Windows XP sp2 OEM

[Mike]

I have seen Window XP sp2 OEM for sale
all over the internet for $139.00. I noticed several
different Microsoft part numbers like E85-03013 or
E85-02665-oem or E85-04026 etc etc etc
I have seen as many as 6 different numbers
for the oem version.

I have 2 questions please

1. What is the correct part number to get ?
I need a single copy of Win xp sp2 oem.

2. What exactly is the difference between the oem
and retail versions, besides the package, and no manual
I may be wrong, but I have heard the oem only does a
clean install. It will not allow you to reinstall over a previous
version if it becomes corrupt, or you have some other problem.
When you install the oem, it will erase everything you have
on the hard drive. It needs a blank partition, or it will make it blank.
Also I have heard it is a command line install, and has no
graphic user interface. (just a dos style screen)
Is any of this true ?

I could use some help
I am so confused.
Mike

 

[Alias]

I have seen Window XP sp2 OEM for sale
all over the internet for $139.00. I noticed several
different Microsoft part numbers like E85-03013 or
E85-02665-oem or E85-04026 etc etc etc
I have seen as many as 6 different numbers
for the oem version.

I have 2 questions please

1. What is the correct part number to get ?
I need a single copy of Win xp sp2 oem.

2. What exactly is the difference between the oem
and retail versions, besides the package, and no manual
I may be wrong, but I have heard the oem only does a
clean install. It will not allow you to reinstall over a previous
version if it becomes corrupt, or you have some other problem.
When you install the oem, it will erase everything you have
on the hard drive. It needs a blank partition, or it will make it blank.
Also I have heard it is a command line install, and has no
graphic user interface. (just a dos style screen)
Is any of this true ?

I could use some help
I am so confused.
Mike

Don't buy an OEM at eBay or anything similiar. There are two types of
OEM, one is generic and one is like what you get with Dell or HP. The
generic ones can do a repair install. They cannot do an upgrade and the
EULA states you can't move it to another computer like you can a retail
version. That said, with a generic OEM, you can upgrade your computer as
much as you want.

Alias

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[Bob I]

I would suggest that you stick with the retail version due to the
contraints of the OEM version.

 

[Alias]

I would suggest that you stick with the retail version due to the
contraints of the OEM version.

Other than not being able to do an upgrade install and the alledged
inability to move it to another computer, what disadvantages does a
generic OEM have? Also, PLEASE note that this is an international
newsgroup and in some countries, like where I live, Spain, retail is not
available, only generic OEMs.

I note that you didn't inform Mike of the enormous price difference
between a generic OEM and retail, a disadvantage of retail.

Alias

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[Mike]

If license is not transferable to another computer,
do I have to buy another copy if I do a major hardware
upgrade ?? Like a new motherboard or something really
major like that. I heard windows scans for hardware changes,
and that would certainly be a change.

Mike

 

[Alias]

If license is not transferable to another computer,
do I have to buy another copy if I do a major hardware
upgrade ?? Like a new motherboard or something really
major like that. I heard windows scans for hardware changes,
and that would certainly be a change.

Mike

You would not have to buy another copy if you upgrade as upgrades are
allowed with generic OEMs. If you make enough changes, you will have to
activate by phone. Also, after 120 days, the slate is wiped clean.

Alias

 

[Alan]

Read the license agreement with your copy of Windows.

Not only will all be revealed it should fill in those spare moments when you
have little to do. Have fun!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

If license is not transferable to another computer,
do I have to buy another copy if I do a major hardware
upgrade ?? Like a new motherboard or something really
major like that. I heard windows scans for hardware changes,
and that would certainly be a change.

According to its EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from
one distinct PC to another PC. Nothing is said about prohibiting one
from repairing or upgrading the PC on which an OEM license is installed.

Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
such distinction. Others have said that one could successfully argue
that it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where
one is instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the
EULA does not specifically define any single component as the computer.
Licensed Microsoft Systems Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM
licenses with computers they sell, are _contractually_ obligated to
"define" the computer as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition
can't be applied to the end user until the EULA is re-written.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry
to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is
solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine
what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support
agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded
computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM
EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've
built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the
"OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your product.


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Steve N.]

If license is not transferable to another computer,
do I have to buy another copy if I do a major hardware
upgrade ?? Like a new motherboard or something really
major like that. I heard windows scans for hardware changes,
and that would certainly be a change.

Mike

Maybe, possibly, yes. It depends what you do, who you ask and who you
believe. Big grey area there. Bottom line is if _you_ are for all
intents and purposes your own OEM then _you_ get to decide.

Steve N.

 

[Windom]

You would not have to buy another copy if you upgrade as upgrades are
allowed with generic OEMs. If you make enough changes, you will have to
activate by phone. Also, after 120 days, the slate is wiped clean.

Alias

I"ve heard about this 120 day window before. What happens within the
120 day window? Do you just have to keep activating by phone, or do
they deny you any subsequent activations within that period?

W

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I"ve heard about this 120 day window before. What happens within the
120 day window? Do you just have to keep activating by phone, or do
they deny you any subsequent activations within that period?

Activate and within hours to days - you cannot activate over the Internet
again because it shows you recently activated that copy of the OS. You have
to telephone activate. However - if you do not have to reactivate for 120
days + after the activation in question, then you can again activate over
the Internet.

 

[Windom]

Activate and within hours to days - you cannot activate over the Internet
again because it shows you recently activated that copy of the OS. You have
to telephone activate. However - if you do not have to reactivate for 120
days + after the activation in question, then you can again activate over
the Internet.

Thanks for clearing up that issue.

W

 

[Alias]

I"ve heard about this 120 day window before. What happens within the
120 day window? Do you just have to keep activating by phone, or do
they deny you any subsequent activations within that period?

W

If you reinstall on the same hardware hash, you should be able to
activate online. I have had to activate for changing a processor, video
card, RAM and NIC once, within the 120 day period and I hadn't
reinstalled XP, the bubble just appeared when I rebooted after changing
the video card, but it worked online. Others have reported having to
phone activate under similar circumstances. Nothing like having to
prove, twice (let's not forget WGA), that you have a legitimate license
and have paid for it. An insult, confusing to users and a general PITRA
if you ask me.

Alias

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[GregRo]

Activate and within hours to days - you cannot activate over the Internet
again because it shows you recently activated that copy of the OS. You have
to telephone activate. However - if you do not have to reactivate for 120
days + after the activation in question, then you can again activate over
the Internet.

That's only if you change a lot of hardware. According to Microsoft
you can reinstall the same operating system over and over and still be
able to activate.

When you change hardware you can still activate. A call may be
needed. Most of the time it is not.



Greg Ro

 

[Steve N.]

If you reinstall on the same hardware hash, you should be able to
activate online.

That is my experience as well. I have re-installed XP on the same
hardware several times in the space of a few of weeks (experimenting,
not out of "necessity")) and never had to phone activate, although one
time it told me I had to activate by phone, I ignored it, rebooted and
it activated online. It's an imperfect technology, to say the least.

I have had to activate for changing a processor, video
card, RAM and NIC once, within the 120 day period and I hadn't
reinstalled XP, the bubble just appeared when I rebooted after changing
the video card, but it worked online. Others have reported having to
phone activate under similar circumstances. Nothing like having to
prove, twice (let's not forget WGA), that you have a legitimate license
and have paid for it. An insult, confusing to users and a general PITRA
if you ask me.

Alias

It's only an insult if you take it that way. I don't like it either but
I have to put up with it. What other choice have we if we want to use XP?

Steve N.

 

[Michael Cody]

That is my experience as well. I have re-installed XP on the same
hardware several times in the space of a few of weeks (experimenting,
not out of "necessity")) and never had to phone activate, although one
time it told me I had to activate by phone, I ignored it, rebooted and
it activated online. It's an imperfect technology, to say the least.



It's only an insult if you take it that way. I don't like it either but
I have to put up with it. What other choice have we if we want to use XP?

Steve N.

The fact that we have no choice doesn't make it any less of an insult.
We are being asked to prove that we are not thieves. In most civilized
countries, one is innocent until proven guilty, not guilty until proven
innocent. I have a receipt for having bought XP and that should be good
enough. I see no reason why we should be forced to participate in MS'
anti piracy campaign.

Cody

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