QUICK REPLY NEEDED! OEM vs Retail

lowcar100 said:
Is this a full version of Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, not just an upgrade.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116056

In other words is it the same as this product?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16837116193

THANKS in advance!
Click to expand...

OEM operating systems are more limited with regard to hardware changes. For example, if you install the OS on a certain hardware configuration, then change the motherboard, the hardware change could void the product key/license.

Retail operating systems are more friendly to hardware changes - hence the higher price. If you want more info, read the last post, on the second page of this thread. There's some links to some articles regarding this issue.

lowcar100 said:
Is this a full version of Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, not just an upgrade.
Click to expand...

Technically, no, it is not the full version. The full version is the retail version. Again, the OEM OS will work, only your hardware changes are limited. In your situation, I think an OEM OS will be fine.
 
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lowcar100 said:
Is this a full version of Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, not just an upgrade.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116056

In other words is it the same as this product?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16837116193

THANKS in advance!
Click to expand...

There the same, you just dont get the fancy box and book. Theres no difference in the hardware changes between the two. Now there is a OEM/System Builders Edition that is tied to the computer thats its installed on. If you change out hardware on the System builders edition they might give you a hard time about revalidating it.
 
I was getting the OEM one when I posted that but then my Mom second guessed herself, and felt more secure with the retail one. So we went with that instead. I didn't change any hardware components so she went over budget but she said it was ok since it made her feel more comfortable. She didn't want any problems because she needs the computer to pay bills, etc.
 
lowcar100 said:
I was getting the OEM one when I posted that but then my Mom second guessed herself, and felt more secure with the retail one. So we went with that instead. I didn't change any hardware components so she went over budget but she said it was ok since it made her feel more comfortable. She didn't want any problems because she needs the computer to pay bills, etc.
Click to expand...

Sorry you were over budget. :( On the bright side, if you do change any of the hardware in the future, you won't have to worry about a non-functional OS.

Did you read the articles? If so, did they influence your mother's decision?
 
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