Windows XP and Windows XP with (SP2)

Slyman2k4

Slyman2k4

Slyman2k4

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I just wanted to know if there is a difference between a windows xp retail package and a windows xp with (sp2) retail package? If i remember correctly i am able to download sp2 on my current oem version every time i do a format. So will i be able to do the same on the normal windows xp retail package with sp2? Its just there is a 30 quid difference in price between the two which confused me.

~cheers.
 
Which is cheaper?

I would guess that the SP2 one is just a copy of XP with SP2 slipstreamed into the install so that it doesn't need to be applied every time. Makes life easier but if it's £30 more then I'd get the cheap one and slipstream it myself.
 
Slyman2k4 said:
I just wanted to know if there is a difference between a windows xp retail package and a windows xp with (sp2) retail package? If i remember correctly i am able to download sp2 on my current oem version every time i do a format. So will i be able to do the same on the normal windows xp retail package with sp2? Its just there is a 30 quid difference in price between the two which confused me.

~cheers.
Click to expand...
You can always install Service Pack 2 yourself later on but there is some benefits of having SP2 already in-built into the installation. One being security and other is if you have any newer hardware. Remember, original XP came out in 2001 & did not have a lot of features e.g. 'native' support for USB 2 :eek:

Anyway, if it helps OcUK shop have this:
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition inc. SP2 - OEM - 1Pk (N09-01528) (OS-001-MS) £49.95
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition inc. SP2 - OEM - 1Pk (E85-04026) (OS-002-MS) £79.95
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Centre 2005 Edition - OEM - 1Pk (M93-00200) (SW-008-MS) £64.95
Absolute bargain if you ask me :cool:
 
cheers for the input chaps, just going to go for the cheaper one then and upgrade over the net.

I would go for them, but they are OEM and i want to get a retail one so i dont have to change it every time i upgrade the mobo :D
 
If it were me, I'd buy the cheaper. Copy CD to HD, slipstream SP2 into XP, burn XP SP2 CD.

If you're worried about breaking the law, etc, you're well within your rights to download an ISO of XP SP2 from a P2P client. What you're paying for is the CD key.
 
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