buy OEM version - I thought limited to mfr model ?

[- Bobb -]

I saw reference to this in another newgroup:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Sort=3&Nav=|c:672|&Recs=30

If OEM version, how would a buyer know WHICH OEM hardware it goes with ???
( Aren't they usuall for certain model hardware - like Dell Dimension
2100 )
It seems to be a full version of XP SP2. I thought an OEM version was
restricted to a particular model. So would a " Full OEM version" work on
ANY model PC ? I never knew an OEM CD to install on " any hardware".

So the only difference between this and non-OEM version is that this will
erase/format HDD prior to install ? ( see note there)
" Note: This version of Microsoft Windows XP cannot be upgraded from
earlier versions of Windows. If your operating system is Windows
2000/ME/98 you must backup your data before installation. This OEM version
will only allow a clean Install, and your existing data will be deleted. "

If only difference is that, why would anyone have bought this OEM version
at retail ( since non-OEM version gives option to install over old
software and dual-boot etc).

 

[Gordon]

I saw reference to this in another newgroup:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Sort=3&Nav=|c:672|&Recs=30

If OEM version, how would a buyer know WHICH OEM hardware it goes with ???
( Aren't they usuall for certain model hardware - like Dell Dimension
2100 )
It seems to be a full version of XP SP2. I thought an OEM version was
restricted to a particular model. So would a " Full OEM version" work on
ANY model PC ? I never knew an OEM CD to install on " any hardware".

So the only difference between this and non-OEM version is that this will
erase/format HDD prior to install ? ( see note there)
" Note: This version of Microsoft Windows XP cannot be upgraded from
earlier versions of Windows. If your operating system is Windows
2000/ME/98 you must backup your data before installation. This OEM version
will only allow a clean Install, and your existing data will be deleted. "

If only difference is that, why would anyone have bought this OEM version
at retail ( since non-OEM version gives option to install over old
software and dual-boot etc).

There are two types of OEM - generic and BIOS-locked. the BIOS-locked
version will only install on a certain machine, the generic version will
install on ANY machine.

 

[Daave]

There are two types of OEM - generic and BIOS-locked. the BIOS-locked
version will only install on a certain machine, the generic version
will install on ANY machine.

But if you already have a qualifying earlier OS like 2000/ME/98 and its
installation disk, you're arguably better off purchasing the retail
upgrade version rather than a generic OEM version. One reason is that
unlike the OEM, the license to use it does not die with the PC it is
installed on. Furthermore, the upgrade version can allow you to perform
an in-place upgrade (again, the OEM version only allows a clean install,
as the OP pointed out). Then again, if it were me, I would do a clean
install regardless. And since the upgrade version allows a clean
install, that's what I would choose.

 

[smlunatick]

There are two types of OEM - generic and BIOS-locked. the BIOS-locked
version will only install on a certain machine, the generic version will
install on ANY machine.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Please maje that "three" types: BIOS/machine locked, General
manufacturer "tweaked" and generic.

BIOS/machine locked: developed my mass OEM PC makers and locked per
PC model.

General manufacturer "tweaked": Simlar to the "generic" OEM and
requires unique OEM CD key, based from OEM PC manufacturer. BE WARE:
a lot of times these version are sold as "generic" OEM version on the
Internet. However, product activations are "pain" to do since
Microsoft will not let these work with "generic" CD keys.


Generic OEM: Eactly the same product as the retail version of
Microsoft XP. However, sold directly with qualifing hardware
component and supported directly by the hardware component vendor (aka
seller.) No direct tech support from Microsoft.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I saw reference to this in another newgroup:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Sort=3&Nav=|c:672|&Recs=30

If OEM version, how would a buyer know WHICH OEM hardware it goes with ???
( Aren't they usuall for certain model hardware - like Dell Dimension
2100 )
It seems to be a full version of XP SP2. I thought an OEM version was
restricted to a particular model. So would a " Full OEM version" work on
ANY model PC ? I never knew an OEM CD to install on " any hardware".

There are two-types of OEM versions:

1. Those that particular OEMs customize for particular computers they
sell, and are normally shipped pre-installed on those computers. They
are also often (but not always) BIOS-locked to the particular
motherboard model they come with, and won't install on anything else.

2. Generic OEM versions. Although they aren't retail versions, these
are sold in the retail market, both by big chains like Walmart and by
small local custom-builders. There was a time when the requirement was
that these could only be sold with a computer, new motherboard, or new
hard drive. Then the requirement was relaxed to be any hardware. And
apparently now, even that requirement may be gone. In terms of the
software they contain, these are identical to the retail versions.

Both types of OEM versions have the following disadvantages as
compared with 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. Or
you can get support elsewhere, such as in these newsgroups.

By the way, it's disadvantage number 1 above that's the deal-breaker
for a generic OEM version, as far as I'm concerned. An OEM version
usually costs only slightly less than a retail Upgrade version, and I
think the Upgrade is worth that slight additional cost to get rid of
that restriction. And contrary to what many people think, an Upgrade
version *can* do a clean installation, as long as you have the CD of a
previous qualifying version (buy a cheap used copy of Windows 98 on
eBay if you don't have one) to show it when prompted.

 

[Lil' Dave]

I saw reference to this in another newgroup:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Sort=3&Nav=|c:672|&Recs=30

If OEM version, how would a buyer know WHICH OEM hardware it goes with ???
( Aren't they usuall for certain model hardware - like Dell Dimension
2100 )
It seems to be a full version of XP SP2. I thought an OEM version was
restricted to a particular model. So would a " Full OEM version" work on
ANY model PC ? I never knew an OEM CD to install on " any hardware".

So the only difference between this and non-OEM version is that this will
erase/format HDD prior to install ? ( see note there)
" Note: This version of Microsoft Windows XP cannot be upgraded from
earlier versions of Windows. If your operating system is Windows
2000/ME/98 you must backup your data before installation. This OEM version
will only allow a clean Install, and your existing data will be deleted. "

If only difference is that, why would anyone have bought this OEM version
at retail ( since non-OEM version gives option to install over old
software and dual-boot etc).

Not everyone is in the same boat, nor has the same level of experience, nor
wants or needs a prior windows installation, nor do all people rely on
windows to keep their personal data intact. Some clean install on a wiped
hard drive annually for their own reasons. Some smile at 30 day tech
support as an incentive to buy a retail version. Some droid MVPs seem to
think otherwise.
Dave