Shopping for Windows XP Professional -- have licensing questions.

[IronMentality]

Hi there. I am looking for a full copy (not upgrade) of Windows XP Professional to put onto my new PC. I went to shopping.com and typed in Windows XP and found the following different types of offerings or licenses: (I am not interested in the Academic versions)

Under $80 I found numerous 'Media Only Packages.' Is this just a box of Windows XP Professional with the little manual without the CD? These were roughly all around $25.

Then, for OEM CDs I can find roughly for around $139 the full version of the CD itself. http://www.directdeals.com/item_OEM-WINXPPDSP2.aspx

Does this mean I can purchase the OEM CD and the Media Only Package and roughly get the 'retail box' version for much cheaper? Also, is there a guarantee that this 'New OEM CD' won't be a Dell or HP or name brand altered manufacturer one like people have complained about before?

I would greatly appreciate any help, thank you! The cheapest route to get this software is the way to go.

[Confused]

I'm not sure what the media only is that you are talking about but the XP OEM from directdeals is just that. A OEM copy of XP. They are a reputable co. that I have bought from numerous times in the past. http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1605.html

[wedor]

Media only is just the CD, license only is with no CD.

It is illegal to sell the license without media or media without license according to Microsoft.

[IronMentality]

If it's illegal to sell a media only dealie and a license seperately, why do retailers do it?

Secondly, am I guaranteed this copy of Windows XP Professional from Directdeals or any other reputable retailer for a low price will not have all the HP and Dell junk on it that others have complained about when purchasing these type of discs?

Again, the route I'm looking for is the cheapest to get Windows XP Professional that will work perfectly

[Blue_Gundam2002]

Originally Posted by IronMentality If it's illegal to sell a media only dealie and a license seperately, why do retailers do it? Secondly, am I guaranteed this copy of Windows XP Professional from Directdeals or any other reputable retailer for a low price will not have all the HP and Dell junk on it that others have complained about when purchasing these type of discs? Again, the route I'm looking for is the cheapest to get Windows XP Professional that will work perfectly

THey do it to make money.
If it was a dell or hp windows oem disk it would say, if it just says oem it's just windows xp without the pretty box.
I bought my copy at directron.com, http://www.directron.com/winxppro.html

[IronMentality]

Just one last quick question. The only advantage of getting the boxed or retail version is just the two free technical support options you get with it pretty much?

Also, couldn't I just buy the OEM disc and buy the media kit if I really wanted the box as well and that would still be legal?

[Confused]

Originally Posted by IronMentality Also, couldn't I just buy the OEM disc and buy the media kit if I really wanted the box as well and that would still be legal?

To make my life simple and legal I bought OEM copies of XP for my two PC's that use it. If I need help I search the MS knowledge base for free and if I'm still having problems I come here. I see no reason for a pretty box to clutter up my home. You are getting into a gray area dealing with media only product and then you have to buy a license to use it.

Keep it simple and get a OEM copy. After all what are you going to do with that box?
Chas

PS
If you go with the media only make sure that the license your purchase will work with the media only copy of XP that you get.

With OEM you won't have to worry.