There is no real difference in what ends up on your machine as an operating system. BUT, Microsoft will give NO support for an OEM version (which is actually no big deal); such support is supposed to come from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) who sells you a system on which it is installed. You MAY also run into problems with installation of an OEM CD; they are supposed to be tied to the specific system on which an OEM installs them; so it may depend on the source of the OEM CD. My understanding is that an OEM CD cannot be used for an upgrade installation (I am not certain about that), since it is intended only for an original installation. Also, no documentation is provided (which is also no big deal since any documentation on any version of XP is, to put it kindly, minimal). Finally, the selling of such CDs is borderline illegal, except installation on a system manufactured by the source of the CD; I am really surprised that Microsoft has not cracked down on the sellers.
The OEM versions for sale aren't tied to OEM Computer BIOS as are OEM DELL reinstallation CD's.
There are just Microsoft CD & Product Key no box & info.
No, that's not what was intended. Should you buy a Dell OEM copy or Windows XP you will not be able to install it on a computer that does not have a Dell BIOS. Conversely, if you buy a generic OEM Windows XP Upgrade you can install it on any system. It is illegal to sell such an OS without selling hardware with it, but some vendors get around that requirement by selling you a screw or washer along with the OS. For example, Newegg.com, a major reseller, has the following requirement:
"Must be purchased with Hardware" These items may not be purchased by themselves, and must be purchased with another item from our store. Any item in our on-line store will be sufficient. There are no minimum dollar requirements or specific hardware requirements.
Message Edited by Denny Denham on 01-13-2004 02:31 PM
So then are you saying that it's advisable to get an OS upgrade [whether Win2K or XP] strictly thru Dell? [Not that I have a prblem with that, I just don't want problems I'm unable to deal with on down the line.]
I have a slightly off topic but related question. Where is
newegg getting the OEM disks or if they are making them as Dell is doing now, how is that being coordinated with Microsoft so activation works.
I wasn't looking for a different answer, I was actually going back to my own previous string in hopes of getting some concrete info from those who may have run into this previously themselves.
dg27
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January 13th, 2004 15:00
Bill Snyder
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January 13th, 2004 15:00
There is no real difference in what ends up on your machine as an operating system. BUT, Microsoft will give NO support for an OEM version (which is actually no big deal); such support is supposed to come from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) who sells you a system on which it is installed. You MAY also run into problems with installation of an OEM CD; they are supposed to be tied to the specific system on which an OEM installs them; so it may depend on the source of the OEM CD. My understanding is that an OEM CD cannot be used for an upgrade installation (I am not certain about that), since it is intended only for an original installation. Also, no documentation is provided (which is also no big deal since any documentation on any version of XP is, to put it kindly, minimal). Finally, the selling of such CDs is borderline illegal, except installation on a system manufactured by the source of the CD; I am really surprised that Microsoft has not cracked down on the sellers.
gryjhnhpe
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January 13th, 2004 19:00
There are just Microsoft CD & Product Key no box & info.
Denny Denham
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January 13th, 2004 20:00
No, that's not what was intended. Should you buy a Dell OEM copy or Windows XP you will not be able to install it on a computer that does not have a Dell BIOS. Conversely, if you buy a generic OEM Windows XP Upgrade you can install it on any system. It is illegal to sell such an OS without selling hardware with it, but some vendors get around that requirement by selling you a screw or washer along with the OS. For example, Newegg.com, a major reseller, has the following requirement:
"Must be purchased with Hardware"
These items may not be purchased by themselves, and must be purchased with another item from our store. Any item in our on-line store will be sufficient. There are no minimum dollar requirements or specific hardware requirements.
Message Edited by Denny Denham on 01-13-2004 02:31 PM
dg27
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January 13th, 2004 20:00
msgale
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January 14th, 2004 04:00
WillyTee
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January 14th, 2004 10:00
They buy them from Microsoft. product # x08-481123 for XP home OEM . How many do you want ? There is a quantity discount and bottom line discounts
Some big distributor probably buy's 10,000 of them at a time and ppl like NewEgg will but a 100 at a time for $60 or so..
Message Edited by WillyTee on 01-14-2004 07:02 AM
simpswr
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January 14th, 2004 11:00
Activation works the same as with the retail version. I have bought a dozen or so from New Egg.
wrs
dg27
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July 18th, 2004 00:00
I wasn't looking for a different answer, I was actually going back to my own previous string in hopes of getting some concrete info from those who may have run into this previously themselves.
I'd be interested in hearin how they handled it.
dg27
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July 18th, 2004 00:00
Boy, do I feel like an idiot.
I just checked the trash and found the key affixed to the shrink wrap.
rickmktg
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July 18th, 2004 00:00
dg27
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July 18th, 2004 00:00
I wound up getting XP Home [full, not an upgrade CD] from Powerleap as part of a bundle with a Powerleap processor upgrade.
I just discovered that there is no "key"--no Certificate of Authenticity."
Will I be able to install this?
I have heard that I can install, but have 30 days "to get a key."
I don't know what that means or how I would get a key.
Am I " toast," as someone put it??
rickmktg
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July 18th, 2004 01:00