T
Tinkers
I want to buy a Microsoft Windows XP SP2 disc, but there are several
versions to choose from. Thus far, at various (reputable) online retailers,
I find a FULL version, an OEM version, and an UPDATE version.
I want to buy another PC from Dell's outlet, but today most of these PCs
come with VISTA. My current PC is also a DELL and it runs the DELL OEM
version of Windows XP SP2 - with all available MS updates (except for a few,
like IE7, WMP11, etc).
My plan includes purchasing a scratch 'n dent PC with (sadly) VISTA loaded,
partition the HDD (adding 2 or 3 additional logical drives), and then
install a fresh copy of Windows XP SP2. Since DELL generally includes a
separate drivers disc, I am not concerned about XP device drivers. Perhaps
I should be, but I don't know what to expect at this time and that's why I
am posting this topic.
At tigerdirect, an authorized MS online retailer, I reviewed a few of the
comments associated with both the OEM and UPDATE versions. If true, it
appears that the UPDATE version may work if the user had a previous FULL
version CD - like WINDOWS 95 (which I have) - to fool the UPDATE version
into thinking it is actually updating an existing Windows O/S. The OEM
version concerns me, but I don't really know what I missing by not buying
the FULL version. One thing I know I won't miss is MS support, and if
that's what an extra $100 gets me, then screw MS.
- FULL at $180-200, I prefer not.
- OEM at $90-100, preferred, if workable
- UPDATE at $80-90, possible, if workable
Does anyone have a comprehensive perspective on the differences, pros and
cons, associated with the FULL, OEM and UPDATE versions of Windows XP SP2?
Thanks in advance,
Tinkers
versions to choose from. Thus far, at various (reputable) online retailers,
I find a FULL version, an OEM version, and an UPDATE version.
I want to buy another PC from Dell's outlet, but today most of these PCs
come with VISTA. My current PC is also a DELL and it runs the DELL OEM
version of Windows XP SP2 - with all available MS updates (except for a few,
like IE7, WMP11, etc).
My plan includes purchasing a scratch 'n dent PC with (sadly) VISTA loaded,
partition the HDD (adding 2 or 3 additional logical drives), and then
install a fresh copy of Windows XP SP2. Since DELL generally includes a
separate drivers disc, I am not concerned about XP device drivers. Perhaps
I should be, but I don't know what to expect at this time and that's why I
am posting this topic.
At tigerdirect, an authorized MS online retailer, I reviewed a few of the
comments associated with both the OEM and UPDATE versions. If true, it
appears that the UPDATE version may work if the user had a previous FULL
version CD - like WINDOWS 95 (which I have) - to fool the UPDATE version
into thinking it is actually updating an existing Windows O/S. The OEM
version concerns me, but I don't really know what I missing by not buying
the FULL version. One thing I know I won't miss is MS support, and if
that's what an extra $100 gets me, then screw MS.
- FULL at $180-200, I prefer not.
- OEM at $90-100, preferred, if workable
- UPDATE at $80-90, possible, if workable
Does anyone have a comprehensive perspective on the differences, pros and
cons, associated with the FULL, OEM and UPDATE versions of Windows XP SP2?
Thanks in advance,
Tinkers