OEM to Retail

[RScotti]

I know I am early on this but it is bothering me.

I have a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 on a HP Pavilion A1440N computer and want to upgrade
to either now to Windows XP Professional or Vista Home Premium when it comes out.


Where I have an OEM version can I purchase the upgrade or do I need the full version?
I want to do a clean install and won't have the OEM on my drive.
I don't have a CD but I do have a Recovery Partition but don't know if Windows install can confirm
the upgrade requirements from the hidden partition?

OR should I just leave the OEM on my drive an maybe Windows will accept it as an upgrade?

I really don't want to buy the full version if I can get away with it.

Thanks for your help.


Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[paulmd]

I know I am early on this but it is bothering me.

I have a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 on a HP Pavilion A1440N computer and want to upgrade
to either now to Windows XP Professional or Vista Home Premium when it comes out.


Where I have an OEM version can I purchase the upgrade or do I need the full version?
I want to do a clean install and won't have the OEM on my drive.
I don't have a CD but I do have a Recovery Partition but don't know if Windows install can confirm
the upgrade requirements from the hidden partition?

XP Media Center IS XP pro, plus goodies. It's not an upgrade to go to
PRO. Unless you just don't want the goodies. I don't think it qualifies
you for an upgrade. As for Vista HOME, it's a home edition, i'm not
sure you can upgrade to it from your current os.

In either case, Im pretty sure you need a full version. I encourage
second opinions, on VIsta, though. My guess is based on past patterns,
not documents.

As an aside, Vista is very new, they haven't got the bugs worked out of
it yet. IT'd be better to hold off until it's had it's shakedown
cruise.

 

[RScotti]

Thanks for your input I guess I will wait a while. I just thought that I could just upgrade to Vista
since my OEM should have the files needed to verify the OEM O/S

XP Media Center IS XP pro, plus goodies. It's not an upgrade to go to
PRO. Unless you just don't want the goodies. I don't think it qualifies
you for an upgrade. As for Vista HOME, it's a home edition, i'm not
sure you can upgrade to it from your current os.

In either case, Im pretty sure you need a full version. I encourage
second opinions, on VIsta, though. My guess is based on past patterns,
not documents.

As an aside, Vista is very new, they haven't got the bugs worked out of
it yet. IT'd be better to hold off until it's had it's shakedown
cruise.

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[Ron Martell]

XP Media Center IS XP pro, plus goodies.

Not quite correct. There are a some minuses as well, most notably the
ability to join a domain.

It's not an upgrade to go to
PRO. Unless you just don't want the goodies. I don't think it qualifies
you for an upgrade.

That part I am not certain about. Certainly there have been some
people who have purchased Media Center and then discovered that they
needed to be able to join a domain. But I am not aware of what the
outcome of these instances was.

As for Vista HOME, it's a home edition, i'm not
sure you can upgrade to it from your current os.

The upgrade information for Windows Vista is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeinfo.mspx

Because Vista is still some months away from public release this
information should be regarded as "subject to change".



Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[RScotti]

Thanks Ron,

I went to the Vista upgrade site and I can upgrade but only to Home Premium and Ultimate.
The other two I can't.
I may still have to get the full version cause if anything happens to the OS I won't be able to
confirm my upgrade. It will not accept my Recovery Partition as proof.

Not quite correct. There are a some minuses as well, most notably the
ability to join a domain.


That part I am not certain about. Certainly there have been some
people who have purchased Media Center and then discovered that they
needed to be able to join a domain. But I am not aware of what the
outcome of these instances was.



The upgrade information for Windows Vista is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeinfo.mspx

Because Vista is still some months away from public release this
information should be regarded as "subject to change".



Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[Donald L McDaniel]

Thanks Ron,

I went to the Vista upgrade site and I can upgrade but only to Home Premium and Ultimate.
The other two I can't.
I may still have to get the full version cause if anything happens to the OS I won't be able to
confirm my upgrade. It will not accept my Recovery Partition as proof.

I guess that's the price one pays when he gets his OS on a Recovery
partition. Personally, I don't like those, and always purchase my OS
separately. In fact, the only time I've ever owned an "OEM"-
manufactured computer was when my brothers bought me one of the
Packard-Bell Wally-world specials for Christmas, which had a so-called
"restore" cd with it. I always had to remove all the trash programs
they included "free" on the disk. And it always seemed like there
were a million of them I knew I would never use.

Since then, I've always purchased my own copies of Windows, and
installed them myself.

Instead of purchasing the "Full Retail" of XP for $200
(Home)-$300(Pro), just purchase a generic, or so-called "Full OEM" (XP
Pro with SP/2) from Amazon for $150 (or less than $100 for Home
w/SP2). You will have to purchase Vista, anyway.

If you're going to HAVE to purchase a version of XP, it would be
better to spend $100-$150 less, don't you think?. At least better for
your pocketbook, anyway.

NOTE: do NOT purchase your OEM from one of Amazon's site partners.
The BEST way to assure that you have a GENUINE Microsoft-produced
"generic", or "FULL OEM" XP is to buy it DIRECTLY from Amazon. It
might cost a few more dollars, (but not much more), but it will be
GUARANTEED by Amazon to be a genuine Microsoft product.

==

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

 

[RScotti]

That is a good Idea but I think I have a Win XP Pro coming for free but it might be an upgrade
I don't know?
If it is an upgrade I suppose it won't work right?
Than there is another possibility,
Why can't I buy a "Full OEM" of Vista when it comes out?
If I have to buy the Win XP I am better off buying the Home version cause that will let me upgrade
to ALL the Vista's XP Pro only will do Business ands Ultimate versions.

Instead of purchasing the "Full Retail" of XP for $200
(Home)-$300(Pro), just purchase a generic, or so-called "Full OEM" (XP
Pro with SP/2) from Amazon for $150 (or less than $100 for Home
w/SP2). You will have to purchase Vista, anyway.

If you're going to HAVE to purchase a version of XP, it would be
better to spend $100-$150 less, don't you think?. At least better for
your pocketbook, anyway.

NOTE: do NOT purchase your OEM from one of Amazon's site partners.
The BEST way to assure that you have a GENUINE Microsoft-produced

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[RScotti]

All I see at Amazon for full OEM Versions are these.None are available.
Is this what you meant?
Are all these English?

Microsoft Windows XP Pro, "Arabic Edition" - Full OEM Version With Light Arabic Characters Stickers for Dark Keyboard
Currently unavailable

Microsoft Windows XP Professional "Arabic Edition" Full Version OEM
Currently unavailable

Microsoft Windows XP Professional "International English" Full Version(OEM)
Currently unavailable



I guess that's the price one pays when he gets his OS on a Recovery
partition. Personally, I don't like those, and always purchase my OS
separately. In fact, the only time I've ever owned an "OEM"-
manufactured computer was when my brothers bought me one of the
Packard-Bell Wally-world specials for Christmas, which had a so-called
"restore" cd with it. I always had to remove all the trash programs
they included "free" on the disk. And it always seemed like there
were a million of them I knew I would never use.

Since then, I've always purchased my own copies of Windows, and
installed them myself.

Instead of purchasing the "Full Retail" of XP for $200
(Home)-$300(Pro), just purchase a generic, or so-called "Full OEM" (XP
Pro with SP/2) from Amazon for $150 (or less than $100 for Home
w/SP2). You will have to purchase Vista, anyway.

If you're going to HAVE to purchase a version of XP, it would be
better to spend $100-$150 less, don't you think?. At least better for
your pocketbook, anyway.

NOTE: do NOT purchase your OEM from one of Amazon's site partners.
The BEST way to assure that you have a GENUINE Microsoft-produced
"generic", or "FULL OEM" XP is to buy it DIRECTLY from Amazon. It
might cost a few more dollars, (but not much more), but it will be
GUARANTEED by Amazon to be a genuine Microsoft product.

==

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[RScotti]

Hi Donald,

NOTE: do NOT purchase your OEM from one of Amazon's site partners.
The BEST way to assure that you have a GENUINE Microsoft-produced
"generic", or "FULL OEM" XP is to buy it DIRECTLY from Amazon. It
might cost a few more dollars, (but not much more), but it will be
GUARANTEED by Amazon to be a genuine Microsoft product.

One of the partners had very good reviews do you still think I should avoid it?
This one seems impressive! Amazon didn't seem to have any of these in stock?
VIO Software
1520 Reviews (4.8 / 5)
Review Summary Last 40 days Last 90 days All Reviews
Positive 85 271 1498
Neutral 2 3 9
Negative 0 2 13

Total Reviews 87 276 1520
Average Rating 4.8 4.8 4.8

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[RScotti]

Hi Again Donald,
I looked at the specs. for OEM and they wouldn't help me if I bought them. Guess I need the full
version. Need to upgrade that is the whole purpose.

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
OEM software is a full version (non-upgrade) which includes the CD-ROM and the product key codes.
These elements are all you will need to load and run the software. The software runs exactly the same way as the full retail version
(including automatic updates). The differences between OEM Vs Retail Box are:
1. OEM does not come in a box.
2. OEM is only licensed for one computer.
3. OEM is not transferable.
4. OEM cannot be used to upgrade.
5. Microsoft does not supply free technical support or installation support for OEM.

PS: Also that site I told you about says it is guaranteed genuine MS Products.

I guess that's the price one pays when he gets his OS on a Recovery
partition. Personally, I don't like those, and always purchase my OS
separately. In fact, the only time I've ever owned an "OEM"-
manufactured computer was when my brothers bought me one of the
Packard-Bell Wally-world specials for Christmas, which had a so-called
"restore" cd with it. I always had to remove all the trash programs
they included "free" on the disk. And it always seemed like there
were a million of them I knew I would never use.

Since then, I've always purchased my own copies of Windows, and
installed them myself.

Instead of purchasing the "Full Retail" of XP for $200
(Home)-$300(Pro), just purchase a generic, or so-called "Full OEM" (XP
Pro with SP/2) from Amazon for $150 (or less than $100 for Home
w/SP2). You will have to purchase Vista, anyway.

If you're going to HAVE to purchase a version of XP, it would be
better to spend $100-$150 less, don't you think?. At least better for
your pocketbook, anyway.

NOTE: do NOT purchase your OEM from one of Amazon's site partners.
The BEST way to assure that you have a GENUINE Microsoft-produced
"generic", or "FULL OEM" XP is to buy it DIRECTLY from Amazon. It
might cost a few more dollars, (but not much more), but it will be
GUARANTEED by Amazon to be a genuine Microsoft product.

==

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[Ken Blake]

Hi Again Donald,
I looked at the specs. for OEM and they wouldn't help me if I bought
them. Guess I need the full version. Need to upgrade that is the
whole purpose.

For almost everyone, I think the best deal by far is the Retail *Upgrade*
version, not the Full version.. It doesn't come with the restrictions that
the OEM version does, and costs only slightly more than an OEM version. And,
like the Full version, it can do either an upgrade or a clean installation.
To do a clean installation with the Upgrade version requires that you own a
CD of a previous qualifying version, but even for those few people who don't
have one, the Upgrade is so much cheaper than the Full version that you can
afford to buy an inexpensive used copy of Windows 98 and still be way ahead.

 

[RScotti]

Thank you for clearing this up. I wasn't sure that you could upgrade a upgrade.

My problem is that I have an OEM Media Center Edition and after I do the first upgrade I will loose
it since I only have a Recovery Partition and those corresponding disks. I don't have a CD and after
I upgrade if any think happens to the OS I won't be able to reinstall. Won't have any proof.

THAT'S MY PROBLEM!

For almost everyone, I think the best deal by far is the Retail *Upgrade*
version, not the Full version.. It doesn't come with the restrictions that
the OEM version does, and costs only slightly more than an OEM version. And,
like the Full version, it can do either an upgrade or a clean installation.
To do a clean installation with the Upgrade version requires that you own a
CD of a previous qualifying version, but even for those few people who don't
have one, the Upgrade is so much cheaper than the Full version that you can
afford to buy an inexpensive used copy of Windows 98 and still be way ahead.

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[Ken Blake]

Thank you for clearing this up. I wasn't sure that you could upgrade
a upgrade.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

My problem is that I have an OEM Media Center Edition and after I do
the first upgrade

Sorry, you've lost me. You want to upgrade from Media Edition to what?

I will loose it since I only have a Recovery
Partition and those corresponding disks.

What are "those corresponding disks"?

I don't have a CD and after
I upgrade if any think happens to the OS I won't be able to
reinstall. Won't have any proof.

THAT'S MY PROBLEM!

As I pointed out in my previous message, worst case a used Windows 98 CD is
very cheap--usually $10US or so, and can servge as proof.

 

[RScotti]

RScotti wrote:

Sorry, you've lost me. You want to upgrade from Media Edition to what?

To Vista Premium Home edition when it come out.
According to MS I can upgrade but only to Premium Home and Ultimate Editions

What are "those corresponding disks"?

They are three Recovery Disks they install the OEM MCE and put a copy to the Recovery Partition.Maybe I can upgrade with the NEW upgrade in the future since I won't have my original MCE?
Isn't that what you said in your first message?

As I pointed out in my previous message, worst case a used Windows 98 CD is
very cheap--usually $10US or so, and can servge as proof.

I could also do this but it may be obsolete in time?

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[Donald L McDaniel]

That is a good Idea but I think I have a Win XP Pro coming for free but it might be an upgrade
I don't know?
If it is an upgrade I suppose it won't work right?

Upgrade versions require a PREVIOUS FULL version of an OS. If you
have only a Recovery partition, it may not work, UNLESS XP is
currently installed on your primary partition.

Than there is another possibility,
Why can't I buy a "Full OEM" of Vista when it comes out?

I see nothing wrong with this. Then you won't need either a version
of XP OR a Recovery Partition. But be warned, however, that it will
HAVE to be installed "CLEAN" (OEMs will NOT do Upgrade installs).

If I have to buy the Win XP I am better off buying the Home version cause that will let me upgrade
to ALL the Vista's XP Pro only will do Business ands Ultimate versions.

That makes sense. But you will STILL have to purchase either a
Business or Ultimate version of Vista. Its not possible to upgrade to
either from ANY version of XP if the version of Vista you purchase is
not at the level you want to upgrade to.

But let's clear something up, ok? WHAT do you mean by "upgrade"? Do
you mean "do an inplace installation of Vista, over the top of a
previous Microsoft OS, keeping your folder-structure intact, using a
RETAIL UPGRADE media of Vista? OEMs WONT do this.

It that IS what you mean, then you MUST have a PREVIOUS FULL version
of XP either installed on your primary partition, or you MUST have a
PREVIOUS FULL version installation media, as WELL as a "Retail
Upgrade" media of Vista.

Either way, you will HAVE to have a PREVIOUS FULL VERSION media
(Either the Full Retail or the Full OEM) of XP to install Vista
Upgrade Edition.

I don't think Restore partitions will work.
Hopefully, someone will correct me if I am wrong.

==

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

 

[Donald L McDaniel]

All I see at Amazon for full OEM Versions are these.None are available.
Is this what you meant?
Are all these English?

These are ALL English, by the way.

See this:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_s...as=software&field-keywords=XP&Go.x=11&Go.y=14

If the above link "breaks", see this: http://tinyurl.com/z3sn3

For XP Home (w/SP2) FULL OEM, see this: http://tinyurl.com/eng3j
Do NOT purchase a USED copy, since the chances are it will have been
activated.

Also, do NOT purchase an UPGRADE disk, since it will be USELESS to
you.

==

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

 

[Donald L McDaniel]

Hi Donald,

One of the partners had very good reviews do you still think I should avoid it?
This one seems impressive! Amazon didn't seem to have any of these in stock?
VIO Software
1520 Reviews (4.8 / 5)
Review Summary Last 40 days Last 90 days All Reviews
Positive 85 271 1498
Neutral 2 3 9
Negative 0 2 13

Total Reviews 87 276 1520
Average Rating 4.8 4.8 4.8



Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

I do notice that Amazon no longer has any FULL OEM's in its own stock.
The above site Partner appears to be as good a choice as any, as long
as their shipping options include FedEX.

Remember DON'T purchase a USED version of XP. It may have already
been activated. After all, you might want to go back to XP after
trying Vista.

NOTE: Purchasing an UPGRADE media of XP with SP2 in addition to a used
copy of Windows 98 will be MORE EXPENSIVE than purchasing a NEW "Full
OEM" copy of XP w/SP2.

My advice is to purchase a FULL OEM version of XP Home w/SP2 IF you
can't afford a FULL RETAIL version.

As long as you have the FULL OEM (or FULL RETAIL) media for XP, you
will ONLY need an UPGRADE version of Vista. Remember that OEM
versions are EXACTLY like the FULL RETAIL versions, except they do not
have the ability to perform an "Upgrade" installation, nor can their
license be transferred to a second machine. That is, they MUST be
installed cleanly, and they can ONLY be used with the FIRST machine
they are installed on. In addition to those two provisos, they also
will receive no support from Microsoft, other than the initial
installation support. You will have to get any support, including CD
key support, from the one who sells you the media.

But you will NOT have to actually install XP. All you will have to do
is insert the XP OEM (or Retail) media if the Vista installer doesn't
find a previous version of XP.

You CANNOT use an UPGRADE media to use a later UPGRADE media.

Price structures for Vista have not yet been released, by the way.

If you CAN afford it, then by all means, purchase a FULL RETAIL copy
of XP, since it's license will be able to be transferred to another
computer later on down the line, if necessary, and it will do either
an UPGRADE install, or a CLEAN install, plus all your support will
come straight from Microsoft.

==

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

 

[RScotti]

Hi Ken,
I did some more checking at the MS Vista upgrade site and you need either Windows XP or Windows 2000
to be the upgrade according to the charts so an old copy of full version of 98 or ME won't be good
enough.
Maybe I am reading it wrong?

To Vista Premium Home edition when it come out.
According to MS I can upgrade but only to Premium Home and Ultimate Editions

They are three Recovery Disks they install the OEM MCE and put a copy to the Recovery Partition.
Maybe I can upgrade with the NEW upgrade in the future since I won't have my original MCE?
Isn't that what you said in your first message?
I could also do this but it may be obsolete in time?

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[RScotti]

Hi Donald,
The full OEM Version will NOT upgrade Vista and the only upgrades for Vista are Win XP and Win 2000
From my previous message:

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
OEM software is a full version (non-upgrade) which includes the CD-ROM and the product key codes.
These elements are all you will need to load and run the software. The software runs exactly the same way as the full retail version
(including automatic updates). The differences between OEM Vs Retail Box are:
1. OEM does not come in a box.
2. OEM is only licensed for one computer.
3. OEM is not transferable.
4. OEM cannot be used to upgrade.
5. Microsoft does not supply free technical support or installation support for OEM.


I do notice that Amazon no longer has any FULL OEM's in its own stock.
The above site Partner appears to be as good a choice as any, as long
as their shipping options include FedEX.

Remember DON'T purchase a USED version of XP. It may have already
been activated. After all, you might want to go back to XP after
trying Vista.

NOTE: Purchasing an UPGRADE media of XP with SP2 in addition to a used
copy of Windows 98 will be MORE EXPENSIVE than purchasing a NEW "Full
OEM" copy of XP w/SP2.

My advice is to purchase a FULL OEM version of XP Home w/SP2 IF you
can't afford a FULL RETAIL version.

As long as you have the FULL OEM (or FULL RETAIL) media for XP, you
will ONLY need an UPGRADE version of Vista. Remember that OEM
versions are EXACTLY like the FULL RETAIL versions, except they do not
have the ability to perform an "Upgrade" installation, nor can their
license be transferred to a second machine. That is, they MUST be
installed cleanly, and they can ONLY be used with the FIRST machine
they are installed on. In addition to those two provisos, they also
will receive no support from Microsoft, other than the initial
installation support. You will have to get any support, including CD
key support, from the one who sells you the media.

But you will NOT have to actually install XP. All you will have to do
is insert the XP OEM (or Retail) media if the Vista installer doesn't
find a previous version of XP.

You CANNOT use an UPGRADE media to use a later UPGRADE media.

Price structures for Vista have not yet been released, by the way.

If you CAN afford it, then by all means, purchase a FULL RETAIL copy
of XP, since it's license will be able to be transferred to another
computer later on down the line, if necessary, and it will do either
an UPGRADE install, or a CLEAN install, plus all your support will
come straight from Microsoft.

==

Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread.
==========================================================

Have a good day!
Rich Scotti

 

[Ken Blake]

Hi Ken,
I did some more checking at the MS Vista upgrade site and you need
either Windows XP or Windows 2000 to be the upgrade according to the
charts so an old copy of full version of 98 or ME won't be good
enough.
Maybe I am reading it wrong?

Sorry, I had assumed you were talking about upgrading to some version of
Windows XP (after all, this is a Windows XP newsgroup). I don't know
anything about the requirements to upgrade to Vista, and don't even know if
any published requirements are definite yet.