Re: Features of OEM version of Windows XP Pro?

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From: Donald McDaniel (orthocrossNOSPAM_at_cablespeedDOTcom.invalid)
Date: 08/23/04 

Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 06:43:41 -0700

On Sun, 22 Aug 2004 22:54:20 -0700, "LuDean Marvin"
<gard_No-Spam-Please_enerstouch@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I am assembling a new homebuillt computer from largely new parts and am
>considering buying an OEM version of WinXP Pro from a local computer parts
>supplier/system assembler. What I am wondering is:
Make sure you purchase what is referred to as a "FULL OEM" CD. This
will be substantially the same as a Retail CD, but it will not allow
you to upgrade an existing OS.
>
>Will this version allow me to install to an already used hard disk (with an
>OS already installed)?
  You will be able to create a new partition on an existing (or
secondary) HD and install XP there using a "FULL OEM" CD. This will
allow you to dual boot with another OS. If you are going to dual
boot, make sure you add XP LAST, so that it will create a proper boot
menu.
>
>Will this version allow me to make repair installs without erasing all disk
>data?
I don't know if a "FULL OEM" CD will allow you to do a repair of an XP
installation which was installed with another CD. It may allow you to
repair an installation of XP which was created with the "FULL OEM" CD.
>
>>From past experience with OEM versions on disks issued by major computer
>manufacturers, they only allow you to do a format and install, thus wiping
>out everything on the disk. I have also run into the situation where an OS
>refuses to install on an already used/formatted disk. Either of these
>glitches would seriously cramp my style.
>
>Just to be certain that I am not being sold illegal copies of the software,
>what items should I expect to find in the package. Should there be a
>manual? I assume that there will be some kind of Certificate of
>Authenticity.
A "FULL OEM" CD will contain
1) A CD which has a holograph filling the entire face of the CD. The
CD will be silver.
2) A green (in the case of XP Home) or blue (in the case of XP Pro)
manual manufactured by Microsoft.
3) A Certificate Of Authenticity sticker (about 1"x3") which contains
the CD key. This COA will also contain holograms. (no holograms, not
a legal COA.) The COA will probably be somewhere in or on the
shrink-wrap, so DON'T throw the shrink-wrap away until you have
extricated the COA from it. Be careful when you remove the
shrink-wrap, so you don't inadvertantly tear the COA. You will be
UNABLE to install the OS without the COA, which contains your CD key.
I advise you to stick the COA on a jewell case, and keep the CD in
that case.

A legal "FULL OEM" will NEVER be in a plastic box. It will always
contain the CD in a paper CD slip-cover, with the CD and manual
shrink-wrapped.
>
>Any help you can provide will be much appreciated. Thanks
>
Now that you know what a "FULL OEM" copy of XP is like, I give you
this advice:

For only a few dollars more, you can purchase a Retail Upgrade copy of
XP. I advise you to purchase this instead of a "FULL OEM" for these
reasons:
1) You will be able to transfer a Retail license between computers (an
OEM license cannot be transferred to a second computer)
2) You will have full Microsoft support for a Retail product (no
Microsoft support for an OEM copy (except for installation support))
3) You will be able to perform both an upgrade of a previous
installation of Windows 98/ME/NT/2000 or a "clean" installation
4) You will be assured of being able to perform an in-place
installation of XP ("Repair install") which will allow you to keep
your programs and data intact.

Donald L McDaniel
Keep the thread intact
Post reply to original newsgroup
=======================================================

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