that, ok theyll probably add on 10, 15 bucks for shipping making it around $150...

good idea right.... makes my 182 +15 retail version not look so bad now ......NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTT.... free xxxxxx xxxxxx shipping.... now how many times am i going to buy something and get free shipping...

maybe i can leave the box out on the coffee table and people let look at it...lol
 
Originally posted by: blurredvision
Ya, OEM software comes with no manual, box, or extras, just like OEM hardware. If you buy something OEM, you are getting the product, and the product ONLY. So if you order an OEM version of Windows, you will get the CD in a sleeve in a padded envelope most likely.

EDIT: Also, not sure if software is like hardware on warranties. Most OEM hardware comes with lesser warranties.
Click to expand...

Makes me wonder if you have ever bought an operating system..............

OEM OSs come with a small 15-20 page manual, the install disk, and a product key. Where you start to run into problems is when you change computer parts a lot. MS does this point system thing on your OS every time you reinstall it. As long as you never change any parts you can reactivate it as many times as you want, but if you change a video card that is a point, a sound card may be two, and a motherboard 4 (random values, but you can search MS's website for the exacts, that is where I got this info about two years ago). Long story short as long as your system stays with-in a point allowance it will reactivate, but if it is over then you will have to call MS and they will ask you some questions. Sadly I have done this several times, and they tell me I wouldn't have to do this I had bought the retail version, but I don't know if that is true or not, for I have two OEM copies (one home, one pro). If you change parts a lot, and if you don't have to call Microsoft to reactivate your windows then maybe it is worth the extra 35 bucks. But if you keep your system pretty much the same for a long period of time, then save the money and get the OEM. When Long horn comes out I will buy retail next time.

kd
 
No, I have never purchased one (outright)... no need to until now...
the computer i have was built 5 years ago for me...the guy installed windows (was part of the package) he told me I could get "cd's" with the deal but it would cost more. He said I really didn't need to, so I took his advice. The first few responses to my post made me feel like I made the wrong decision, but after further thinking on the matter I am glad I did. I have since been made aware of the fact that I can use the OS for more than one puter ( laptop...in my dwelling). Tech help may be an issue at first...won't have to bother people on here for frivious questions...lol

I am also under the impression that since I now have a retail version, I will be able to purchase a newer OS (upgrade version) as they come out at a substantial cost savings. Im thinking of the 64 bit system in this instance (feel free to correct me if i am wrong).

thank you for your comments!!

jd

 
In most cases too with OEM Software you have to by some type of hardware product ( ie, video cards, mobo, hd) with it so in realilty you will be paying about the same thing. OEM software is only good if you are building a system frm the ground up. If you already have the box then get the retail.
 
Originally posted by: kd2777
Originally posted by: blurredvision
Ya, OEM software comes with no manual, box, or extras, just like OEM hardware. If you buy something OEM, you are getting the product, and the product ONLY. So if you order an OEM version of Windows, you will get the CD in a sleeve in a padded envelope most likely.

EDIT: Also, not sure if software is like hardware on warranties. Most OEM hardware comes with lesser warranties.
Click to expand...

Makes me wonder if you have ever bought an operating system..............

OEM OSs come with a small 15-20 page manual, the install disk, and a product key. Where you start to run into problems is when you change computer parts a lot. MS does this point system thing on your OS every time you reinstall it. As long as you never change any parts you can reactivate it as many times as you want, but if you change a video card that is a point, a sound card may be two, and a motherboard 4 (random values, but you can search MS's website for the exacts, that is where I got this info about two years ago). Long story short as long as your system stays with-in a point allowance it will reactivate, but if it is over then you will have to call MS and they will ask you some questions. Sadly I have done this several times, and they tell me I wouldn't have to do this I had bought the retail version, but I don't know if that is true or not, for I have two OEM copies (one home, one pro). If you change parts a lot, and if you don't have to call Microsoft to reactivate your windows then maybe it is worth the extra 35 bucks. But if you keep your system pretty much the same for a long period of time, then save the money and get the OEM. When Long horn comes out I will buy retail next time.

kd
[/q
pwned. And I have bought an operating system before 😀. You just didn't specify what and where.
Click to expand...
 
The major difference is the user licence.

Technically, an OEM version is "tied" to a specific piece of hardware. If your hardware changes enough to cause Windows to make you call thier licence support line, and it is in a different computer, then they may not activate it for you.

OEM licences are designed for computer manufacturers to be able to sell cheap versions of windows with their systems. Thing is, the licence is only good on that computer. A full version can be switched from computer to computer freely, as long as it is only on one computer at a time.
 
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