Full version vs. OEM

[Sycoe]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the full version of Win XP Pro and the OEM Version other than the price. Would I still get the full OS if I bought the OEM.

Thanks

[alfie2]

support!
Microsoft donot support it; you can not ask for Microsoft's help if you need some help, although the support is not that great IMHO.

And yes you get the full version of XP pro with OEM; you can activated/register it with Microsoft and get upgrades.

[Stryker]

You still get the full version.

Whether it's hardware or software, basically all it is is you don't get all the fancy packaging, manuals, sometimes they will leave out cables or other smaller items with hardware. It's just a stripped-down version of the full retail version, but you still get the same product as buying standard retail.

For example... OEM hard drives are just a hard drive in an anti-static bag. Retail hard drives generally come with IDE cables, user manual, etc... but you still get the same drive.

Hope this helps,
Stryker

[Sycoe]

I am going with a 64 bit cpu for my build. If I get Win XP Pro 32 bit can I upgrade to Win XP 64 bit later or are they completely different?

[glc]

Worry about that later when there are 64 bit apps and drivers for more hardware. I'm pretty certain that you would have to pay for an upgrade.

[sdkfz]

This months Maximum PC page 13 has an article stating that the Win XP 64 bit is FREE to those with XP Pro, and is obtained just like you would get a service pack and should be available now, but there are some catches

1) NO XP pro OEM, you will have to get the upgrade through your PC manufacturer so if that was you (cause you bought a OEM disk yourself) then you will have to negotiate with MS as a business OEM providor to get it.
2) If you have XP Home you need to first upgrade to Pro.
3) It will not be a stand alone retail product (the 64 bit version)
4) If you are on Win ME, 98 etc, then to quote the article "you're screwed. The only remaining way to get XP Professional x64 will be to purchase it preinstalled on a new PC" though that does not make sense, just go out and get XP Pro then get the upgrade....

[doubledragon5]

Retail give you a lousy 90 day support big deal.. You get better support here than from MS anyway.

[allburnintegrated]

And with an OEM version, you cannot legally move it to another computer once installed on a computer and if you try to reinstall it on the same computer, you will have to call Microsoft and get them to allow your product key to be activated again. Windows will only work for 30 days if you don't activate it again.

[glc]

Retail versions require reactivation on reinstall too. Moving a generic OEM version to another computer is a legal gray area (exactly what does a "hardware upgrade" consist of - this is legal), but it's physically possible, unlike OEM Dell, etc. versions.

Bottom line - there really is no reason to pay the premium for a retail version if you are building your own computer. Get the OEM, and make sure you are buying an unrestricted OEM (NO branding such as Dell, HP, whatever) from a reputable vendor and that you get a genuine holographic CD with the genuine COA holographic sticker with the key number on it. The sticker should be on a peeloff stuck to the shrinkwrap that contains the almost useless booklet that welcomes you to Windows XP. You are supposed to peel the sticker off and stick it to your case, according to the licensing agreement.