Windows Xp

whats the difference between windows xp oem and windows xp the retail version? on newegg.com they got an oem windows xp for 90 bucks. but the retail version is 194 bucks? the oem version is JUST the cd right? wouldn' that be all i need if i wanted to do a reformatt or install windows for the first time on a computer im buildin?

or is the oem version only for people who have bought a computer from a store and need the disk?

 

OEM you dont get support from M$, or a funky box and manual. You get a quickstart guide and a bag with the CD in, thats it.

To save money, go for OEM, if you think you can survive without M$ support.

The makeup of the CD is exactly the same, and there is no difference in the software whatsoever.

Oh and both OEM and Retail come with a liscence key, of your choice (single PC, 1-2 PC's... those are the common ones for home setups)

 

lol, so the only difference is the microsoft support? i think i can survive, i got you guys to count on right...

 

Pretty much, unless you want the crappy M$ box. Thats what you
pay more for, the box!

 

That, and 70 dollars worth of suport

 

lol, thnx guys

 

its not 70 bucks worth of support. its microsoft, they just keep tranfering you till they finnally say the wont help you.

 

I can tell you haven't called MS.

If its an MS OS, it will get fixed. Or formatted


I can't speak for anything below Windows 2000 or XP.

In fact if you are charged and MS doesn't fix it, you can request your money back and get it.

 

sorry, i forgot that you worked for ms tech support

 

Work is a pretty lose term.


I come in everyday .

 

What I think he meant to say is the *silly people* that get the first call from the customer (me!) transfer you around till they find someone who knows what to do with your problem ... then it gets fixed (but usually formatted in my experience )

 

Gotcha.

 

Bear in mind also that an OEM version usually requires you to purchase hardware of some sort.

 

microsoft wont even talk to you if its preinstalled. they refer you to the puter manifacturer (in my case emachine) who dont know dick about MS. secondly, even with a brand new puter and a disc to go with it, you dont get a manual, just a leaflet telling you how wonderfull it is. sorry adrynylin, i know you work for them, but to be honest im not impressed. no offence intented to you.

 

why do they make you buy a piece of hardware when you buy windwos? seems stupid to me.

 

I think the reason is that an "Original Equipment Manufacturer" software is sold specifically to be installed on a new computer when it is built (not sold retail) and is why it is discounted. Retailers can sell it legally if it is included with a new computer, and certain hardware (like a motherboard) qualifys as a "new computer".

 

oh ok, that makes sense then. what all kind of computer components would count as a new computer?

 

Thats a common misconception. They just won't talk to you for free. If customer service told you that, you should have asked for a manager.

Its been like that since XP launch.

*Shrug*

No offense taken. The problem with OEMs is that they are contractually required to provide support for their software products, for whatever their warranty periods are. That includes licensed products.

Unfortunately, they pawn off their customers to MS who have to pay for the support.

OEMs are snakes.

 

The hardware you must buy is dependant on where you buy the OEM software from, you'll have to check. I know a motherboard or CPU counts, but some places will sell it if you buy a hard drive. You have to check with the place you're buying from. I deal with MWave.com, they're pretty good.

 

Here is MWave.com's policy:

DSP stands for Distribution Service Partner. The actual software is the full version, however it may include condensed manuals or documentation on CD. No retail packaging is included. The software can not be sold by itself. DSP versions will usually require the purchase of additional hardware, per our licensing agreement. Any item in our on-line store will be sufficient. There are no minimum dollar requirements or specific hardware requirements.

For example:
Microsoft Office Pro 2000 Professional CD (DSP) *Must be Purchased w/Hardware!!*

Of course, other retailer's requirements will vary.

 

thnx for the info. ive never heard of mwave.com, i looked a little bit on their site and their a little bit cheaper then newegg.com.

 

Good place, I've bought alot from them. Prices are cheap, shipping is a bit on the high side, but overall you get a good deal.

 

cool, thnx