Windows XP OEM, retail, upgrade, which one?

Rhonda85

Senior member
Jan 15, 2001
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:disgust:First of all I am running win98se OEM. I want to go to windows XP home. I was told that if I buy the upgrade that I cannot do a "clean" install because I have win98 OEM not retail. I am confused. Win xp home retail is approx $200, win xp home OEM is approx $89 and win xp home upgrade is $99. WHAT is the main difference between win xp retail and OEM? I know that the OEM copy is not sold through stores like comp usa and legally to sell OEM, a piece of hardware is usually sold with it (like a hard disk). Other than this, is win xp OEM and win xp retail the same?

Thanks
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
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Originally posted by: Rhonda85
:disgust:First of all I am running win98se OEM. I want to go to windows XP home. I was told that if I buy the upgrade that I cannot do a "clean" install because I have win98 OEM not retail. I am confused. Win xp home retail is approx $200, win xp home OEM is approx $89 and win xp home upgrade is $99. WHAT is the main difference between win xp retail and OEM? I know that the OEM copy is not sold through stores like comp usa and legally to sell OEM, a piece of hardware is usually sold with it (like a hard disk). Other than this, is win xp OEM and win xp retail the same?

Thanks

i would buy the retail home upgrade version in your case. buying the retail version will allow you to get free technical support directly from microsoft. you can do a clean install with an upgrade version, but you will be prompted for an eligible windows cd during the install process.
 

Lovehandles

Member
Sep 6, 2003
103
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Originally posted by: Rhonda85
WHAT is the main difference between win xp retail and OEM?

The retail version gives you free tech support with MS. The OEM does not.
Retail - comes in fancy packaging and sleeve; and printed manual.
OEM comes with a booklet.

For me, i'd get the OEM version #1) because it's cheaper and #2) i don't need the tech support - they're all pretty much crackheads anyway. Atleast for tier 1 help desk level it is.

Other than that, you're getting the exact same OS. Make sure the CD you're buying says XP with SP2.

But if the tech support is more important to you (depending on your level of expertise with computers) choose the retail.