XP question

[Boyo]

Besides the huge price difference, does anyone know the difference between XP OEM and Retail?

Unfortunately, since my XP came with a Dell, I have to buy new according to Microsoft.

 

[Nothinman]

That's the main one. OEMs get a discount because the license is tied to the machine you bought it with.

 

[Boyo]

I understand the discount for Dell, but I am talking about the difference on Newegg. They are selling an XP OEM version for $89.00 and the Retail version for $200.00. There is no explanation of the difference. Obviously, I would rather by the $89.00 version. Does anyone know the difference?

 

[Nothinman]

Technically Newegg shouldn't be selling the OEM version to 'normal' users, it's meant to be sold with new machines. But I believe the license is vague enough that it can be sold with any new hardware, so if you buy the OEM version from Newegg you have to buy a piece of hardware with it and legally that license is tied to that piece of hardware.

 

[scottws]

I am pretty sure that you have the buy the OEM version with a motherboard, and then the license is tied to that motherboard forever. You can't upgrade your motherboard or computer and use the same XP OEM serial number. You have to buy a new one.

The retail version is not tied to hardware at all. You can install it or transfer it to any PC you wish, so long as it's only installed on one PC at a time. There's an exception for this on business laptops I think.

 

[Ichinisan]

[edit]Oops. These replies were not loaded when I responded.[/edit]

Newegg's OEM copies don't care what motherboard you have. They're for system builders. Most do-it-yourself'ers can't afford a bulk deal with Microsoft to get OEM discs directly, so Newegg and other online sites use a loophole that allows them to sell it to you as long as non-peripheral hardware is included.

 

[Boyo]

Well, I am in the middle of building my own system. My first to be exact, and when I bought all of my hardware (most from Newegg) I did not realize that I had to buy a new XP package. I was going to use the one that came with my Dell. Someone told me that was a no-no, so I have all of my hardware (still waiting for my case) but now I need to buy XP. Since I bought my mobo from them, will they let me buy the OEM XP even though they are being purchased at different times?

 

[Ichinisan]

Your Dell copy will work, but it will require activation. Newegg OEM copies require activation also.

Of course, Microsoft's license expects that you will erase the installation from your laptop.

[edit]
I've purchased XP MCE 2005 OEM from Newegg without specifying any hardware. They threw a 12-volt 'Y' power connector into the package.
[/edit]

 

[Nothinman]

Your Dell copy will work, but it will require activation.

It'll work, but it won't be legal.

I've purchased XP MCE 2005 OEM from Newegg without specifying any hardware. They threw a 12-volt 'Y' power connector into the package.

Which is a loophole in the OEM licensing scheme. Technically your XP license is now tied to that Y cable.

 

[bendixG15]

All these jailhouse lawyers protecting Microsofts backside....spare me

 

[Boyo]

To me, it's not worth the hassle of dealing with Microsoft and all of their fine print technicalities, so I will not be transfering my XP from my Dell to my new build. However, I was just online with a Newegg agent who told me that there was not a requirement for me to purchase an additional hardware product when buying the XP OEM. I placed the order and it went through clear and free.

This is a complete new build from the bottom up, so the OEM will be tied to my Asus mobo, which is fine beccause I am not planning on completing an entire new build for some time. So, everything is on the up and up and is totally legal.

My question is, will there be a difference between the OEM version I just bought and the over priced $200.00 version??? Outside of being able to install it multiple times.

 

[Boyo]

Originally posted by: bendixG15
All these jailhouse lawyers protecting Microsofts backside....spare me

LMAO!!! I'm with you.

 

[Nothinman]

All these jailhouse lawyers protecting Microsofts backside....spare me

If you don't like the licenses use something else.

My question is, will there be a difference between the OEM version I just bought and the over priced $200.00 version??? Outside of being able to install it multiple times.

There is no technical difference, you can install either of them as many times as you want on the same machine.

 

[Boyo]

My question is, will there be a difference between the OEM version I just bought and the over priced $200.00 version??? Outside of being able to install it multiple times.

There is no technical difference, you can install either of them as many times as you want on the same machine.

Great. As long as they are the same, that puts my mind at ease. Thanks for the help.