OP

[imported_buc]

Where can I find the chepest Window XP?

 

[Harvey]

It depends on where you are and what else you need to buy. An OEM version of XP Home or Pro costs less than the retail version, but the license restrictions say you have to buy some other hardware with it. If there's a local clone shop near you, you can probably buy it, there, and you won't have to pay shipping. Major online shops also carry it.

For example, fry's.com has OEM versions of XP Pro for $138 and XP home for $90. You will have to buy a piece of hardware to qualify for that, but you can probably find something you want (DVD burner, RAM, etc.) that costs less than the difference between the price for the OEM and retail versions. The difference between the two is mostly how much support you'll get from Microsoft if you need help.

If you have a previous version of Windows, you may save money buying an upgrade version, but most serious users prefer to do a clean install, instead of installing XP over an earlier version.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: buc
Where can I find the chepest Window XP?

At a MS tech conference where they typically give out free NFR copies of the software.

Keep in mind that (unbranded) OEM operating systems are cheaper because 1) you don't get support from MS and 2) it cannot legally be transferred to a new computer; it is tied to the original sytem that it's installed on. OEM DSP software does not require a piece of hardware to be bundled with it. If you cannot find DSP then then a $2.00 internal power splitter meets MS requirements for OEM operating system purchases. Retail operating systems can be transferred to new computers and you get support from MS. This is why retail costs more, but in the end it's a better value.

Be careful who you purchase software from since a lot of shady companies sell grey market, and other software that should not be resold, for a discounted price.

 

[blackangst1]

yeah what he said ^^^^^^^^^^

I personally use www.pricewatch.com for almost everything I buy, and they have an OS section. You can also look at re-seller ratings as well.

 

[imported_buc]

The reason I ask the question is I want to build a new computer and I need a Window XP I got a computer now with window xp But I can't use the cd which come with the computer.That right?

 

[mechBgon]

At this point, if you're getting a Windows XP CD+license kit, make sure you get one that comes with a Windows Vista upgrade coupon, so you can score a cheap upgrade to Vista when it's available. I'd just get one from a known legit source like Newegg.com. Newegg spells it out for ya