• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Windows XP OEM/retail?

Retail is licensed to you, to use on any single computer you want to, no restrictions. OEM is licensed to the hardware in the first system you install the OEM license on, it's not legally re-usable. If you're a mad platform-upgrade fiend and want to be legit, then obviously Retail is the better value in the long run.

Obviously you can install OEM and do a reasonable amount of upgrading to the system it's on. Where to draw the line on the system becoming a "new" system is simple if you're dealing with a Dell or HP or eMachine, but a bit hazy in the DIY market. The motherboard seems to be the tiebreaker item, although Microsoft should really be explicit about that.
 
OEM is also cheaper but read what mechbgon says. The OEM license says you are the one providing tech support. Retail has access to MS tech support. OEM gets a setup manual while the retail gets a better manual i think. I hope this helps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top