What is the difference between the OEM & the Microsoft version of Win XP Pro ???

[Bubey]

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did. Then I got an error back saying
it was the wrong disk. I went to check my version and the System
Information page says I have "MS Win XP Pro 5.1.2600 Service
Pack 2 Build 2600 by Microsoft Corporation". I have called the
mfg and they said that's not what was installed on what they sent.
I also sent them a print out of what the system says, but they still
say that's not what I have per their records. Won't be buying
from Dell again.

Can it be possible that the system would give me the incorrect
information?

So if I can't prove my point I will have to buy a new copy of Win XP.
What is the difference between an OEM version and Microsoft's
version, besides price ?

Thank in advance for the help.

 

[Richard in AZ]

Where you trying to correct it with the Dell supplied disk, or with one you
bought at a store?
Dell installs OEM software, modified to work only with Dell motherboard.
A MS copy would not have the Dell OEM modifications and conflict with what
is installed.

 

[Daave]

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.

What is the model and model number of this laptop?

When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did.

Please describe this "Win disk" in as much detail as possible. Where and
when did you get it?

Then I got an error back saying it was the wrong disk.

What was the exact error message?

I went to check my version and the System
Information page says I have "MS Win XP Pro 5.1.2600 Service
Pack 2 Build 2600 by Microsoft Corporation".

There is your problem. Your laptop originally came with XP Media Center
Edition. That is what your original license is for. Somehow and by
someone, this was changed to XP Pro.

You need to provide more information! What is the history of this
laptop? Did you buy it new or second-hand? Did you purchase an
installation disk for XP Pro at some point and install it on the laptop?

I have called the mfg and they said that's not what was installed
on what they sent.

Yes, this is correct. Even you yourself stated earlier in your post that
"I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg."

I also sent them a print out of what the system says, but they still
say that's not what I have per their records.

That sounds right. Their records state that the laptop originally had XP
MCE on it, and now it has XP Pro on it.

Won't be buying from Dell again.

I'm not sure why; I fail to see that they did anything wrong.

What method did Dell provide you to reinstall the operating system?
There are three possibilities:

a. Installation CD (Dell calls these "Reinstallation CD"s): this allows
you to perform a clean install of XP. However, if this is the method,
you will need to track down and install the drivers (motherboard
chipset, video/graphics card, network card, printer, etc.) on your own.
This is done by either using disks you already have or by visiting the
manufacturers' Web sites and downloading the drivers directly.

b. Recovery or Restore CD: this allows you to return your PC to the
status when it was fresh from the factory. Drivers are included.
However, so are potentially unwanted trial programs.

c. Recovery or Restore method using a hidden partition on your hard
drive (usually accessed by pressing one of the "F" keys as you are
booting up): similar to "b", but there is no CD. And if your hard drive
is shot, this method will no longer work!

Can it be possible that the system would give me the incorrect
information?

I doubt it.

So if I can't prove my point I will have to buy a new copy of Win XP.

I'm not sure I see your point. And you certainly don't need to purchase
a new copy of XP! It seems you may already have two copies!

What is the difference between an OEM version and Microsoft's
version, besides price ?

If you mean what is the difference between OEM and Retail, the OEM
license is tied to the original PC it is installed on; it can never be
transferred. The Retail license is not limited in this way; if you
purchase a new PC, you are entitiled to remove XP from the old one and
install it on the new one. This is one of the reasons it costs more.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did.

Exactly what "Win disk" is this? Where did you get it? If it's a
retail version, it's not the same as the OEM version Dell provides.

Then I got an error back saying
it was the wrong disk. I went to check my version and the System
Information page says I have "MS Win XP Pro 5.1.2600 Service
Pack 2 Build 2600 by Microsoft Corporation". I have called the
mfg and they said that's not what was installed on what they sent.
I also sent them a print out of what the system says, but they still
say that's not what I have per their records. Won't be buying
from Dell again.

Can it be possible that the system would give me the incorrect
information?

So if I can't prove my point I will have to buy a new copy of Win XP.
What is the difference between an OEM version and Microsoft's
version, besides price ?

Although if you get a complete generic OEM version, it contains the
same software, it has 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 (except with the original computer).

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.

Over and above those differences/disadvantages, when you have an OEM
version supplied by one of the major OEMs like Dell, rather than a
generic OEM version, there are also other modifications to the
software. Some components may be added or deleted.

 

[Bubey]

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did.

Exactly what "Win disk" is this? Where did you get it? If it's a
retail version, it's not the same as the OEM version Dell provides.
It was the one Dell sent with the laptop, but since they won't take the
documentation I sent them regarding the system tools saying it has Win XP
Pro as the OS, I figured I will have to buy my own Win XP Pro so I can fix
my problems with the laptop. I figured it would be best just to back up my
files, and reformat the hard drive and start clean. That's what I used to
do when I was on Win98, do you concur?

Thanks !

Then I got an error back saying
it was the wrong disk. I went to check my version and the System
Information page says I have "MS Win XP Pro 5.1.2600 Service
Pack 2 Build 2600 by Microsoft Corporation". I have called the
mfg and they said that's not what was installed on what they sent.
I also sent them a print out of what the system says, but they still
say that's not what I have per their records. Won't be buying
from Dell again.

Can it be possible that the system would give me the incorrect
information?

So if I can't prove my point I will have to buy a new copy of Win XP.
What is the difference between an OEM version and Microsoft's
version, besides price ?

Although if you get a complete generic OEM version, it contains the
same software, it has 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 (except with the original computer).

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.

Over and above those differences/disadvantages, when you have an OEM
version supplied by one of the major OEMs like Dell, rather than a
generic OEM version, there are also other modifications to the
software. Some components may be added or deleted.

 

[Bubey]

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.

What is the model and model number of this laptop?
It's the Dell Inspiron E1505

When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did.

Please describe this "Win disk" in as much detail as possible. Where and
when did you get it? It's the disk that Dell sent with the laptop. I
bought
it NEW from them.

Then I got an error back saying it was the wrong disk.

What was the exact error message? It asked me to put in the Windows disk,
I assume to look for the file it wanted to replace. Can't remember the
exact
saying.

I went to check my version and the System
Information page says I have "MS Win XP Pro 5.1.2600 Service
Pack 2 Build 2600 by Microsoft Corporation".

There is your problem. Your laptop originally came with XP Media Center
Edition. That is what your original license is for. Somehow and by
someone, this was changed to XP Pro. That's what I think happened too.
The laptop had to be replaced within 3 months after I got it. I think
whoever
at Dell put in the Win XP Pro by mistake, but good old Dell said there
people
never do anything wrong? I have not had a very good experience with Dell
at any point with this laptop.

You need to provide more information! What is the history of this
laptop? Did you buy it new or second-hand? Did you purchase an
installation disk for XP Pro at some point and install it on the laptop?

I have called the mfg and they said that's not what was installed
on what they sent.

Yes, this is correct. Even you yourself stated earlier in your post that
"I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg."

I also sent them a print out of what the system says, but they still
say that's not what I have per their records.

That sounds right. Their records state that the laptop originally had XP
MCE on it, and now it has XP Pro on it.

Won't be buying from Dell again.

I'm not sure why; I fail to see that they did anything wrong. See above
comment about the original purchased was replaced. Sorry I didn't put
that in, but didn't think it was relavant, now I see it is. I guess I'm
upset
and disappointed in that it seems they think I'm lying, even though I
have supplied paper documentation and offered to send it back to them
to verify. I would have thought if whoever installed the Win XP Pro would
also have sent the disks along with the new laptop replacement.

What method did Dell provide you to reinstall the operating system?
There are three possibilities:

a. Installation CD (Dell calls these "Reinstallation CD"s): this allows
you to perform a clean install of XP. However, if this is the method,
you will need to track down and install the drivers (motherboard
chipset, video/graphics card, network card, printer, etc.) on your own.
This is done by either using disks you already have or by visiting the
manufacturers' Web sites and downloading the drivers directly.

b. Recovery or Restore CD: this allows you to return your PC to the
status when it was fresh from the factory. Drivers are included.
However, so are potentially unwanted trial programs.

c. Recovery or Restore method using a hidden partition on your hard
drive (usually accessed by pressing one of the "F" keys as you are
booting up): similar to "b", but there is no CD. And if your hard drive
is shot, this method will no longer work!

Can it be possible that the system would give me the incorrect
information?

I doubt it.

So if I can't prove my point I will have to buy a new copy of Win XP.

I'm not sure I see your point. And you certainly don't need to purchase
a new copy of XP! It seems you may already have two copies!

What is the difference between an OEM version and Microsoft's
version, besides price ?

If you mean what is the difference between OEM and Retail, the OEM
license is tied to the original PC it is installed on; it can never be
transferred. The Retail license is not limited in this way; if you
purchase a new PC, you are entitiled to remove XP from the old one and
install it on the new one. This is one of the reasons it costs more.

 

[Nepatsfan]

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did. Then I got an error back saying
it was the wrong disk. I went to check my version and the System
Information page says I have "MS Win XP Pro 5.1.2600 Service
Pack 2 Build 2600 by Microsoft Corporation". I have called the
mfg and they said that's not what was installed on what they sent.
I also sent them a print out of what the system says, but they still
say that's not what I have per their records. Won't be buying
from Dell again.

Can it be possible that the system would give me the incorrect
information?

So if I can't prove my point I will have to buy a new copy of Win XP.
What is the difference between an OEM version and Microsoft's
version, besides price ?

Thank in advance for the help.

Just out of curiosity, do you have the extra features that are part of Windows
XP Media Center available on your laptop? Also, if you go to Control Panel and
double click on the System icon, what version of Windows XP is listed on the
General tab? What version of XP is listed on the label of your Dell installation
CD?

I don't currently have access to a computer that's running Windows XP Media
Center Edition but since it's based on XP Professional, it would not surprise me
to see references to XP Professional throughout the operating system.

Getting back to your problem, System File Checker has a habit of requesting your
installation CD. This article gives an outline on why this sometimes happens.

How to use the scannow sfc tool in Windows XP
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

Here's a Microsoft article that may apply to your situation.

You are prompted to insert a Windows XP SP2 CD when you try to run the System
File Checker tool on a Windows XP SP2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=900910

There's also the possibilty that Dell sent you the wrong CD.

On a side note, before you go out and pay for an additional XP installation CD
and license, you might want to back up all your important files and try to run a
repair installation with the CD Dell provided.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Bubey]

Thank You for the info and ideas. I have a separate copy of SP2 that I
ordered from MS when one could.
Yes, going via the Control Panel, which I didn't do, does say Win XP Media
Edition 2002. Why would the Start/Programs/ Accessories/ System Tools/
System Information say Win XP Pro ? Kind of confusing.
And why would the Dell system not let me use the original disks
that came with the replaced laptop ?

Not sure about the "extra features that are part of Windows XP Media Center.
I never did figure out how to use it. But I can play CD's on the laptop.
When Media 11 came out I did the upgrade. I really don't use it much.

The Dell disk says, "MS Win XP Media Edition 2005 w/update rollup 2". But
the one is the Control Panel says, "MS Win XP Media Center Edition 2002,
Service Pack 2", another Dell discrepancy.
It also says "Dell Inspiron I6400", but the label on the laptop says
"Inspiron E1505". Guess I need to check and see if they
are one in the same or what's going on here. Never noticed this before.
Guess it's because I haven't had any real problems before.

I'll give Dell a call and see what's what with the stuff they
sent me. But in the long run I think I would be better off
if I just bought an XP Pro and reformatted the hard drive
and start Clean.

Thank again for the help.

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did. Then I got an error back saying
it was the wrong disk. I went to check my version and the System
Information page says I have "MS Win XP Pro 5.1.2600 Service
Pack 2 Build 2600 by Microsoft Corporation". I have called the
mfg and they said that's not what was installed on what they sent.
I also sent them a print out of what the system says, but they still
say that's not what I have per their records. Won't be buying
from Dell again.

Can it be possible that the system would give me the incorrect
information?

So if I can't prove my point I will have to buy a new copy of Win XP.
What is the difference between an OEM version and Microsoft's
version, besides price ?

Thank in advance for the help.

Just out of curiosity, do you have the extra features that are part of
Windows
XP Media Center available on your laptop? Also, if you go to Control Panel
and
double click on the System icon, what version of Windows XP is listed on the
General tab? What version of XP is listed on the label of your Dell
installation
CD?

I don't currently have access to a computer that's running Windows XP Media
Center Edition but since it's based on XP Professional, it would not
surprise me
to see references to XP Professional throughout the operating system.

Getting back to your problem, System File Checker has a habit of requesting
your
installation CD. This article gives an outline on why this sometimes
happens.

How to use the scannow sfc tool in Windows XP
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

Here's a Microsoft article that may apply to your situation.

You are prompted to insert a Windows XP SP2 CD when you try to run the
System
File Checker tool on a Windows XP SP2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=900910

There's also the possibilty that Dell sent you the wrong CD.

On a side note, before you go out and pay for an additional XP installation
CD
and license, you might want to back up all your important files and try to
run a
repair installation with the CD Dell provided.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Richard in AZ]

Windows Media Edition is a variation of XP Pro.

Thank You for the info and ideas. I have a separate copy of SP2 that I
ordered from MS when one could.
Yes, going via the Control Panel, which I didn't do, does say Win XP Media
Edition 2002. Why would the Start/Programs/ Accessories/ System Tools/
System Information say Win XP Pro ? Kind of confusing.
And why would the Dell system not let me use the original disks
that came with the replaced laptop ?

Not sure about the "extra features that are part of Windows XP Media
Center.
I never did figure out how to use it. But I can play CD's on the laptop.
When Media 11 came out I did the upgrade. I really don't use it much.

The Dell disk says, "MS Win XP Media Edition 2005 w/update rollup 2". But
the one is the Control Panel says, "MS Win XP Media Center Edition 2002,
Service Pack 2", another Dell discrepancy.
It also says "Dell Inspiron I6400", but the label on the laptop says
"Inspiron E1505". Guess I need to check and see if they
are one in the same or what's going on here. Never noticed this before.
Guess it's because I haven't had any real problems before.

I'll give Dell a call and see what's what with the stuff they
sent me. But in the long run I think I would be better off
if I just bought an XP Pro and reformatted the hard drive
and start Clean.

Thank again for the help.



Just out of curiosity, do you have the extra features that are part of
Windows
XP Media Center available on your laptop? Also, if you go to Control Panel
and
double click on the System icon, what version of Windows XP is listed on
the
General tab? What version of XP is listed on the label of your Dell
installation
CD?

I don't currently have access to a computer that's running Windows XP
Media
Center Edition but since it's based on XP Professional, it would not
surprise me
to see references to XP Professional throughout the operating system.

Getting back to your problem, System File Checker has a habit of
requesting
your
installation CD. This article gives an outline on why this sometimes
happens.

How to use the scannow sfc tool in Windows XP
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

Here's a Microsoft article that may apply to your situation.

You are prompted to insert a Windows XP SP2 CD when you try to run the
System
File Checker tool on a Windows XP SP2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=900910

There's also the possibilty that Dell sent you the wrong CD.

On a side note, before you go out and pay for an additional XP
installation
CD
and license, you might want to back up all your important files and try to
run a
repair installation with the CD Dell provided.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Nepatsfan]

In spite of the conflicting information you're getting from different places on
your computer let's clear up a few issues.

1. Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is installed on your computer, not XP
Professional. Media Center Edition is basically XP Professional with a few
features added and a few subtracted. That's why you see references to XP
Professional on your laptop.

2. You have the correct installation CD for the operating system installed on
your laptop. The CD Dell shipped to you can be used to reinstall XP Media Center
Edition. It can also be used to perform a repair installation. An Inspiron 6400
and an Inspiron E1505 are basically the same laptop. One was offered through
Dell's Home and Home Office web site, the other through Dell's Small Business
web site. Bottom line, different divisions used different model numbers for the
same laptop.

3. I know it's confusing but "MS Win XP Media Edition 2005 w/update rollup 2"
and "MS Win XP Media Center Edition 2002, Service Pack 2" are essentially the
same thing.

Now, for the most important issue. Why shell out over $100 dollars for a copy of
Windows XP Pro? You've already paid for XP Media Center Edition. You have an
installation CD that can be used to perform a repair installation or a clean
installation of that operating system on your computer.

Take a look at these articles before you go shopping for software you don't
need.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Ron Badour]

Right click My Computer and select properties. You should see that you have
MCE installed even though the system information page lists it as something
different. I have MCE on my Dell and I get the same information on the
information page that you do. I definitely have MCE in that I have a TV
card and MCE was required for the card to work.

 

[Daave]

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did. <snip>

Ron and Nepatsfan are right on the money, Bubey. I apologize for giving
you wrong information. Your disk should work for you. If it doesn't,
make sure you write down the exact message so you may relay it to us.

What was the problem you originally had? Do you still have it? If so,
post back and someone should be able to help you solve it.

In another post, you stated that you also have a Service Pack 2 disk
from Microsoft. That would be helpful if your Dell installation disk
were pre-SP2. But since your Dell disk has SP2 integrated into it, I am
curious as to why you have the Service Pack CD.

 

[Bubey]

It was offered free to me by Microsoft so I thought it good to have a copy
for times like this where I might need sp2.
I've been having a lot of problem with Outlook Exp freezing up and have to
restart it. Also the Blue Screen of Death. I've tried to google the error
codes to see what they refer to, but no luck. It seems to keep running
until the next time. I do keep things backed up monthly just in case it
won't start. I'll run SFC again and write down the exact msg and repost.

Thanks guys for all you input !

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did. <snip>

Ron and Nepatsfan are right on the money, Bubey. I apologize for giving
you wrong information. Your disk should work for you. If it doesn't,
make sure you write down the exact message so you may relay it to us.

What was the problem you originally had? Do you still have it? If so,
post back and someone should be able to help you solve it.

In another post, you stated that you also have a Service Pack 2 disk
from Microsoft. That would be helpful if your Dell installation disk
were pre-SP2. But since your Dell disk has SP2 integrated into it, I am
curious as to why you have the Service Pack CD.

 

[Bubey]

Here's the last error msg I got on a Blue Screen event last week. I just
restarted and it seems to be working now, but
who know when it will quit for good.

Got the following error msg:
Technical Info:
Stop:0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0xBF8E81, 0XA93C2868, 0X00000000)

Win32K.sys - Address: BF8E5E91 base at BF800000, Data Stamp 47e0e106

I bought my laptop with XP sp2 Media Edition installed by the mfg.
When I had a problem I tried to correct it with SFC and was asked
to put in my Win disk which I did. <snip>

Ron and Nepatsfan are right on the money, Bubey. I apologize for giving
you wrong information. Your disk should work for you. If it doesn't,
make sure you write down the exact message so you may relay it to us.

What was the problem you originally had? Do you still have it? If so,
post back and someone should be able to help you solve it.

In another post, you stated that you also have a Service Pack 2 disk
from Microsoft. That would be helpful if your Dell installation disk
were pre-SP2. But since your Dell disk has SP2 integrated into it, I am
curious as to why you have the Service Pack CD.

 

[Daave]

Got the following error msg:
Technical Info:
Stop:0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0xBF8E81, 0XA93C2868, 0X00000000)

Win32K.sys - Address: BF8E5E91 base at BF800000, Data Stamp 47e0e106

This page might shed a clue:

http://www.updatexp.com/0xC0000005.html

<quote>
The error 0xC0000005 is generated by an illegal "memory access
violation". This can be caused by anything from faulty RAM, an
incorrect/corrupt device driver, poorly written/updated software and
more commonly under Windows XP Service pack 2, malware/adware
installations.
</quote>

The very first thing I would check for is malware. Malke has excellent
instructions here:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Viruses_Malware

Also, please post pertinent copies of Error reports from Event Viewer,
easily accessed by:

Start | Run | type "eventvwr" (without the quotes)

For more info, see "How to view and manage event logs in Event Viewer in
Windows XP":

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427

 

[Help Please ?]

Hi, I have Toshiba Notebook that is missing dlls according to SFC checker,
but I didnt receive an installation disk and Toshiba say the only thing they
provide is a re-image facility (wipes everything and starts again). I'm
getting weird messages saying resource dll missing and I was pointed to SFC -
any ideas how I can fix this or get a disk for the Home Edition XP??

cheers, N

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi, I have Toshiba Notebook that is missing dlls according to SFC checker,
but I didnt receive an installation disk and Toshiba say the only thing
they
provide is a re-image facility (wipes everything and starts again). I'm
getting weird messages saying resource dll missing and I was pointed to
SFC -
any ideas how I can fix this or get a disk for the Home Edition XP??

Call them and get the "restore" disk set. It won't be free, but
shouldn't be outrageous.

It also won't give you "repair" functions but t's better than nothing.

HTH
-pk

 

[John John (MVP)]

If the i386 folder is on your hard drive try pointing SFC to the folder,
you do this by changing the SourcePath entry in the registry:

http://www.internetfixes.com/scannow_sfc_windows_xp/index.htm

John