Windows xp OEM ?

[castle diplomat]

what is the difference between the OEM version of Xp home and just the regular Xp home version?

[castle diplomat]

further more would the oem version work on a new pc build or do you have to buy the regular version?

[Confused]

Mainly, a fancy box and $100.00.

OEM is targeted to the shops that sell PC's and requires a hardware purchase to accquire a copy. Hence the reaso that when you buy a OS from Neweg, Mwave, ect. it comes with some form of hardware. Might only be a cable, but it will have something
Chas

[bigandy]

The same goes for pretty much any OEM software, but most notably OS's. They are meant to be sold with an already working PC, so the way the retailers get around this is by requiring some sort of hardware purchase, even if its just a $4 mouse or a $1 cable.

[morriswindgate]

XP OEM = Same Program, Same disk, You provide your own tech support.

XP Retail = Same Program, Same Disk, Pretty box, and you are entitled to call the Microsoft Help line and talk to people who probably know less about computers than you do.

[Confused]

Originally posted by UnacceptableUsernameRemoved further more would the oem version work on a new pc build or do you have to buy the regular version?

Yes. You will find that most people here only use OEM. Same program as retail, half the price.
Chas

[yellohut]

This is from www.zipzoomfly.com for future reference and greater detail.

Retail The "Retail" version of a product is what you would expect to see on a store's shelf. It is intended for an end-user, and is usually packaged in a fancy box along with a user's manual and sometimes "extras" such as a software bundle. OEM & Bulk Products The OEM and bulk versions of a product generally have some variations from the retail version, but often a much better price. Below is a list of the most common variations you may encounter. No fancy packaging. OEM/bulk products come in a white/brown box or simply in anti-static wrap or plastic. Accessories may differ. Accessories such as cables and screws may not be included. User's manual may differ. User's manual may be abridged or not included. If you find you need more installation information, it is usually available at the manufacturer's website. Software bundle may differ. Although OEM/bulk products usually include any necessary* drivers, they may not come with the more extensive software bundle that sometimes accompanies a retail product. (*Note that some Plug and Play devices only require the standard Windows drivers, and therefore additional drivers may not be included.) Technical support may differ. Many manufacturers will not offer full technical support to end users who have purchased OEM/bulk products. Part of what you pay for when you purchase retail hardware is technical support, should you need it. That cost is not included in the price of OEM/bulk products. Warranty period may differ. This is not normally the case, except with CPUs. Usually the retail version of a CPU has a 3 year warranty, while the OEM/bulk version's warranty only lasts between 30 days and 1 year. Please note that although rare, variations besides these are possible, so it is always recommended that you compare the specifications of the OEM/bulk and retail versions to ensure that you are aware of the differences. The Bottom Line Purchasing a non-retail product is a great way to save money -- especially if you are so savvy that you don't require all of the manuals, cables, and/or other accessories. Just make sure to keep these differences in mind so there are no surprises when you open up your package!

[Blakhart]

Let me tell you about oem and xp. Once you install it onto a system and activate it, that coa is tied to that computer forever. They won't let you use that coa on any other system.

[Shepherd1000]

Originally posted by Blakhart Let me tell you about oem and xp. Once you install it onto a system and activate it, that coa is tied to that computer forever. They won't let you use that coa on any other system.

In theory, this is true. But in actual practice, it is not. I have built multiple computers using old OEM copies of XP previously installed on computers that were no longer working. I just installed them into the newly built computer, entered in the old Product Key, and Microsoft has yet to refuse activation.

[pam123]

If 120 days or more pass from the time XP was activated on one computer till the time it's activated on another Microsoft will just acknowledge it.
If during that 120 days you try to activate it on another computer or change too much hardware on the original machine ( major upgrade efforts ) then you'll need to activate the copy by calling Microsoft and getting an activation code from them.
I've never heard of them hassling anybody over it.

[ghost2003]

I have a XP OEM, 1/2 the price of retail and exactly the same thing but no box. As for tech support...the $ you save will more than cover the fee, or, just come to pcmech