OEM WinXP good for new build?

[sam21]

Hello,
I was wondering if an OEM version of WinXP home or PRO can be used for a new build. I know you get no M$ support but does OEM version comes with all the necessary things for it to install on a new build?It's not just the CD is it?

--Reason I asked is because there is a computer show near where I live,and I wanna see how much it is there.

--Also if you guys can give me tips on things like "who to buy from" "what you should watch out for" "things to avoid" ETC. ETC. it would be greatly appreaciated,this would be the first time for me going to these things...

--things I'll be looking for are a case,AMD cpu,maybe a vid card.sound card,HDD,and Windows XP if price is right...

[Nuclear Krusader]

You should have no problem with an OEM version of WinXP. It's exactly the same as the full retail version, the only difference lies in that it must be purchased with hardware.

Oh, and it comes without the fancy box.

[Byte 2.0]

Myself I only use OEM windows. I never expect to get or use MS tech support. I just the web, PCMECH and friends for tech help.

I don't have XP yet, but when I do get XP, I will probably get a PRO, next MB I buy will probably be a dual Processor and Linux and MS XP PRO both can support Dual processors.

I hate to say this, but most computer shows the dealers will sell OEM's with out hardware. Other dealers keep a pile of 486 MB's or processors there labeled 5 dollars, then make you buy one to go with your OEM software.

What do you mean it is not legal, I just got a Mother board or Processor with it. hehe

[ZANEY123]

here is 1 thread (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42481&highlight=computer+shows)



and another one (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40153&highlight=computer+shows)

take your time and look around real good first.

Zaney123:)

[glc]

Be careful at shows - these days they seem to only have 2 things - overpriced quality components, and garbage. If you don't know what you are doing you are liable to wind up with a PC Chips motherboard and a case with a Deer power supply.

I would only buy from a vendor that has a reasonably local presence and will willingly give you a business card with ample contact information. If it's a 2 day show, buy the first day, take the stuff home and test it ALL in case you have DOA's, you can take them back the next day.

[sam21]

Thanks guys,after reading these other threads,I decided just to buy software and heavy hardwares...

[sam21]

Came back home today with a AMD 1700 bought for $65,not bad it's the retail version too!The guys I bought it off gave me a business card and flier with lots of contact info.

Everything else wasn't so good,there were soo many cheap components...

[Christoph]

Microsoft changed the OEM terms of use a little bit but if you look around you still get good deals on the product online. For support - Microsoft itself has a very good knowledge base.

http://support.microsoft.com

Searching the knowledge base is a good start (of course it can't beat this forum but sometimes .... ;) )

Christoph