Which version of XP do I buy?

[Richard]

I have an 8-year old IBM Thinkpad which came with Windows 98. I want to upgrade
the OS to Windows XP. While shopping on-line, I find 3 different versions of
XP. In order of price:
1. OEM
2. Boxed upgrade
3. Boxed full
I need some guidance as to which version to buy.

First, with an OEM version, will it pass the "genuine Microsoft" test at
Microsoft's XP update web site?

I believe that the boxed upgrade version is intended for my purpose. But if my
laptop fails some day and I have to buy a new one with (ugh) Vista, can I
transfer the license for this boxed upgrade version product to the new computer
in order to "upgrade" from Vista back to XP.

What about the full version? Same question about a new computer.

 

[DL]

Firstly is your PC and its hardware supported by winxp, ie are there winxp
drivers available on IBM site for your specific model?
Theres no point in buying winxp if your system doesnt support it.

If you buy an OEM version it is not transferable to a new PC, it lives &
dies on the origonal PC
And if you buy an upgrade, you would need the earlier version o/s cd/floppy
to install on any new PC
Considering the current price of Laptops, it might be more cost effective to
buy a new one.

 

[Jordan]

If you are not familiar with the versions I don't believe that you will be
using any of the added features in XP that are not in Win 2000 or 98. There
is little you can do on XP that you cannot do on 2000 as a basic user. Even
Office 2000 can download converter packs to view Office 2007 files so there
is really no insetive for you.

XP and Office 2003-7 will run like a dog.

As far as a new laptop I just purchased one from Lenovo that shipped with
Vista. Personally, I did not like Vista so I asked if the unit I was
purchasing came with a downgrade kit for XP and it did so I had the best of
both. A laptop with XP, ready for Vista if I get forced into it. Best of
all, I would not have to purchase the upgrade to Vista.