OEM and Retail xp?

[911aaron]

what is the difference between OEM and retail windows XP professional? What would be the better choice? I am trying to save as much money as i can so im leaning towards the OEM, but i first wanna know whats the difference between them? Want to use it for my new build.

Retail:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16837116195
OEM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116400

 

[ellanky]

Just go for the OEM version, the retail probably just has documents and info stuff, and it comes in a nice pretty box ;D

 

[tremmor]

looks like the oem 129.00 would be the way to go.
Im thinking that the other has the updates.
Nice price for the pro ver.

 

[Vizy]

Go for the OEM. It has everything the Retail package has, xcept without the fancy box and packaging.

 

[911aaron]

So there's really no difference between the two except for the packaging it comes in..?

 

[tremmor]

OEM......that will work fine.
You can update. Far superior than
Home edition. your good to go.

 

[Quick69GTO]

There is no difference between OEM and retail except for one thing (aside from the packaging), OEM versions, once installed and activated, it's legally tied to the machine it's installed on. If the PC dies, and you build a new PC, the OEM version legally can't be transfered to the new machine.
The retail version, however, allows you to legally install it on a new PC.
If this scenario did happen, and you needed to transfer the O.S. to a new PC, both versions will require you to use the phone activation method.
With the OEM version, you can tell them you upgraded some hardware, and they will activate it with no problems.
Anyway, buy the OEM version.