Here's a question 4 U...

[HawaiianGhost]

What the hell are the "beneficial" differences between the following:

Windows(pref XP pro)OS:

-Upgrade (I know what this is)

-OEM Full Version (I know this comes in a plastic wrap)

-Full Retail (What's in the box?)

With 98SE I had OEM (just disk and manual that came with PC) then upgraded to WinMe (upgrade version). Both were fine after tweaking *.vxd probs...NO MORE BSOD's!!!

But I've never spent the ca$h on a "retail" version. With the WinME upgrade I didn't even overlay it on 98SE, it just let me do a clean install after verifying that I had a "Valid" Full version OS which was 98SE.

Now that I am in the process of building a new rig I am undecided on what type of OS version to buy, Upgrade/OEM/Full Retail?? Like I said "What's in the Box?" Is OEM and Retail "exactly" the same? and What would I be missing if I just get an XP upgrade, will it [upgrade version] let me do a clean install? Thanks in advance to all responses btw... :D

[Murman]

OEM & Retail are the same OS .. just when you call Micosoft for support on OEM they charge you a arm & a leg and when you call for support on the retail ver they only charge a arm.

Retail box usally you get a better manual.

[HawaiianGhost]

Thanks Murman,

I think I'll be saving me some money$$ With OEM if I go with that. What about the WinXp upgrade, can you do a "clean install" without overlaying?

MS was "nil to 0" support with previous OS anyway and I don't understand the "justifications" behind paying for help with problems that a product created or comes with - more less believe in it. That's one of the reasons why I am here-we ALL are if anything, right?

Thanks again...

[Docsta]

Originally posted by HawaiianGhost
I think I'll be saving me some money$$ With OEM if I go with that. What about the WinXp upgrade, can you do a "clean install" without overlaying?


yea you can...just boot off the CD, and start installing XP..but youll need a previous Os when it wants to do the Compliancy check.

[mnosteele52]

Originally posted by Docsta
yea you can...just boot off the CD, and start installing XP..but youll need a previous Os when it wants to do the Compliancy check.

True, the upgrade version of XP is the full version, Microsoft just gives you a discount since you have purchased a previous Windows OS. As Docsta said, you can install it on a new unformatted drive, it will just ask for a previous version of Windows during the install just to confirm you own one.:) ;)

[YeOldeStonecat]

You have it pretty much right Ghost....doing just what I always did. With Upgrade versions, I'd do clean installs after an FDISK and format, simply popping in an earlier OS cd when it wanted to verify. The "cabs" directory of an upgrade CD is just as 100% full of the operating system as a full blown CD...it's setup program just has an added feature to check for a prior version

OEM versions are without that big fancy cereal box....same CD though. They are supposed to be sold with basic hardware to build a computer, such as motherboard, HD, memory, CPU. Packaged for "mom and pop" shop computers, or other "pre-built systems", as well as OEM's from the big guys, Dell, Compaq, HP, etc. You're not supposed to be able to purchase an OEM OS package all by itself, big Bill would have a problem with any outlet doing that.

[HawaiianGhost]

Thanks for all replies ppl. Helped out alot on $$$ and decisions.

YOS, your reply was on the the $money$ for the answer/reply that I needed (so was everyone elses response, don't get me wrong). I have always learned to clean install with upgrade, but somehow felt that maybe something was missing... But I guess not. And yes I found an advertisement about OEM disks for sale, noticed I said "disks", in a three pack [WinXP Pro] for around $400+shp/hndl. Not a bad deal, and yes it will not be shipped w/o purchase of hardware. Which still is not a prob, because I've got around three "clients" that been requesting my assistance in building themselves a new rig and they have no idea what-so-ever on where to start. I WAS in the same boat as they were at one point in time, and if it wasn't for sites like SG, it wouldn't have been so possible to even think of taking my rig apart. All the Mod's and regular ppl at this site, I owe it all to you for my current knowledge on PC's and any future knowledge yet to be given.

Back to the subject at hand, well it is glad to know that I am not really losing out much from not purchasing "the box". Since after realizing there is not much else in the "the box" but "JACK".