WinXP retail vs. OEM

[tonyromen]

Can someone explain to me the difference between the two? (Besides not coming in a blue box?)

thanks

-t

[Manfordjinsen]

Personally I think there isn't much of a difference besides the box it comes in and maybe a few manuals

[ussenterprise]

No difference that I am aware of except that an OEM piece of software must be sold with a piece of hardware.

[shawshank62]

OEM are sold to computer manufacturers so they can be bundled with new machines. It wont come with a manual or a pretty box, and the big thing, its cheaper. there is no actual difference in the software, so if you get XP retail or oem, it wont make a difference how it runs. And you dont get any support from microsoft, (you still can use windows update)

[tonyromen]

Is there a difference in the activation?

Check this out:
from PCMag.com


Especially the part at the bottom....

Basically what I want to know is: If I buy an oem copy and put it on my machine now, and later on down the road, build another machine/upgrade this one significantly, will I be able to as long as it's only only on one machine?

-t

[tonyromen]

Originally posted by shawshank62
OEM are sold to computer manufacturers so they can be bundled with new machines. It wont come with a manual or a pretty box, and the big thing, its cheaper. there is no actual difference in the software, so if you get XP retail or oem, it wont make a difference how it runs. And you dont get any support from microsoft, (you still can use windows update)

OK...I don't give a hoot about support from MS, but I would like to use Windows update....

-t

[shawshank62]

well use it then, cause you can use it in oem or retail

[tonyromen]

Originally posted by shawshank62
well use it then, cause you can use it in oem or retail

but is there a difference in the activation requirements?

-t

[shawshank62]

ur links bad, could you fix it so i can see what it says.

As for the activation requirements, i am pretty certain it is the same as with a retail copy because it is the same exact thing just without the fancy box and paperwork. also, if you want to install on two machines i would suggest getting the pro version because (from what i have heard w/ the home version (this was when xp was first coming out so im not sure if they went through with it), you have to call ms and tell them this and that to allow you to install again if you upgrade, im not really sure though) Im running the pro-version, and i have it installed on all my computers, and i dont have to say a word to ms. Im pretty sure it is the same requirements, but i would wait for someone to verify that before you buy it.

[tonyromen]

ok fixed the link.

here it is again:
from PCMag.com

-t