Re: XP Pro Upgrade or full version?

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John wrote:

> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

>> In my last post I mentioned finding XP for $75.00 with
>>> assurances it is a legal CD. I do wonder what is meant when they add
>>> "CD Only" as if there is something missing.
>>
>>
>>
>> What kind of "assurances"? What recourse do you have if it isn't? Is
>> it Home or Professional? Is it an OEM copy or a retail one? If
>> retail, Full or Upgrade?
>>
>> If it's OEM, make sure you understand the disadvantages of an OEM
>> version before you buy it. They are cheaper for a reason.
>
> This is the link
> http://www.edirectsoftware.com/product.php?product_id=16134


That's a Dell branded version, which makes it OEM. It says "CD's are
imprinted with a Dell logo, but are installable and usable on any type of
computer." I don't know whether it's true that they are installable on any
type of computer, but I would be very reluctant to believe it simply because
they say so.

OEM versions of Windows XP Professional normally sell for over twice that
$75. When you find a deal that's too good to believe, there's often a reason
why you shouldn't believe it. I wouldn't take the chance of buying this
myself.

Also be aware of the disadvantages .of an OEM version:

1. Its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on.
It can never legally be moved to another computer, sold, or given away.

2. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.

3. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You can't call them with
a problem, but instead have to get any needed support from your OEM; that
support may range anywhere between good and non-existent. Or you can get
support elsewhere, such as in these newsgroups.

If it were me, I'd buy an Upgrade CD (XP Home, unless you need the extra
features of Professional; most home users don't need them) from a legitimate
discount source. It would cost somewhat more, but at least I'd know that I
wouldn't be throwing my money away. Also note that, despite what many people
think, you *can* do a clean installation with an Upgrade CD (as long as you
have a previous qualifying version's CD).

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


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