Windows XP, OEM or Retail

Well now that I'm locked out of windows (unregistered version + power outage + auto date update) I need some clarification on this whole windows XP deal. Im thinking of buying Bill Gates lunch but I'm still unsure whether to buy the OEM ($87) or the retail ($200) versions. I've been told that Microsoft only allows you to install it once or twice with different hardware configurations then charges you a fee.

Now that just sounds ridiculous to me, If I spend 50+ dollars on any software I expect to be able to install and utilize it forever without any fees. I've also heard that the OEM version can only be used on the computer you first install it on and wont let you register it later computers? Does the retail version include some kind of code the OEM doesnt?

I know a lot of you run Win XP and build systems so I'm asking you the knowing.

Figures too, just when I get a new CPU and Video card I lose my operating system.

Linux anyone?:roll:

When I built my new computer, I got the OEM version, and have had 0 problems.

Originally posted by Murgatroyd
When I built my new computer, I got the OEM version, and have had 0 problems.

Yes I would hope so. But they say when say 1 year down the road when you decide to get a new board and hardrive or you get infected with virus and have to format you will run into problems registering it.

Yeah, if you reformat you have to call up microsoft to get a new #, because when you goto activate it, it won't let you. Supposedly you just tell them you had to reformat or you got a new harddrive nd they'll give you a new number for no charge.

No differnce between OEM and retail, except price.

Originally posted by LordShard
Yeah, if you reformat you have to call up microsoft to get a new #, because when you goto activate it, it won't let you. Supposedly you just tell them you had to reformat or you got a new harddrive nd they'll give you a new number for no charge.

No differnce between OEM and retail, except price.

Wow. I guess I'm going to be testing this soon, I'm going to be re-formatting my Dell POS. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I have OEM and haven't had any issues. Of course it's only been about a month. Don't kid yourself Musashi $87 probably doesn't cover Bill Gates's kid's lunch.

[Weasel Meat]

Dont forget you need to buy internal computer hardware also to purchase oem software.

Originally posted by Ralph Wiggum
I have OEM and haven't had any issues. Of course it's only been about a month. Don't kid yourself Musashi $87 probably doesn't cover Bill Gates's kid's lunch.

Maybe his brunch.

ive called them several times using the same cd key...on all my machines and never had a problem....just tell them you upgraded or reformatted a hd...they cant say no....i usually reformat once every 2-3 months. good luck

Originally posted by hitznrunz
ive called them several times using the same cd key...on all my machines and never had a problem....just tell them you upgraded or reformatted a hd...they cant say no....i usually reformat once every 2-3 months. good luck

Beware usin g it on more than one computer unless all the hardware is the same, they are sent what hardware your using when you activate it.

Thanks guys Ill just pick up an OEM version this weekend at a computer show.

[RCglider]

Originally posted by LordShard
Beware usin g it on more than one computer unless all the hardware is the same, they are sent what hardware your using when you activate it.

It doesn't all have to be the same, plus there are ways around the activation.

[Camel toe joe]

hmm i never had to register mine...

I've register mine but have installed it on my computers after reformating and upgrading no problems never had to call either