What is the differience between XP OEM and XP Retail

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I have heard that a person with an OEM version cannot get support from microsoft. Is this true? Also I have read that you wouldnt be able to put the os on another machine, It has to stay on the one you installed it on. So what would happen if you had to reformat the drive. Can you not install off that disk again? I am confused?

 

Yes it is true; if you call techsupport with an OEM registration number MS will tell you to call your computer manufacture[Unless you pay 35$/problem]. If you have a full liscenced copy you will have "2 free tech support calls" after that its 35$ a call [meaning 1 problem = 35$] About the reinstallation of it. It has happened to me that WXP-h OEM doesnt want to reinstall itself on the same PC but i call up MS talk to a rep and they give me a confirmation code.

 

Your information is incorrect, sir.

OEM releases do not have warranty support through MS. If you want to pay, however, MS will give you best effort support (you must have the tools required the same as retail to perform the task).

Furthermore, support is not 25 per call, but 35.

2 free warranty issues.


Unlimited free setup support.

 

eh i think you missread my post....and yes it is 35$ that was my typo

reedit: i see what you mean i didnt explain myself that OEM still has tech support but for a price.

 

Did I misread this? Because this is what I replied to.

 

Hi,
Thanks for clearing that up for me guys. Figures microsoft would charge for support. Like they need any more money

Cooked

 

I was with MS week ago with an OEM registration # and they offered no tech support at all for the OEM product; but when talking to the 2nd rep i remeber him saying that OEM does have a payed tech support service.

 

I know it sounds awful, but I agree with the charging for OEM support.

99% of the time they don't provide us the tools, break their contract by refusing support to the customer and telling them to call us, and we get the bad rap for the garbage OEMs install on their computer.

 

i see where your coming from, but at least they should give all time free support to the people who pay the extra to get a retail version.

 

Yeah, I agree, but MS is pretty darn lenient with that stuff.

I daresay there are quite a few users who have been given more than two warranty issues for "customer satisfaction".

 

Who needs MS when you got MG?

 

I do not want to start an arguement, but when I bought my Compaq with Win ME, M$ referred me to Compaq for ALL warranty tech support. True story......

 

I believe you. MS only started the policy of accepting OEM work with Windows XP.


2K might be the same, but I am not sure.

I guess MS didn't have faith in the OEMs hiring intelligent enough support to actually fix Windows XP (no offense if some of y'all work for OEMs).

I can't say I totally disagree.

 

As long as i am here. Take a look at this...
What does the "MC" mean... i was thinking mint cond. but i have never seen it like that before?

Thanks

I believe 2k is the same. i tried calling for customer support with an oem version and got no help.

[edit] A friend of mine called not me.

 

Hmmm....

No idea.

Master Copy?

 

MicroCoft?

 

i was thinking it was a typo but was not sure...i sent an email 5min ago nothin yet.