Re: FULL, OEM and UPDATE versions of Windows XP SP2

On Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:15:15 -0600, "Tinkers" <thanksbut@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Thank you for your reply, Ken.


You're welcome. Glad to help.


Since I *own* my Dell OEM Windows 98SE disc, cirqa 1999, I trust that it
would qualify (and work) when the XP Upgrade version requests it - presuming
that the HDD was previously wiped clean of VISTA. True?


Yes, it's true, but previously wiping it clean of Vista isn't
necessary. The first step of a clean installation (which is what you
want to do) is to format the drive.


Given your perspective on the OEM version(s) - as well as those found here
www.infocellar.com/WinXP/oem-recover-retail.htm - it seems abundantly clear
that the UPGRADE is an excellent choice, if saving $80-100 is an issue.
Else, spending $180-200 for the FULL version provides the best solution.


Yes, but my view is that it almost never makes sense to spend the
substantial extra money for the Full version. The Upgrade has exactly
the same software and both can do exactly the same things (Clean
install or upgrade) if you own a previous qualifying version's CD.
Almost everyone owns a previous version's CD, but worst case, you can
buy one very inexpensively someplace like eBay.


I'll add just one more point. You apparently have had little or no
experience with Vista, but you've already made the decision to replace
it with XP. If I were you, I wouldn't do that. Give Vista a chance,
first of all; try it for a few months--not just a few days--so you get
to learn and understand it, and then make the decision as to which you
prefer. I use Vista here on all my machines except the laptop and the
server, and I'm happy with it.



Thanks again, Ken!

Tinkers

= = =

"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:uvchm41mopmo43rk0mt1bb4gj96rhbara1@xxxxxxxxxx
On Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:42:40 -0600, "Tinkers" <thanksbut@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

At tigerdirect, an authorized MS online retailer, I reviewed a few of the
comments associated with both the OEM and UPDATE versions. If true, it
appears that the UPDATE version may work if the user had a previous FULL
version CD - like WINDOWS 95 (which I have) - to fool the UPDATE version
into thinking it is actually updating an existing Windows O/S.


No, it's not a matter of fooling it at all. The requirement to use an
upgrade version is to *own* a previous qualifying version's
installation CD, not to have it installed. When setup doesn't find a
previous qualifying version installed, it will prompt you to insert
its CD as proof of ownership. Just insert the previous version's CD,
and follow the prompts. Everything proceeds quite normally and quite
legitimately.



The OEM
version concerns me, but I don't really know what I missing by not buying
the FULL version. One thing I know I won't miss is MS support, and if
that's what an extra $100 gets me, then screw MS.

- FULL at $180-200, I prefer not.
- OEM at $90-100, preferred, if workable
- UPDATE at $80-90, possible, if workable

Does anyone have a comprehensive perspective on the differences, pros and
cons, associated with the FULL, OEM and UPDATE versions of Windows XP
SP2?


Yes.

1. The software they all contain is identical.

2. The Full version can do a clean installation or an upgrade.

3. The Upgrade version can also do a clean installation or an upgrade,
but it can only do a clean installation if you have a qualifying
previous version's CD.

4. The OEM version comes with three disadvantages:

a. 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 (except with the original computer).

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

c. 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.

The first of those three disadvantages (a,) is by far the worst one,
and is the deal-breaker, as far as I'm concerned. Since the Upgrade
version costs only very slightly more, it's the one that I normally
recommend to almost everyone.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: FULL, OEM and UPDATE versions of Windows XP SP2
    ... it is what you *should* do when you do a clean installation. ... Upgrade disc. ... Thank you for your perspective on VISTA, but I prefer not - far too much ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: FULL, OEM and UPDATE versions of Windows XP SP2
    ... Given your perspective on the OEM version- as well as those found here ... that the UPGRADE is an excellent choice, if saving $80-100 is an issue. ... The Full version can do a clean installation or an upgrade. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Upgrade or full version question
    ... Upgrade and full are identical once installed. ... If you have a qualifying OS, ... Clean Installation only, no upgrade capability. ... Some of the reasons OEM is cheaper than retail. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsupdate)
  • Re: Did you do a direct UPGRADE from WIN98SE? Did it work for you?
    ... rather than upgrade over an earlier OS. ... WinXP, rather than performing a clean installation, if you've no ... smoothly upgrade an earlier OS. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers)
  • Re: XP Pro OEM and Full Version - will either one upgrade XP Home?
    ... the upgrade is worth considering. ... *can* do a clean installation. ... restore CD, see below), not to have it installed. ... previous qualifying version installed, it will prompt you to insert its CD ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)