OEM? or full version XP

[k. robinson]

which should I purchase? the $125 XP Pro OEM or the $250 XP
Pro? . . . .. computer newbie here . . . . . thanks, Keith

I have posted several other messages here and I want to say thanks for
all who have replied with info and tips. . .

 

[spodosaurus]

which should I purchase? the $125 XP Pro OEM or the $250 XP
Pro? . . . .. computer newbie here . . . . . thanks, Keith

I have posted several other messages here and I want to say thanks for
all who have replied with info and tips. . .

Same OS, just that the OEM version doesn't entitle you to certain call
in support services from MS...right?

--

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spam trap: replace shyah_right! with hotmail when replying

 

[Disc]

THEY are the same except for the licence and phone-in support. And even
though you pay much more for the Full, the Full still subjects you to
Windows Product Activation.

NOW supposedly the OEM version's LICENCE's gobble-dee-gook is different than
the Full's. That is, Microsoft 'ties' the OEM version to one computer in its
licence. They somehow *say* you cannot use it on a second computer later -
that you are not entitled to move it to a second computer if you throw out
the first computer. [ IMO, Microsoft has no right to say that to a private
user but IANAL. ] The Full version can only be used one one computer at a
time too - just like the OEM version - but you can move it to a second
computer if you throw out the first.

But if you do just get the OEM version and you experience the unlikely event
of being blocked from activating by Internet and instead have to phone in to
activate, in no uncertain terms ever admit that the computer is any other
than the original computer that the OEM was first installed to - only admit
some of the secondry components were changed e.g a harddrive, CD-ROM drive
and network and video cards. Basically, Microsoft does not have the right to
ask the private user anything at all - keep that in mind. But be fair and
don't use the copy on more than one computer at a time.

SO, IMO, if you basically plan to use this copy of Windows with one computer
then just get the OEM and save yourself hundreds .. that's what I plan to do
this summer with the computer I'm putting together - 'already have the OEM
Windows bought - still waiting for the mobo.

Disc


| which should I purchase? the $125 XP Pro OEM or the $250 XP
| Pro? . . . .. computer newbie here . . . . . thanks, Keith
|
| I have posted several other messages here and I want to say thanks for
| all who have replied with info and tips. . .

 

[Dirk Puslich]

The full retail version gives you "support" from Microsoft which is a
joke 20 times out of 20. All Microsoft tells you is that either you
have to reinstall the OS or that it's a hardware issue and not your
fault. Often times they will ask for money just for talking to them.

You supposedly aren't supposed to move the OEM system to a different
machine but there are no meaningful technical limitations to doing so.

Pay the lower amount.

 

[Disc]

Agreed. The full version is exactly the same piece of software save for the
licence 'agreement' and style of packaging. Essentially you are paying one
hundred and fifty to two hundred more for a few days of telephone technical
support that doesn't amount to any more than their saying 'try again'. A
quick zip through this newsgroup could easily tell a person more about
installation than what Microsoft phone support would. Plenty of websites
will walk a person through installation with screenshots pictures e.g.:

http://www.blkviper.com/Articles/OS/InstallXPHome/installxphome1.htm

http://www.blkviper.com/Articles/OS/InstallXPPro/installxppro1.htm

Disc

| The full retail version gives you "support" from Microsoft which is a
| joke 20 times out of 20. All Microsoft tells you is that either you
| have to reinstall the OS or that it's a hardware issue and not your
| fault. Often times they will ask for money just for talking to them.
|
| You supposedly aren't supposed to move the OEM system to a different
| machine but there are no meaningful technical limitations to doing so.
|
| Pay the lower amount.
|
|
| > I'm running OEM version and it works fine. Most of anything you need in
| > support is in the newsgroups and the knowledge base. I have also
replaced my
| > hard drive and reinstalled it with no activation problem.
| >
| >
| > | > > which should I purchase? the $125 XP Pro OEM or the $250 XP
| > > Pro? . . . .. computer newbie here . . . . . thanks, Keith
| > >
| > > I have posted several other messages here and I want to say thanks for
| > > all who have replied with info and tips. . .

 

[Strontium]

The 'restrictions' are the same, for either version.

-
Wayne stood up, at show-n-tell, and said:

 

[nameir]

OEM for sure! OEM basically means no manual? and why do you need one..

 

[Disc]

What manual anyway? Windows boxed comes with a thin little pamphlet now.
Basically a manual still has to be bought .i.e you have to get yourself out
to a bookstore and buy a seventy dollar Windows book.

Disc

| OEM for sure! OEM basically means no manual? and why do you need one..
|
| | > which should I purchase? the $125 XP Pro OEM or the $250 XP
| > Pro? . . . .. computer newbie here . . . . . thanks, Keith
| >
| > I have posted several other messages here and I want to say thanks for
| > all who have replied with info and tips. . .
|
|

 

[Strontium]

You're correct. The retail version does not really offer any more
documentation. But, since when did Winblows ever? I think that's a more
pertinent question.