Windows XP Pro, Retail or OEM?

[salz]

When I first started getting everything together for the system I'm about to build, I was staying away from OEM parts. But when I was looking at a deal for Windows XP Pro, it said the OEM version comes in the original packaging with installation CD, microsoft profuct key, certificate of authenticity and manual. I was under the impression that OEM products do not come with a manual, so I wasn't looking for XP OEM. But, if the OEM version does come with a manual, what does it not come with? Is it simply extra software (like games i'll never play, etc.)? What's the difference between retail and OEM for Windows XP Pro? The price I found is $127.

 

[mastertech01]

Technically it is supposed to be sold with hardware, preferrably a computer. It is not supported by Microsoft, so you lose your two free phone calls to MS tech support, and it usually comes with some kind of manual. The retail version manual is a pathetic little beginners pamphlet so I wouldnt sweat that anyway. You also dont get a nice retail box to stuff in the closet. Really not a whole lot of difference, but the price. AFAIK

 

[Trashman]

main difference is warranty, which isn't like that big a deal, with retail version you get like 2 free calls to MS for support....
usually OEM is a stripped packagaing, no pretty box...but other than that no diff between OEM and Retail.

 

[PG]

I went the OEM route myself. Newegg has an OEM 3 pack of XP Home for about $260 or $270. I asked Newegg what hardware I would need to buy before I placed my order and they said anything other than software would count, so I just got a refurb heasink for $7. I know in the old days you needed to buy the OEM copies of windows with more substantial pieces of hardware like a motherboard, but it seems that those restrictions have been relaxed.
Anyway, I think the OEM route is a nice way to save money and still have legal copies of the software.
For example look at the mess those with that illegal copy of XP will have now. They won't be able to install the official version of Service Pack 1 for XP. They'll have to wait for some hacked version of it to update their OS. I think that's more hassle than it's worth, especially if you were to run that illegal copy of XP on any computer with important data.

 

[salz]

Thanks guys. I'm definitely going to buy XP Pro OEM, but what do you think about the price? $127 + $7.67 ground shipping.

 

[RalfHutter]

Can't beat that with a stick, unless you sign up for the M$ Parteners $39.95 deal. Go here for a link.