windows xp oem, full, upgrade versions

[leftfoot]

Hey guys,
I'm getting ready to buy a copy of Windows XP Professional. I think I know what the upgrade and full versions are but what is the OEM version? Are there things I can do with the full version that I can't with the OEM version? Updates? Tech Support? Upgrades? Reinstalls?

Thanks,
Leftfoot

[bob05]

Originally posted by leftfoot
Hey guys,
I'm getting ready to buy a copy of Windows XP Professional. I think I know what the upgrade and full versions are but what is the OEM version? Are there things I can do with the full version that I can't with the OEM version? Updates? Tech Support? Upgrades? Reinstalls?

Thanks,
Leftfoot

OEM versions are the same as the Retail versions. They don't come in a box though just shrink wrap. You can do anything with an OEM version that you can do with a retail version like reinstalls, etc. They are really the same CD (different CD-Key generator though ). You can get updates for it from Microsoft via windowsupdate.com the same as you would any other verison. Another thing about OEM verisons are that they are generally cheaper, but you might have to buy it with some hardware (even insignificant hardware like a mouse or even a cable of some kind).

Bottom Line: Your fine with OEM. Same as retail, just not in a box.

[leftfoot]

Thanks Bob

[BipolarBill]

You cannot upgrade an existing installation with an OEM disk. It can only be installed "clean". There is no support provided by MS for OEM Windows. You can use an OEM disk to do "in place" reinstalls and repairs.

[Jgedeon]

Yes you can use an OEM version to do an upgrade.

[BipolarBill]

No you can't. I've tried it many times.

[BipolarBill]

http://www.tek-tips.com/gfaqs.cfm/pid/779/fid/4004

[cdroman]

Originally posted by Jgedeon
Yes you can use an OEM version to do an upgrade.

I just did it for my son last month. It saves some of the programs but leaves them all there. Some have to be reinstalled others just added to the start menu. It doesn't save any of the settings though.

So I'd say you kind of can do an upgrade with an OEM disk.

[cdroman]

I should add to that; it doesn't give you the option of upgrading, but it can be installed without formatting.

[r8500]

Yeah, you can't use an OEM cd to do an upgrade, but you can install over top of teh current file system.

However, if you own a good copy of windows, why not just buy the upgrade.

[cdroman]

My son bought the OEM full version for cheaper than the upgrade. I don't like installing over the current file system but that is what he wanted. Soon as he has any problems I'll do a clean install.