Main Difference between XP Pro OEM with key activation versus COA

It is not legal to sell an OEM Dell copy of XP without the system.

1. That's a dangerous strategy. DO NOT try it without a backup.

2. The 9150 has SATA drives and needs the SATA driver diskette to do the install. That requires SP2 - the install will blue screen and fail without SP2 on the CD.

3. XP 64-bit isn't sold as an upgrade. It's unlikely Microsoft will release an upgrade version of it, given the coming release of Vista.

4. Yes. If the time comes to activate it for any reason, you may have trouble.

COA is the Key. The key entered on first OS install from the sticker on a legitimate OEM version. If it does not have a COA then the key is probably borrowed or from an older machine.

How!!  :smileytongue:  Actually I'm a student (part time PhD in Business), but haven't heard before so low prices.  I have seen XP PRO educational versions in Ebay for around $100, but wonder what is the limitation there.  As for the upgrade, the only limitation is that would have to install first an older version to then migrate to the XP PRO with an upgrade.  I will have to ask in my school for such a great deal!! :smileyvery-happy:

Thanks,

Francisco

Thanks.  They said is legal, but will follow your advice. I learned the hard way about sp2, since hit many blue screens when re-installing my software since my disk didn't have sp2, afterwards I did a streamline disc and install it.  Would you recommend any retailer for buying a cheap XP Pro full version WITH COA?  How much should I look to be paying?  I wish I would have order my machine with XP PRO :(

 

Thanks,

 

Francisco

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@fskywalker wrote:

Thanks.  They said is legal, but will follow your advice. I learned the hard way about sp2, since hit many blue screens when re-installing my software since my disk didn't have sp2, afterwards I did a streamline disc and install it.  Would you recommend any retailer for buying a cheap XP Pro full version WITH COA?  How much should I look to be paying?  I wish I would have order my machine with XP PRO :(

Thanks,

Francisco

Windows XP Pro Upgrade (you don't need FULL) is $200 list, you can get it for $150 on good sales, or if you're student you can get it really cheap.  My son gets Pro at his college for $19.

No and I would avoid eBay too.....It is easy to open a box!

Thanks to all.  I wasn't sure about posting links here, but since now I see can be done, here is the link for the offer I mentioned (XP for $75)  Any experience with this seller?

http://www.edirectsoftware.com/product.php?product_id=16134

Thanks,

Francisco

XP Pro upgrade will do a clean install with a Win 98/2000 etc orginal key. That will start the process without first installing the older OS as if you were using the more expensive version for PCS without Windows.

For a real OEM version of XP Pro with a valid COA check www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com both are reputable resellers and you WILL get a legal OEM copy with a COA on the package with the real KEY!! For about $140-$150.

One other thing to pint out. Buying the upgrade for roughly $170 or the Full version for $299 gets you Microsoft support on the product for a year. The OEM version will not as they assume you know what you are doing. Also, when you see prices that appear to be real low for a full version ask if it is in the box and the retail version as that is the one that comes with support! The OEM comes with a card and the CD with COA. That's it you're on your own! So consider those points before you buy.

They have one with a COA for $94.99.

It's funny, I am building up another couple of Dells from spare parts.  This would actually be just the thing to use.  ;-)

David

fskywalker

Look for a different vendor, read the reviews on eDirectSoftware,

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller9127.html

Bev.

Use NewEgg or Tiger Direct!
They are both excellent and have great customer service!
We have 8 DELLS!
1-Optiplex
1-XPS-B800
2- 3000
2-8400
1-9100
1-XPS400
Many of the upgrades from RAM to readers came form them both and more than 50 SAFE purchases!

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@fskywalker wrote:

How!!  :smileytongue:  Actually I'm a student (part time PhD in Business), but haven't heard before so low prices.  I have seen XP PRO educational versions in Ebay for around $100, but wonder what is the limitation there.  As for the upgrade, the only limitation is that would have to install first an older version to then migrate to the XP PRO with an upgrade.  I will have to ask in my school for such a great deal!! :smileyvery-happy:

Thanks,

Francisco

Check with your school.  If they don't offer it, there are LEGITIMATE sources that provide valid students with $90 Windows XP Pro upgrades, send me a PM.  YOu do NOT have to install the prior version, you DO need the prior CD.

Message Edited by rickmktg on 01-30-2006 07:40 AM

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@proficient wrote:

One other thing to pint out. Buying the upgrade for roughly $170 or the Full version for $299 gets you Microsoft support on the product for a year. The OEM version will not as they assume you know what you are doing. Also, when you see prices that appear to be real low for a full version ask if it is in the box and the retail version as that is the one that comes with support! The OEM comes with a card and the CD with COA. That's it you're on your own! So consider those points before you buy.

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