Windows XP: OEM vs. Retail

[Preston]

Other than the packaging and price, what is the difference between the OEM version of XP and the Retail one?

Any differences in activation, reactivation, transferring the license, ect.?

[doctorgonzo]

Originally posted by Preston Other than the packaging and price, what is the difference between the OEM version of XP and the Retail one?

Aside from whom you call for service, none.

Retail gives you service from M$. But who ever needs that? It's a lot of money to pay for a box.

[sdkfz]

another difference is that the retail version allows for an upgrade from the old OS to XP install option. Even if the version is the full version (istead of the upgrade) you have this choice -mind you it is not a good one as most people agree that a full install is the cleanest way to go

but,

on the OEM version you do not get this option, the logic is that the install has to be on a new computer cause OEM is for use only with new computer builders. (and those who want to save 100)

You still get the repair option of course.

[ktkendall]

I have OEM version and I do seem to remember that it let me do an upgrade.

[glc]

Correct - OEM will allow upgrade. The other difference, besides support and packaging, is a legally nontransferrable license.

[sdkfz]

sorry for the mis informaation - I could have sworn that the upgrade install was not an option

[glc]

You have to insert the CD while in Windows to get the upgrade option, you can't do an upgrade by booting with it.

[Preston]

Originally posted by glc Correct - OEM will allow upgrade. The other difference, besides support and packaging, is a legally nontransferrable license.

Do you mean that with an OEM version there is no MS support, and that the OEM license would not transfer to another machine?

What about installing a new HD and re-installing XP....would that violate the non-transferrable license?

Preston

[Nuclear Krusader]

Yes, you cannot transfer to another machine. The OS is married to that particular system.

I don't see why you cannot change the HD, tho. As long as you don't uninstall it and donate the CD to anyone else to use in another PC (which is what the CLUF means with untransferrable license), you are fine.

[glc]

Do you mean that with an OEM version there is no MS support, and that the OEM license would not transfer to another machine?

You may be able to get *paid* support from M$ if you really needed it, but you won't get any freebies. Legally, the license cannot be transferred to another machine.

What about installing a new HD and re-installing XP....would that violate the non-transferrable license?

Nope, that's still the same machine, you will have to call M$ to reactivate if it's been activated within the past 120 days.

[lil Jimmie]

The OEM COA goes on the case right? So does that mean everything can be upgraded inside the case and you can still legally use the OEM version?

[glc]

That's how I interpret it. The COA is required to be affixed to the case according to the OEM license agreement.