Difference between XP pro retail and XP pro upgrade?

[hansmann]

While anxiously awaiting the parts to build my first system the following OS questions
popped up:

Upgrade version (from a licensed OEM Windows 98 SE) – basically a full retail version?
(buy.com has the XP pro upgrade for $139.98 –after $50 mail in rebate)
Would I be able to run a (wireless) LAN between XP pro, Windows 98 and/or Windows 2000/ME?

Thanks for your help.

hansmann

[CrazyMike]

Upgrade will only install over a previous windows while retail is the full install (you can install it on a blank hard drive). You can run a wireless network between XP and 2000, but 2000 will need a special patch for wireless networks. I'm not to sure about Windows 98 and ME though.

[hansmann]

Thanks CrazyMike,

I guess, I am better off with the XP pro OEM version, which as I understand it is a full version without documentation, warranty or user manual??

hansmann

[sdkfz]

In either copy, yes the OS is the same, XP Pro OEM and XP Pro upgrade. The differences are outlined below.

While you can install the upgrade on a blank drive, at some point in the process you MUST give the computer the old OS disk to prove you qualify for the upgrade. This means that you can never lose, sell etc this old OS. You still get the MS support option - see below (note according to the EULA if you upgrade then you should not be using the old OS on another machine)

The OEM will basically be a CD, a install key label to stick on the PC (I put it on the cd case and then write the code on the CD in case the cd holder gets tossed/lost) and the skimpiest littel manual that basically tells you how to install. You can sell the old OS, use it on another machine etc

But you lose the support from microsoft because with the OEM copy you get the support from the system builder (yourself in this case). This lack of support is the biggest reason for the price change. What is the support you lose? three phone calls where you would probably get an answer faster and more accuratey from us here.

Personally, I'd go for the OEM

[hansmann]

Thanks sdkfz,

would it matter, if the OS I am upgrading from is a OEM (MS Windows 98 SE) version as well?
I know I have that recovery disc and code
- just wondering...

hansmann

[Confused]

I don't believe you can do a clean install with a upgrade version using a recovery CD.

www.newegg.com has full OEM version of XP Pro for $139.00 and full version of XP Home for $91.00.

Why do you feel you need the Pro version anyway. Unless you plan on joining a domain, Home should be all you need.
Chas

[SamuraiWarrior]

OEM is better than buying a retail version, because with the retail you only get 90 day support BIG DEAL. If I'm not mistaken you still pay for that support via you phone bill, because it is a toll call.

[racerbrownn]

maybe but i was told by someone who used the tech support that it was toll free [good thing as he spent 3-4 hrs on phone before giving up, system was too old to run xp]

[SamuraiWarrior]

You could be right, but for a lousy 90 day the price of a retail is not worth it.