Difference between OEM Versions

[Guest]

How can you tell the difference between a Full OEM version of XP and a
Bios-locked version. I was planning to purchase a new hard drive and get an
OEM version but I want to make sure it will work. I also want it to be legal.
How do I make sure it will work before I purchase? Is this just the risk I
take by buying OEM?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Only an authentic "Microsoft OEM Version" is not BIOS-locked.

Example:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=37-102-153&DEPA=6

or

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=37-102-151&DEPA=6

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

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:

| How can you tell the difference between a Full OEM version of XP and a
| Bios-locked version. I was planning to purchase a new hard drive and get an
| OEM version but I want to make sure it will work. I also want it to be legal.
| How do I make sure it will work before I purchase? Is this just the risk I
| take by buying OEM?

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

Only an authentic "Microsoft OEM Version" is not BIOS-locked.

Example:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=37-102-153&DEPA=6

or

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=37-102-151&DEPA=6

If it says Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, etc. on the CD it is bios locked.
Purchase from a reputable vendor and be wary of purchasing from eBay.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Alex Nichol]

How can you tell the difference between a Full OEM version of XP and a
Bios-locked version. I was planning to purchase a new hard drive and get an
OEM version but I want to make sure it will work.

If it comes with a separate piece of hardware it will be a full OEM one
- BIOS locking (which is only part of the boot process) applies only to
systems preinstalled by a major maker.

The CD will have something like 'For supply only with a new computer'
Note the restrictions;

Only will do a clean install, not an upgrade
Has no support direct from Microsoft - that is up to the OEM vendor, so
estimate what you would get
and most importantly is licensed solely to the machine where first
installed; unlike a retail boxed one it may *not* be transferred to
another

 

[Ed.]

I have purchased the XP Home OEM from newegg. It had to be activated. I
believe that is what you want to know.