Hello, I'm getting a original sealed Windows XP Pro OS but it's apparently an OEM, I know it means Original equipment manufacturer but can you guys tell me what's the difference between Retail and OEM? I know that OEM has not got a box which I couldn't care less for and also is very much cheaper, but any other advantages/disadvantages?
Difference between OEM and Retail Windows XP Professional?
- Thread starter simon22
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The differences are all in the sticky here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=32319
There is no difference in the packages they are the same
Incorrect.
The biggest difference is in terms of what you are licensed to do with it.
An OEM can only be lagally installed and activated on one computer, that is, it stays with the computer right through until it dies or is binned and cannot be used on a new computer.
Retail allows you to install on many machines and to transfer the license across from one to another as you upgrade etc. Although the cavet is that it can only be installed on one computer at a time.
EDIT: Beaten by Burnsy
Correct me if I'm wrong guys, but as far as I understand, the only difference with OEM is that it is only allowed to stay at one PC and cannot be installed on any other PC, a new license would need to be used?
If so, that dosen't cause any problems to me as I will not be planning to upgrade anything on this machine for quite sometime, unless forced to.
If so, that dosen't cause any problems to me as I will not be planning to upgrade anything on this machine for quite sometime, unless forced to.
Incorrect.
The biggest difference is in terms of what you are licensed to do with it.
An OEM can only be lagally installed and activated on one computer, that is, it stays with the computer right through until it dies or is binned and cannot be used on a new computer.
Retail allows you to install on many machines and to transfer the license across from one to another as you upgrade etc. Although the cavet is that it can only be installed on one computer at a time.
EDIT: Beaten by Burnsy
I meant in terms of actual usage there is no difference
Time is irrelevant really, it's not the correct license if you foresee any major hardware changes at any point.
Technically you should buy the retail version if you are not reselling the machine. However, it sounds like the OEM version will be fine for what you need it for.
