Windows xp pro retail vs oem

Eddie1969 · 10-16-2006, 02:02 AM

I'm looking to buy xp pro os and wondering what is the better choice. I plan on installing on one computer only forever, or at least until I get a new puter, If I build a new puter and want to put xp pro back on it, or if I need to reinstall the os will I need to call Msoft to get a validation code to install and authenticate with the oem version? Is this also true with the retail version?

what other problems may I experience buying the cheaper oem version as opposed to the retail version.

I never call for computer support, so I'm not worried about that aspect. And I don't need a book, so what benefit is there to buying the retail version?

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.

Ed

[-0MEGA-] · 10-16-2006, 02:03 AM

The OEM is fine, its basically the same thing as the retail but without the fancy packaging. If you need to activate more then one additional time, just give them a call and they'll tell you how to activate it for free.

terii · 10-16-2006, 04:22 AM

Go with the OEM version. No fancy packaging but the software is identical to the retail version. Changes are only in the setup. As for activation, I use OEM and have activated the same copy on my machine many times. I do not know where the one time activation comes from but if you have problems and MS will activate your copy for free then go for it.

10-16-2006, 02:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
Eddie1969 New Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1	Windows xp pro retail vs oem I'm looking to buy xp pro os and wondering what is the better choice. I plan on installing on one computer only forever, or at least until I get a new puter, If I build a new puter and want to put xp pro back on it, or if I need to reinstall the os will I need to call Msoft to get a validation code to install and authenticate with the oem version? Is this also true with the retail version? what other problems may I experience buying the cheaper oem version as opposed to the retail version. I never call for computer support, so I'm not worried about that aspect. And I don't need a book, so what benefit is there to buying the retail version? Thanks for any insight anyone can give. Ed

10-16-2006, 02:03 AM	#2 (permalink)
[-0MEGA-] VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Concord, NH Age: 20 Posts: 27,327	The OEM is fine, its basically the same thing as the retail but without the fancy packaging. If you need to activate more then one additional time, just give them a call and they'll tell you how to activate it for free. __________________ Core 2 Quad Q9550 @ 4.1GHz Asus Rampage Formula X48 ATI 4870X2 2GB GDDR5 (800/1900) 4GB (2x 2GB) DDR2 960 (6-6-6-18) 750GB SATAII w/32MB Creative SB X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty SilverStone 750W +12V@60A 3DMark06: 22605

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10-16-2006, 04:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
terii Gold Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 293	Go with the OEM version. No fancy packaging but the software is identical to the retail version. Changes are only in the setup. As for activation, I use OEM and have activated the same copy on my machine many times. I do not know where the one time activation comes from but if you have problems and MS will activate your copy for free then go for it.