Different versions of XP Pro?

[Bob]

Thinking of buying XP Pro. I noticed online retailers sell
XP Pro with a different model number than the product sold
directly from Microsoft. E.G.(Retailer model # E85-00086,
Microsoft model #E85-01011). Anyone know the difference?
Does the Microsoft model include SP1?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[BarCom]

The OS needs help.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Many on line sellers have OEM versions for sale.
The $ savings is significant but so are the differences.
Remember the old saying "You get what you pay for"
Here it is at work.

OEM can normally never be transferred to another computer regardless
the condition of the original computer.
Retail can be moved to any computer as often as desired as long as it
is only installed on one computer at a time.

OEM gets no support from Microsoft, all support, if any, comes from
the seller. Usually nothing.
Retail Microsoft gives unlimited installation support and 2 free other
incidents.

OEM is Clean Installation only since it is intended for a computer
with no operating system.
Retail can perform an upgrade or Clean installation.

There are others, but these are the biggest.
Read the EULA for details.

Lastly it is not uncommon to hear of online sellers to be selling
illegally.
You find out when you attempt to activate and find you can't.

 

[Bob S.]

Thank you for your reply Jupiter, it's very informative.
The online retail version I was looking at was not OEM. This makes me
curious why the version sold directly from Microsoft has a different part
number. I thought it may be an updated version with the latest service
packs. Anyhow I'll keep my eyes open for those illegal copies. Thanks for
pointing it out.

Bob

 

[Rock]

Thinking of buying XP Pro. I noticed online retailers sell
XP Pro with a different model number than the product sold
directly from Microsoft. E.G.(Retailer model # E85-00086,
Microsoft model #E85-01011). Anyone know the difference?
Does the Microsoft model include SP1?

Thanks,
Bob

SP2 has been released and retail versions including this will make it's
way into the pipeline. Exactly how long it will take depends.