Warm-ish? XP Upgrade disk @CompUSA for $149?

[DarthRanger]

I want to replace my hacked version of XP Pro with a legitimate copy and I'm wondering if this is a good way to go? I've seen OEM versions of the OS for less, but I want to avoid the OEM restrictions that they carry (ie limited # of times to reinstall after h/w upgrades, etc.) Does this seem worth it at this price? Thanks for any help or suggestions. :roll:

 

[TreyRandom]

Retail versions have a limited # of times to reinstall after h/w upgrades. So, not hot at all, IMO.

From ZipZoomFly, here's the difference between retail and OEM:

Retail version comes in a fancy box. OEM does not.
Retail version contains a printed manual. OEM comes with an instruction booklet.
Customers who purchase the retail version are eligible for tech support from Microsoft.
Retail version offers the option to do a "Quick Install" or a "Clean Install." OEM version offers the "Clean Install" option only. However, performing a "Clean Install" is HIGHLY recommended.
The OEM version costs approximately $100-$150 less than the retail version.

So, yeah, you get tech support from MS with a retail boxed version... but considering you know where Anandtech's forums are, do you even *need* tech support?

 

[Parasitic]

Keep in mind that the OEM versions of XP "follows" your motherboard so if you got a mobo upgrade your copy of WinXP license cannot be carried over.

 

[daveybrat]

Originally posted by: Parasitic
Keep in mind that the OEM versions of XP "follows" your motherboard so if you got a mobo upgrade your copy of WinXP license cannot be carried over.

I've replaced countless motherboards on machines with OEM XP Home and Pro and never had a problem. If it doesn't re-activate, you simply call the microsoft number and they'll give you the manual key to override it. And i've told them every time that i just replaced my motherboard and they always ok it.

 

[DarthRanger]

Ok then, I'm going to order an OEM copy from the 'egg this Friday when I get paid. Thanks to everyone that responded to this thread. :thumbsup:

 

[GloryField]

I have a $25 student win xp pro upg version. I bought it from UnivWisc-Madison DoiT Tech store and the cd's are white, I have an install disc, and a "diagnostic disc" although I never even use it. The cool thing is, this was actually a full version, no need for win 98 key, and it doesn't require activation. Since then, our tech store has bumped up the price to$99.

 

[Kenny]

Originally posted by: GloryField
I have a $25 student win xp pro upg version. I bought it from UnivWisc-Madison DoiT Tech store and the cd's are white, I have an install disc, and a "diagnostic disc" although I never even use it. The cool thing is, this was actually a full version, no need for win 98 key, and it doesn't require activation. Since then, our tech store has bumped up the price to$99.

Just wondering, is this $99 for the white disc version?

 

[Nanobaud]

Kudos to CompUSA -

If you accept errors happen in electronic processing.

I ordered XP pro having this $50 rebate. The day before the deadline to file the rebate, I went to CompUSA's online-rebate-filing site and entered the the info. The response was that no rebate was available for the purchase. Having filed the electronic rebate, sending in the paper copy would supposedly invalidate both. There was a help number, thinking of which I envisioned 7-levels of voice mail, being transferred among several operators, getting accidentally dropped, and repeating 3-4 times before maybe getting the electronic filing withdrawn so I could send in the paper copy and take my chances with that. I seriously considered not bothering at all (and returning the unopened software), but more for principle than the rebate I gathered a number of things together and sat down with the telephone. At the first voicemail I selected 'talk to a representative'. An actual person picked-up on the second ring, I explained what happened and provided the rebate code I was trying to use. The guy quickly confirmed the rebate was valid and said he would manually correct the entry and I would get confirmation the following business day (a Monday) The phone call was over less than two minutes after I first dialed, the confirmation came that Monday, and I just received the rebate check.

 

[desert crawler]

I've replaced countless motherboards on machines with OEM XP Home and Pro and never had a problem

Not true for me...three times seems to be the MSFT rule, and then they just kiss you off:brokenheart:

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: desert crawler

I've replaced countless motherboards on machines with OEM XP Home and Pro and never had a problem

Not true for me...three times seems to be the MSFT rule, and then they just kiss you off:brokenheart:

I've done it multiple times on my XP home oem.
It's on it's 4th motherboard

 

[kalrith]

I recently decided it was time to actually purchase Windows XP. I needed it on two computers, so I had to purchase two copies. If you don't need XP pro, then you can find good deals on XP Home. I got one from the OD deal a couple of weeks ago for $86 shipped after tax and shipping minus a $70 MIR. I got another one from CompUSA last week. It wasn't nearly as good of a deal, but it was $110 shipped after tax and shipping minus a $50 MIR. So, after the MIRs come in, it'll be $76 for two copies of Windows XP, which I think is pretty good.

BTW, even though they are "upgrade" versions, I didn't have to insert a Win 98 CD or anything like that.

 

[silversum]

Originally posted by: GloryField
I have a $25 student win xp pro upg version. I bought it from UnivWisc-Madison DoiT Tech store and the cd's are white, I have an install disc, and a "diagnostic disc" although I never even use it. The cool thing is, this was actually a full version, no need for win 98 key, and it doesn't require activation. Since then, our tech store has bumped up the price to$99.

I only had to pay $5 at Indiana University for my copy of Win XP pro

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: silversum

Originally posted by: GloryField
I have a $25 student win xp pro upg version. I bought it from UnivWisc-Madison DoiT Tech store and the cd's are white, I have an install disc, and a "diagnostic disc" although I never even use it. The cool thing is, this was actually a full version, no need for win 98 key, and it doesn't require activation. Since then, our tech store has bumped up the price to$99.

I only had to pay $5 at Indiana University for my copy of Win XP pro

Unfortunately my university charges $75, which is why I went with the deals I found. It is XP Pro, but I don't need any of the extra features that Home doesn't have.

 

[CCityInstaller]

Originally posted by: silversum

Originally posted by: GloryField
I have a $25 student win xp pro upg version. I bought it from UnivWisc-Madison DoiT Tech store and the cd's are white, I have an install disc, and a "diagnostic disc" although I never even use it. The cool thing is, this was actually a full version, no need for win 98 key, and it doesn't require activation. Since then, our tech store has bumped up the price to$99.

I only had to pay $5 at Indiana University for my copy of Win XP pro

I paid a total of $0 for my copy at Salisbury University. I picked up Visual Basic and XP Office Preminum at the same time for free as well.