Buying Windows XP Home.. have a few questions.

Hey guys..

I'm going to buy myself the Windows XP Home edition, the full version..

Couple of questions though..

#1. What is the difference between OEM and regular?

#2. Where can I find this at the cheapest price?

#3. This is step 1 for me in totally rebuilding my comp.... If I install it on my current comp, will I be able to install it on a different comp at a future time?

(Sounds kind of weird, but I'll be upgrading my computer part-by-part, as I have the $$ for each part.. but will install each new part onto my current comp as I get it)

(Planning on first getting XP, then RAM, then Vid Card, then Processor, then Motherboard, then finally Case and PSU)

So just want to make sure that if I buy it and install it on my current comp, I'll be able to put it onto my comp when it's done being upgraded.... assuming I'll have to format for certain part upgrades.

Thanks guys.

 

1. There is no software difference between OEM and Retail versions if you buy the OEM version from New Egg or any standard mail-order house. If you pick one up at a flea market or computer show, it might be a customized version meant for Dell, Compaq, or one of the major manufacturers. With the OEM version, you don't get the pretty box, the detailed owner's manual, or any factory tech support.

2. As far as prices, New Egg is always good, or use Major Geeks shopping site. I've gotten some great deals that way. http://www2.shopping.com/main/linkin_id-6063924

3. Windows Activation makes upgrading and moving the operation more of a problem than older versions. MS's position is that you can NOT move it to a different machine, although you can upgrade it piece by piece. After 5 key components have been changed you'll have to re-activate it. Eventually, if you change enough parts, it will fail to re-activate, and you'll have to call an 800 number and activate it manually with MS. I've had to do that several times. If you can afford to wait, I'd install XP after you upgrade your main system components, to put off the manual activation headaches.

You'll need to reformat when you change the motherboard. That would be a convenient time to install XP.

 

XP HOME Full Version $79 at www.tekdeal.com to get deal type in XP HOME in Google search should be first link.
If you try to just go to web site first will be $119 (weird)