windows xp full version with service pack 2...oem?

[noxiousCaitSith]

i'm lookin at a windows xp full version with sp2 and the guy that i'm gonna buy it from says it's oem and never used. so will i have any problems installing it on my computer? i'm kinda confused about all this license stuff. i already have the xp upgrade version so i can't do anything with it. just wanna make sure that i can use it since i'm gonna spend $60 on it. the xp upgrade was free anyway.

 

[Jiggz]

Technically, an OEM is a version strictly for system builders like Dell, HP and so one. You are required to own the system built to whomever the OEM license was issued to. However, a number of people uses OEM license because it is cheaper and it can also be installed (not all) to generic systems. The problem is ethical in form based on the agreement. Anyways, I cannot understand why you cannot use your upgrade version. Is it because you are missing a licensed version of the required old software? Personally, I do not buy OEM, instead I just use educational versions (and I am a student) or buy used software (retail version). Retail version are far better for activation and updates. Check the For Sale/Trade section for used retail version and you will be better off.

 

[postmortemIA]

OEM could be either pre-locked to a manufacturer, or locked to first computer you activate it on. So it is possible that you won't be able to activate it.

 

[shortylickens]

I got an oem copy to save money on my new game system.
Seemed like a good idea at the time, then I had to upgrade.......

Ended up paying for a full retail.
In the end its better that way. If you decide to trash that computer entirely you will always have a good, full OS to put somewhere else.
Or sell it if you decide to go with Vista.

 

[noxiousCaitSith]

i can't upgrade cause i don't even have a functional computer yet so i've never had an OS.
do you mean upgrading in terms of buying a new OS? cause i really doubt i'll get Vista. XP just seems better. so aside from maybe not even being able to work on my computer i don't mind that it'd be locked onto just one computer. that's pretty much what my parents have cause they bought a sony. been using xp for a few years and still like it. i've heard there are some problems with vista.

also, i don't plan on upgrading my computer every year or even more like some people. i think it should last me a few years...aside from maybe a graphics card...the way i see it. spend $60 now and then when i do need a new OS just get a retail...and i would've spend around $200 for xp retail so i saved $140 toward whatever next retail OS i get. like the new windows they're making.

 

[Jiggz]

Originally posted by: noxiousCaitSith
i can't upgrade cause i don't even have a functional computer yet so i've never had an OS.
do you mean upgrading in terms of buying a new OS? cause i really doubt i'll get Vista. XP just seems better. so aside from maybe not even being able to work on my computer i don't mind that it'd be locked onto just one computer. that's pretty much what my parents have cause they bought a sony. been using xp for a few years and still like it. i've heard there are some problems with vista.

also, i don't plan on upgrading my computer every year or even more like some people. i think it should last me a few years...aside from maybe a graphics card...the way i see it. spend $60 now and then when i do need a new OS just get a retail...and i would've spend around $200 for xp retail so i saved $140 toward whatever next retail OS i get. like the new windows they're making.

Well, if you are guaranteed by the seller that the OEM software will install and activate then you can take the plunge. You mentioned you had the XP upgrade version, this is the one I was referring to when I ask why you cannot install the upgrade version. If what you mentioned previously about having the XP upgrade version is accurate, then you just need to buy the older software (i.e. win98, winme, . . .) to use the upgrade version instead of the OEM. And you can probably save more money in doing so.