Windows XP: Retail vs OEM

[Chuck46271]

What is the difference between these two versions? I know with an OEM version, its CD Key is tied to the first computer I install it on and it can only be used on that computer.

When I built my system 2 years ago, I put an OEM version of XP on it. I am now building a system for my son, but do not have another copy to install on it. I used my copy to install windows to test components, but did not activate it, using the 30 day window to figure out exactly which OS to put on it and to make sure that everything is working as it should.

I have done many searches to answer this question but find many contradicting responses, so I thought I would come here. I put way more faith in the experts here than on random sites I came across.

The price difference between the 2 is staggering.

[liambl]

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) OS's are a price cut version generally for system integrators and companies. It only comes with the disc and the product key is tied. A retail OS comes with the fancy box and booklet that you really need, and the license can be moved from PC to PC. If you expect to be getting a new PC anytime soon, a retail one would fit the bill better. If you plan on staying for the long haul, an OEM one will save you some cash.

[Chuck46271]

So basically, the retail version will let me install it on multiple machines in my house?

[glc]

It will let you install it, but even a retail version can only LEGALLY be installed on ONE computer at a time.

Your OEM copy will PROBABLY activate on the new computer, but then your other computer will no longer be legal.

Bottom line - you need to buy another copy, unless the old computer is going to be retired. I'd save the money and buy OEM.

If you buy a new OEM copy of the SAME version of XP (Home, Pro, MCE) that you just temporarily installed, you won't have to wipe and reinstall - you can use Magic Jellybean to change the product key to the key that came with the new CD, then activate it.

[Chuck46271]

Thanks GLC, once again you guys are the best.

[rwest]

First rememner that it is illegal to have more than one pc using the same Windows OS.

Second, yes it is possible to install either version on two or computers. But in order to get the service packs and updates Windows must be activated. You can only have one activated at a time. Once the time period to activate exceeds its limit, the OS becomes virtually useless. Also without the updates, and sevice packs it's not safe to surf.

[357mag]

Actually, I've had times when I have not downloaded these Windows updates. Just used my machine straight out of the XP retail box. Never encountered any problems.

There was an article on XP news that discusses people are starting to dump their anti-virus software. Yep. I don't blame them. Much of the time, it doesn't function properly. At times it can't remove the viruses it's supposed to remove. It can't even delete a file from quarantine without displaying messages that it failed. Why run this stuff? I've found that as long as you stick to surfing legit websites, and stay away from naked teens, your machine will stay pretty clean.

[Force Flow]

Originally Posted by 357mag Actually, I've had times when I have not downloaded these Windows updates. Just used my machine straight out of the XP retail box. Never encountered any problems. There was an article on XP news that discusses people are starting to dump their anti-virus software. Yep. I don't blame them. Much of the time, it doesn't function properly. At times it can't remove the viruses it's supposed to remove. It can't even delete a file from quarantine without displaying messages that it failed. Why run this stuff? I've found that as long as you stick to surfing legit websites, and stay away from naked teens, your machine will stay pretty clean.

You statement has several bad practices and generalities in it.

1) Windows updates are important. I usually wait a week or two before actually applying them just to be safe, in case problems arise (which does happen on occasion), and a month or two after a major service pack.
2) It is important to install the latest service pack for security and stability. There is no reason not to, especially on a fresh installation.
3) AV software is important. AVG is highly recommended around here. Norton, McAffee, and others aren't viewed with much fondness. NOD32 is one of the few commercial AV applications that's half way decent.
4) yes, sticking to legit sites will help avoid malware and viruses. That's still no excuses for not having AV software in place. I'd like to know what software you're referring to as being problematic.

[Strider]

I have in the past call Microsoft when I installed Windows XP (OEM Version) to activate on another computer and fortunately I have gotten some nice people on the other end (Contrary to what others believe ) that let me activate XP even though I technically wasn't allow to do it. I honestly explain what I was doing installing the OS on the new computer and taking it off the old one. I even had one tech rep say he didn't care if I uninstalled the Old Computer OS (even though I think he could have gotten in trouble for saying that) as long as I didn't give the computer to anyone else to use. Now with Vista I know for sure they wouldn't do that at all, so I didn't even try that with my latest build.

[HAL9000]

Originally Posted by 357mag Actually, I've had times when I have not downloaded these Windows updates. Just used my machine straight out of the XP retail box. Never encountered any problems. There was an article on XP news that discusses people are starting to dump their anti-virus software. Yep. I don't blame them. Much of the time, it doesn't function properly. At times it can't remove the viruses it's supposed to remove. It can't even delete a file from quarantine without displaying messages that it failed. Why run this stuff? I've found that as long as you stick to surfing legit websites, and stay away from naked teens, your machine will stay pretty clean.

You THINK you are clean, but how do you know without an AV check? Somebody remind me which virus it was that all you needed was an internet connection without SP2 and the virus would automatically upload to you. You didn't even need to surf, you just needed to be connected and unpatched.

[357mag]

I'm currently using NOD 32. Has a very small footprint, and is recommended for those that are into recording. But I've heard even on the forum that some people are having problems. Error messages when trying to delete quarantine files.

In my experience, as long as you avoid bikini wallpaper sites, swimsuit models, watch out for cheat codes for games(some), and porn, your computer will stay quite clean. Mine does. That's for sure. And even if I get infested, it's not a big deal. I can go into Acronis, hit Recover, and within minutes get my entire system back to the pristine stated it was in when I first loaded XP and my programs. That, at least for me is the best solution. I recommend everyone to do it.

[HAL9000]

Well, as I mentioned, and somebody would have to remind me of the virus name, there was a virus out there before SP2 (or maybe it was SP1??), the ONLY requirements for you to get infected were;

1) Your machine is turned on
2) XP without the service pack
3) An internet connection

This means all you had to do if you were on a permanent connection was to turn your computer on. This particular virus would find on the internet the unpatched XP machines and infect it... no porn/warez surfing or downloading of any type required.

To me, running without an AV is like saying I won't buy car insurance because I'm a safe driver and don't get into accidents.... well, it may work for a long time, but good luck with that if you ever do get nailed.

[rwest]

I'm actuallly on both sides of the street with this one. I've loaded a few systems up and went directly to driver sites and have been able to surf some known good sites and have not been infected. But most sites I visit aren't targets. Not saying they maybe eventually, but I have been able to browse non-protected. But I wouuldn't dare stray without without some protection. Also, if I had a My Space page, or if I wanted to download any media I wouldn't go near any of this without full protection. We're talking camo's, kevlar, grenades, maybe some sort of bazooka....

I do remember what Hal's talking about. I don't remember the name either, but it was ugly, alot of people got hit by just opening up thier browser. I also think we're talking pre-2000.

And yes usually once infected most protection systems aren't able to recover all resources if any sometimes, because it's using some of it's resources to block the harmful files. And if you're badly infected, these protection programs are pretty much useless. But one has to remember to keep updated and if you did get that badly infected, you havent been doing so or you've ignored the warnings, and downloaded anyway.