Windows XP: OEM vs Retail

[GuitarHero]

Im building a computer and need to get an OS. I am going to get Vista when it comes out so I am trying to save as much money as possible on this purchase. The OEM version of XP home is $100 cheaper than the retail. Are there any differences? I read in a newegg review that with the OEM version you cant upgrade your computer with it or something, but as I'm only using this till vista comes out I should be good right?

[doctorgonzo]

No, there are no real differences between the OEM and retail versions. The OEM version doesn't come in a pretty box and you are on your own for tech support, but that's not a big deal.

[GuitarHero]

alright ill get the oem then thanks

[Kareeser]

The Microsoft website mentions that OEM copies "live and die with the PC"... which sounds like I'll be without an operating system if I choose to format my computer!

Is it a scare tactic?

(Hoping I'm not hijacking, as GuitarHero seems to be finished)

[jayb1234]

What they are referring to is that they aren't going to allow a retail OEM version to be moved to another computer than the one it was originally installed on any more. They did that to cut down on piracy. You will be able to reinstall it on the same machine, but not on another one. As long as you aren't planning on reusing it on another build OEM will be OK. If you want to be able to transfer it to another machine, you will have to spend the extra $100 to get the full Retail version.

[Kareeser]

Thanks for clearing that up, jay b.

A part of me wonders what Microsoft would do if I switched computers and installed the OEM copy on there...

[sdkfz]

Originally Posted by Kareeser A part of me wonders what Microsoft would do if I switched computers and installed the OEM copy on there...

Assuming you have/get the newer version of the OS that they have tweaked to make it one OS one PC then it is pretty simple really- they refuse to activate thereby only giving you 30 days worth of OS install at a time.