Windows XP OEM

[vitec]

I would like to buy the OEM version of Windows XP (currently running Windows 98) which is way cheaper than the Retail version. but what is the catch ? I still need to do the registration (net/phone) for both Retail as well as OEM - correct. Also if I want to upgrade my hard disk (currently PATA based motherboard), and I do a re-install, can I call up Microsoft and get a new registration on the same OEM copy.

Am I missing something here ?

 

[Agamar]

I believe that OEM is truly tied to a machines, while retail you should be able to move to a new machine with the old machine dies.

 

[kuljc]

retail gives you free tech support from microsoft and OEM doesn't. I'm pretty sure this and the one agamar said are it.

and the reinstall thing on a new hdd, they have some complicated restrictions or something I think. I can't remember them all.

 

[mechBgon]

Additionally, the Retail Full-Version version will be able to do upgrades from a qualifying previous version of Windows, not just fresh installations. The OEM version should only be capable of fresh installs, or repair installs over the same exact version.

 

[LTC8K6]

I have done all sorts of upgrades with my OEM XP installs on several computers. Hard drives, vid cards, memory, optical drives, etc. I only had to reactivate once over the net, and once on the phone when I changed a mobo.

That last one was because I had installed XP, and had the mobo fail within the week. So I was activating the same copy of XP twice in one week. I just told the lady what happened, and she set me up. No problem.

Changing a hard drive has never resulted in a reactivation as far as I remember.
That could be because I always do a drive copy to the new drive.

The only difference I can see is that you have to buy hardware with it, you don't get the pretty packaging and the book, and you don't get the support.

 

[LTC8K6]

I went from a 40 to an 80 to a 120 to a 200gig hard drive without a reactivation on one computer.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
I have done all sorts of upgrades with my OEM XP installs on several computers. Hard drives, vid cards, memory, optical drives, etc. I only had to reactivate once over the net, and once on the phone when I changed a mobo.

That last one was because I had installed XP, and had the mobo fail within the week. So I was activating the same copy of XP twice in one week. I just told the lady what happened, and she set me up. No problem.

Changing a hard drive has never resulted in a reactivation as far as I remember.
That could be because I always do a drive copy to the new drive.

The only difference I can see is that you have to buy hardware with it, you don't get the pretty packaging and the book, and you don't get the support.

To clarify the type of "upgrade" I was referring to, I mean like throwing a WinXP CD into a Win98 system and upgrading straight from Win98 to WinXP without starting over. That capability I think is only in the retail versions of WinXP, but I don't know that from firsthand experience.

 

[LTC8K6]

Tomorrow, I will try to upgrade a Win98 system with an OEM CD and see what happens. `

 

[ohnnyj]

You don't get a nice box .

 

[ribbon13]

if you don't care about thier red tape regulations, and your conscious is clear because you bought it, you can always burn your own and change the PID in the setupp.ini

 

[vitec]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
I have done all sorts of upgrades with my OEM XP installs on several computers. Hard drives, vid cards, memory, optical drives, etc. I only had to reactivate once over the net, and once on the phone when I changed a mobo.

That last one was because I had installed XP, and had the mobo fail within the week. So I was activating the same copy of XP twice in one week. I just told the lady what happened, and she set me up. No problem.

Changing a hard drive has never resulted in a reactivation as far as I remember.
That could be because I always do a drive copy to the new drive.

The only difference I can see is that you have to buy hardware with it, you don't get the pretty packaging and the book, and you don't get the support.

Thanks for the replies. I just need one more clarification, what do you mean by "you have to buy hardware with it". I will be assembling my system soon and will I be able to install a OEM version that I buy from a shop on this system.

 

[ohnnyj]

I purchased all of my parts from various places and a full OEM version of XP Pro for about $130 and it runs just fine.

 

[IGBT]

..does anybody know if xp sp-2 will work wit a motorola 56k win modem?? I have a w98 box that I'd like to upgrade but don't want to loose the modem in the upgrade.

 

[cubby1223]

M$'s big deal over the OS being tied to the original machine is mainly for the sake of who is going to provide support for Windows. With an OEM copy, the system builder is responsible for providing Windows support. So if the machine is replaced, then the system builder cannot be held responsible for any support.

Realistically, Microsoft does have a very relaxed stance of re-activitating licenses, just so you convey over the phone that you are keeping to one machine, one purchased copy of Windows, they will let you re-activate the license even if it's against their stated policy.

With the hardware requirement, it's a bit fuzzy and I haven't found anyone yet who understands it completely. First, the required hardware must be an integral part of a computer, like a harddrive or memory - a cd audio cable for example doesn't technically fit the requirement. My best guess is this - if you buy WinXP OEM with say a harddrive, the seller is guaranteeing that WinXP is fully compatible with that harddrive and will provide support if there are compatibility or usability problems. Still very fuzzy over what it all means. Bottom line is, Microsoft is not going to put up a fuss over the way these copies are sold as long as the end user is paying for a legit copy of Windows & not using a pirated copy. That's how Newegg can get away will selling OEM copies bundled with cd audio cables - they're getting away with the vagueness of the requirements, and M$'s just plain not caring to enforce strict policies.

And this hardware requirement actually can work to your advantage. If you buy a copy of Windows from a shady company who bundles crap hardware that doesn't fit the requirements, and for some reason the company screws you over, you've got some extra leverage to try & get your money back.

 

[Icepick]

Originally posted by: vitec
Thanks for the replies. I just need one more clarification, what do you mean by "you have to buy hardware with it". I will be assembling my system soon and will I be able to install a OEM version that I buy from a shop on this system.

Microsoft's "official" stance on the OEM version is that it has to be sold only along with qualifying hardware. It's meant to be sold as part of a complete system. In my experience, online retailers don't follow this policy strictly.

I was going to purchase WinXP pro OEM from zipzoomfly.com and when I added it to my cart, an audio cable appeared along with it. I actually spoke to a customer service rep and asked about it and they told me that they throw a cheap audio cable for free so they can get around the "qualifying hardware" requirement.

Yes, you will be able to install the OEM version on your system.

 

[RVN]

The biggest thing I would worry about with the OEM is that MS fully expects the OS to die (not be reinstalled on another computer) when the computer it's originally activated on dies or goes away. Depending on your needs, the OEM might prove to be more expensive to buy in the long run for this reason alone ...it depends on how strict MS intends to enforce this ...and far more costly to buy and re-buy than the initially more expensive full retail version that can be re-installed indefinitely on future computers.

 

[ohnnyj]

If you are a student you could always get the retail version at a discount from a place like gradware.com.