Windows XP

[Susan]

I am trying to find full version of Windows XP
Professional. I have talked to Microsoft sales person who
tells me that the Windows XP Professional retails for
$299.

I have done a search on the web and have found the below:

http://www.thesoftwareking.com/product_desc.php?
productid=13&maincatid=2
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Sugg. Retail Price:
$299.99
Sale Price: $146.49

----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------

Description: Windows XP Pro, Full oem Version. "NO
Returns on OEM Software".
This operating system will NOT install as an upgrade. You
must format your hard disk first.

http://www.tekdeal.com/item.asp?
n=winxppcdk&d=49&gtse=GOOG&gtkw=windows+xp+pro

Microsoft Windows XP Professional & HW Item
By: Microsoft


SPECIAL PRICE: $129.00
Compare At: $209.99
Your Savings: $80.99
(That's almost 39% OFF!)

Ships Out in 2-3 Days

______________________________________
I thought OEM software had to be on computer when
purchased. I am no builder!

What does the HW Item mean after Windows Professional in
the other title?

Is this legit real Windows Professional version or some
watered down version? Am I missing something?

Thanks for information.

 

[Malke]

I am trying to find full version of Windows XP
Professional. I have talked to Microsoft sales person who
tells me that the Windows XP Professional retails for
$299.

I have done a search on the web and have found the below:

http://www.thesoftwareking.com/product_desc.php?
productid=13&maincatid=2
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Sugg. Retail Price:
$299.99
Sale Price: $146.49

----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------

Description: Windows XP Pro, Full oem Version. "NO
Returns on OEM Software".
This operating system will NOT install as an upgrade. You
must format your hard disk first.

http://www.tekdeal.com/item.asp?
n=winxppcdk&d=49&gtse=GOOG&gtkw=windows+xp+pro

Microsoft Windows XP Professional & HW Item
By: Microsoft


SPECIAL PRICE: $129.00
Compare At: $209.99
Your Savings: $80.99
(That's almost 39% OFF!)

Ships Out in 2-3 Days

______________________________________
I thought OEM software had to be on computer when
purchased. I am no builder!

What does the HW Item mean after Windows Professional in
the other title?

Is this legit real Windows Professional version or some
watered down version? Am I missing something?

Thanks for information.

Susan - Repeat this mantra: If It Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Is.
Then go to a local retail store like CompUSA or BestBuy or OfficeMax
and buy Windows XP. If you have a previous operating system disk, like
Windows 98 or ME, then you can use the Upgrade version of XP.
Otherwise, you will want the full version, which usually retails for
$300 as you found out. You might find it for less from some reputable
retailer - Amazon.com has it for $249 - but the emphasis is on
*reputable*.

Malke

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

In

I am trying to find full version of Windows XP
Professional. I have talked to Microsoft sales person who
tells me that the Windows XP Professional retails for
$299.

I have done a search on the web and have found the below:

http://www.thesoftwareking.com/product_desc.php?
productid=13&maincatid=2
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Sugg. Retail Price:
$299.99
Sale Price: $146.49

As noted, this is the OEM version, not the full version. The OEM
version can only legally be sold with hardware, although these
days, any piece of hardware, even a power cord, qualifies.
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. If the computer dies, the license dies with
it.

2. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.

3. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You have to
get any needed support from your OEM, and that may range anywhere
between good and non-existent.

I thought OEM software had to be on computer when
purchased. I am no builder!

No, it has to be sold with some piece of hardware. These days
almosrt any piece of hardware, even a power cord, qualifies, and
some vendors don't even insist on that.

What does the HW Item mean after Windows Professional in
the other title?

Sorry, I don't see that in your message.

Is this legit real Windows Professional version or some
watered down version? Am I missing something?

It's very likely a complete generic OEM version, containing the
same software as the Full version. It's your choice as to whether
to get it, but if you do, be aware of the disadvantages noted
above.