C
Clavin Schwindt
When buying a new computer, can I insist on a retail version CD-ROM of
XP-Pro rather than an "OEM" version?
Thanks, CGS
XP-Pro rather than an "OEM" version?
Thanks, CGS
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Z
zizz
You can ask... good luck.
You probably won't get it, unless they decide to
throw in the retail version in order to sell the
computer.
zizz
You probably won't get it, unless they decide to
throw in the retail version in order to sell the
computer.
zizz
T
Testy
If you are paying you can insist on anything you want! If they won't
accommodate you take your business elsewhere.
Testy
accommodate you take your business elsewhere.
Testy
D
D.Currie
Clavin Schwindt said:When buying a new computer, can I insist on a retail version CD-ROM of
XP-Pro rather than an "OEM" version?
Thanks, CGS
It depends on who you are buying from. A small shop that custom builds
computers can do just about anything. HP isn't likely to honor a request
like that.
If you're expecting the retail version at the same price as OEM, that's not
going to happen unless someone is way overcharging for the computer in the
first place.
C
Clavin Schwindt
Thanks for the prompt reply. Suppose I am willing to pay a premium for the
retail version? Would the computer manufacturer routinely have access to it
in any event? CGS
retail version? Would the computer manufacturer routinely have access to it
in any event? CGS
C
Clavin Schwindt
Testy: A point well made and taken. Thanks for backing up my usual position!
CGS
CGS
J
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
Clavin;
Not really.
You can ask but if they say no you have no other option with them
other than what they will sell you.
The larger OEMs are less likely to have that as an option.
The smaller local shops will likely comply, but you will most likely
pay more.
The cost of the computer will likely go up about $100 for that added
benefit.
Not really.
You can ask but if they say no you have no other option with them
other than what they will sell you.
The larger OEMs are less likely to have that as an option.
The smaller local shops will likely comply, but you will most likely
pay more.
The cost of the computer will likely go up about $100 for that added
benefit.
T
Tim Slattery
Clavin Schwindt said:When buying a new computer, can I insist on a retail version CD-ROM of
XP-Pro rather than an "OEM" version?
If you're buying a name brand machine (Dell, Gateway, etc) then it's
probably not possible. If you're having your neighborhood shop build
one for you, then you can probably get them to do this. It may cost
you a few more bucks, since a retail license is more expensive than an
OEM license.
C
Clavin Schwindt
Tim: THanks for your comments. I will be buying a notebook/laptop because of
space limitations. A local 'builder' has told me they would not be able to
put together a laptop. Is this a possibility elsewhere? I presume you can
not buy a name brand computer without an operating system. If I could, I
would buy the retail version of the OS at a local software vendor of good
repute where I have already been a customer. CGS
space limitations. A local 'builder' has told me they would not be able to
put together a laptop. Is this a possibility elsewhere? I presume you can
not buy a name brand computer without an operating system. If I could, I
would buy the retail version of the OS at a local software vendor of good
repute where I have already been a customer. CGS
K
Ken Blake, MVP
In
In most cases, that will be like trying to buy a new Ford from a
Ford dealer and *insisting* on a Chevrolet engine. You can insist
all you want, but the Ford dealer will be unable to sell you what
you want. Either you get it with a Ford engine, or you can't do
business with the dealer.
Similarly, if you buy a computer from one of the major OEMs like
Dell or Gateway, they will probably not be able to comply with
your request whether they want to or not.
On the other hand if you have a computer made by a local store,
they probably have much more flexibility, and at least in some
cases, can get you a retail version instead of an OEM version.
But be prepared to pay extra for it; it will cost them more, and
they will certainly pass the extra cost on to you.
But if you are buying from a local store, they can also probably
supply you with a complete generic OEM version. Unless the
difference in price is very small, you might want to consider
accepting that; the software it contains is identical to the
retail version, and will have a CD to reinstall as desired.
However it will have the following disadvantages over the retail
version:
1. Its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on. It can never legally be moved to another computer,
sold, or given away.
2. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.
3. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You can't call
them with a problem, but instead have to get any needed support
from your OEM; that support may range anywhere between good and
non-existent.
How significant those disadvantages are depends on you, your
level of expertise, and your plans for the computer's use.
Personally I would never accept a system that came with a restore
CD instead of an installation CD, but if the price differential
were significant enough, I *would* accept a complete generic OEM
CD.
Clavin Schwindt said:When buying a new computer, can I insist on a retail version CD-ROM of
XP-Pro rather than an "OEM" version?
In most cases, that will be like trying to buy a new Ford from a
Ford dealer and *insisting* on a Chevrolet engine. You can insist
all you want, but the Ford dealer will be unable to sell you what
you want. Either you get it with a Ford engine, or you can't do
business with the dealer.
Similarly, if you buy a computer from one of the major OEMs like
Dell or Gateway, they will probably not be able to comply with
your request whether they want to or not.
On the other hand if you have a computer made by a local store,
they probably have much more flexibility, and at least in some
cases, can get you a retail version instead of an OEM version.
But be prepared to pay extra for it; it will cost them more, and
they will certainly pass the extra cost on to you.
But if you are buying from a local store, they can also probably
supply you with a complete generic OEM version. Unless the
difference in price is very small, you might want to consider
accepting that; the software it contains is identical to the
retail version, and will have a CD to reinstall as desired.
However it will have the following disadvantages over the retail
version:
1. Its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on. It can never legally be moved to another computer,
sold, or given away.
2. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.
3. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You can't call
them with a problem, but instead have to get any needed support
from your OEM; that support may range anywhere between good and
non-existent.
How significant those disadvantages are depends on you, your
level of expertise, and your plans for the computer's use.
Personally I would never accept a system that came with a restore
CD instead of an installation CD, but if the price differential
were significant enough, I *would* accept a complete generic OEM
CD.
P
Phil \(a.k.a. purplehaz\)
Find another local shop then. I build custom laptops all the time. You can
order the kit right online.
You can buy a computer with no os, try tigerdirect.com
order the kit right online.
You can buy a computer with no os, try tigerdirect.com
P
Phil \(a.k.a. purplehaz\)
Build your own. Install retail xp. Or have a local shop build it and install
retail xp. Don't settle for oem limitations if you don't want or need them.
retail xp. Don't settle for oem limitations if you don't want or need them.
W
wojo
One addition to what Ken & Phil told you.
If you do decide to go to a larger retail store and they sell on a
commission basis they will, in all likelyhood, give you a retail copy of XP
in order to close the sale. What they do to make this legitimate is sell you
the retail XP and take that cost out of the computer with a price
adjustment. Trust me I spent years in retail they will do quite a lot to
close a sale.
If you do decide to go to a larger retail store and they sell on a
commission basis they will, in all likelyhood, give you a retail copy of XP
in order to close the sale. What they do to make this legitimate is sell you
the retail XP and take that cost out of the computer with a price
adjustment. Trust me I spent years in retail they will do quite a lot to
close a sale.
T
t.cruise
I've read through this thread. What I'm curious about is WHY it's so
important for you to have a retail/non-OEM version of Windows XP Pro? If
you buy from let's say Dell, the OEM version CD included is virtually the
same as the retail version, and is less expensive. I haven't found anything
that I can't do with Dell's OEM Windows XP CD, that I'd be able to do with a
retail version, with the exception of installing it on another system,
because it's tied to the BIOS of the purchased system. Anyway, there's
Product Activation, which is meant to keep you from illegally installing
Windows XP from the same CD on more than one system at a time. What's the
need for a RETAIL version, as long as you have the OEM Windows XP CD, rather
than a System Recovery CD. Never purchase a system that only includes a
System Recovery CD (worse is no CD at all, but the install files on a hidden
partition). The above refers to OEM Windows XP CDs included with systems
purchased from major PC companies like Dell. If you ever need to install
Windows XP Pro on another system, and you have an old Windows 98 CD, or an
old Windows ME CD, which is no longer being used on any system, you can
purchase the retail Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD, which is by far less
expensive than the full version, but contains all that the full version
does, and when asked for proof of upgrade eligibility, swap the CD for the
versions mentioned above, give the path to the old CD and when verified,
swap back to the Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD and continue the install.
T.C.
t__cruise@[NoSpam]hotmail.com
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important for you to have a retail/non-OEM version of Windows XP Pro? If
you buy from let's say Dell, the OEM version CD included is virtually the
same as the retail version, and is less expensive. I haven't found anything
that I can't do with Dell's OEM Windows XP CD, that I'd be able to do with a
retail version, with the exception of installing it on another system,
because it's tied to the BIOS of the purchased system. Anyway, there's
Product Activation, which is meant to keep you from illegally installing
Windows XP from the same CD on more than one system at a time. What's the
need for a RETAIL version, as long as you have the OEM Windows XP CD, rather
than a System Recovery CD. Never purchase a system that only includes a
System Recovery CD (worse is no CD at all, but the install files on a hidden
partition). The above refers to OEM Windows XP CDs included with systems
purchased from major PC companies like Dell. If you ever need to install
Windows XP Pro on another system, and you have an old Windows 98 CD, or an
old Windows ME CD, which is no longer being used on any system, you can
purchase the retail Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD, which is by far less
expensive than the full version, but contains all that the full version
does, and when asked for proof of upgrade eligibility, swap the CD for the
versions mentioned above, give the path to the old CD and when verified,
swap back to the Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD and continue the install.
T.C.
t__cruise@[NoSpam]hotmail.com
Remove [NoSpam] to reply
O
Opinicus
Clavin Schwindt said:When buying a new computer, can I insist on a retail version CD-ROM of
XP-Pro rather than an "OEM" version?
Been there. Done that. And paid $100 extra for the privilege.
T
Tim Slattery
Clavin Schwindt said:Tim: THanks for your comments. I will be buying a notebook/laptop because of
space limitations. A local 'builder' has told me they would not be able to
put together a laptop. Is this a possibility elsewhere?
Laptops are proprietary beasts. They must use tiny versions of
motherboards, memory modules, modems, just about everything. (Not to
mention the flat-screen display.) There is no such thing as a generic
laptop, like a generic "whitebox" desktop machine. The only way you
get a laptop is from a major manufacturer. That means it will come
with an OEM version of XP preinstalled.
Even if you got a laptop with no OS, you would need the manufacturer
to supply drivers for all the non-standard hardware. I don't think
it's likely to happen. (But I don't know everything.)
P
Phil \(a.k.a. purplehaz\)
Tim said:Laptops are proprietary beasts. They must use tiny versions of
motherboards, memory modules, modems, just about everything. (Not to
mention the flat-screen display.) There is no such thing as a generic
laptop, like a generic "whitebox" desktop machine. The only way you
get a laptop is from a major manufacturer. That means it will come
with an OEM version of XP preinstalled.
Even if you got a laptop with no OS, you would need the manufacturer
to supply drivers for all the non-standard hardware. I don't think
it's likely to happen. (But I don't know everything.)
That's not exactly true. You can buy barebones laptop kits and "build" your
own laptop. I have done this before for clients. You can specify things you
want and install a retail version of windows. Laptops can be had from only
oems is just another myth the oems made up to discourage building our own.
P
Phil \(a.k.a. purplehaz\)
see below........
Dell and many other oems don't always give you a oem xp cd. Usually you get
a recovery cd which only formats and brings computer back to day one -
useless.
Some dells get oem cds, some get recovery cds. Most all other oems give
recovery cds.
I
If you get a real oen xp cd, then yes its the same. Although I have seen
"real" oem xp cd's that do not allow you to a a repair install.
Also the retail version has no licensing limitations like the oem version. I
don't like to have limitations placed on me that are unnecessary. You'll
probably get a new computer before the next version of xp, because xp came
out in 2001 and the next version is due in 2006, so most will go thru 2
computers in that time. So when you do you'll have to pay another oem
version fee. With the retail version you pay once and that once is probably
going to be lower than two oem versions.
t.cruise said:I've read through this thread. What I'm curious about is WHY it's so
important for you to have a retail/non-OEM version of Windows XP Pro?
If you buy from let's say Dell, the OEM version CD included is
virtually the same as the retail version, and is less expensive.
Dell and many other oems don't always give you a oem xp cd. Usually you get
a recovery cd which only formats and brings computer back to day one -
useless.
Some dells get oem cds, some get recovery cds. Most all other oems give
recovery cds.
I
haven't found anything that I can't do with Dell's OEM Windows XP CD,
that I'd be able to do with a retail version, with the exception of
installing it on another system, because it's tied to the BIOS of the
purchased system.
If you get a real oen xp cd, then yes its the same. Although I have seen
"real" oem xp cd's that do not allow you to a a repair install.
Also the retail version has no licensing limitations like the oem version. I
don't like to have limitations placed on me that are unnecessary. You'll
probably get a new computer before the next version of xp, because xp came
out in 2001 and the next version is due in 2006, so most will go thru 2
computers in that time. So when you do you'll have to pay another oem
version fee. With the retail version you pay once and that once is probably
going to be lower than two oem versions.
Anyway, there's Product Activation, which is
meant to keep you from illegally installing Windows XP from the same
CD on more than one system at a time. What's the need for a RETAIL
version, as long as you have the OEM Windows XP CD, rather than a
System Recovery CD. Never purchase a system that only includes a
System Recovery CD (worse is no CD at all, but the install files on a
hidden partition). The above refers to OEM Windows XP CDs included
with systems purchased from major PC companies like Dell. If you
ever need to install Windows XP Pro on another system, and you have
an old Windows 98 CD, or an old Windows ME CD, which is no longer
being used on any system, you can purchase the retail Windows XP Pro
Upgrade CD, which is by far less expensive than the full version, but
contains all that the full version does, and when asked for proof of
upgrade eligibility, swap the CD for the versions mentioned above,
give the path to the old CD and when verified, swap back to the
Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD and continue the install.
T.C.
t__cruise@[NoSpam]hotmail.com
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Clavin Schwindt said:When buying a new computer, can I insist on a retail version CD-ROM
of XP-Pro rather than an "OEM" version?
Thanks, CGS
B
Bruce Chambers
Greetings --
That would be entirely up to the vendor.
Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
That would be entirely up to the vendor.
Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
G
G Busch
I have never seen one of these kits. Sounds intriguing... Where have you
found them?
found them?
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