WinXP Professional SP1a OEM

gta1216 · Sep 25th, 09, 09:30 AM

what is the difference between winxp retail version and oem version? i need to re-do one of the pc at home, but lost the winxp retail version purchased previously. just found a store that still sells winxp (surprise), but they only sell the oem version since its an old o/s. just want to know what the difference is with oem before going out to buy it.

proyb2 · 09:36 AM

OEM install and activate only on that PC, cannot transfer to new system.
Retail can continue to upgrade or install on different PC if you DIY the whole new system.

Since Windows XP is very mature product, there a vast information about OEM and Retail on the Internet including see the Similar Thread at the bottom of the thread or just by search the forum.

ahcalvin · Sep 26th, 09, 09:43 PM

just buy the OEM version will do. cheaper. just activate online and if it fails. give MS a call and u r activated. no worries 1.

teelotes · Sep 27th, 09, 06:42 AM

I have a similar but separate query, hope TS doesn't mind me posting here.

What about Windows Vista? I think if you buy retail version now you're entitled to free Windows 7 upgrade, but what about the OEM version?

ahcalvin · Sep 27th, 09, 08:31 AM

OEM version that comes with desktop/lappy purchases also come with free upgrade via online registration. So I think OEM version that shops are selling also can.

xxxjhxxx · Sep 27th, 09, 03:45 PM

nope. free upgrade for OEM versions only apply if you buy a PC or laptop preinstall with XP from big brands like hp, lenovo etc. There is no free upgrade if you purchase just the OEM cd from the shops. If you wan the free upgrade, you have to get the retail version. But i dun think there is free upgrade for Win XP (applicable for only Win Vista).

79336951 · Sep 28th, 09, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gta1216

what is the difference between winxp retail version and oem version? i need to re-do one of the pc at home, but lost the winxp retail version purchased previously. just found a store that still sells winxp (surprise), but they only sell the oem version since its an old o/s. just want to know what the difference is with oem before going out to buy it.

Is the retail xp still running?
If yes, you can use this program called Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to retrieve your retail CD-Key.

Then just borrow or download a xp retail CD and install with your key.
No need to buy anything in this case.

Hairyworm · Oct 1st, 09, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxjhxxx

nope. free upgrade for OEM versions only apply if you buy a PC or laptop preinstall with XP from big brands like hp, lenovo etc. There is no free upgrade if you purchase just the OEM cd from the shops. If you wan the free upgrade, you have to get the retail version. But i dun think there is free upgrade for Win XP (applicable for only Win Vista).

How sure are you about that?

All the shops in SLS selling now do have the upgrade to windows7.

xxxjhxxx · Oct 1st, 09, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hairyworm

How sure are you about that?

All the shops in SLS selling now do have the upgrade to windows7.

yeah.. i have asked a few shops.. ard early sept... not sure about now and I also do know know how do you get the upgrade disc from them.. but if you get from big brands you will definitely get the upgrade through shipping though you may have to pay.

Hairyworm · Oct 1st, 09, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxjhxxx

yeah.. i have asked a few shops.. ard early sept... not sure about now and I also do know know how do you get the upgrade disc from them.. but if you get from big brands you will definitely get the upgrade through shipping though you may have to pay.

that what happen when Vista was launch too.

Basically there are still Win7 upgrade available. If not what do you think those IT show offers which give you Win7. Technically, its still the same OEM pack.

xxxjhxxx · 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hairyworm

that what happen when Vista was launch too.

Basically there are still Win7 upgrade available. If not what do you think those IT show offers which give you Win7. Technically, its still the same OEM pack.

nope. If you purchase from IT shows, you will need to fill up a form online to get win 7. The win 7 is the FULL version and not just upgrade version. However, some retailers will be giving out OEM disc with the relevant drivers. The discs will be delivered from US on Oct 22 when win 7 is officially launched. It depends on the IT retailer. So tat is why i do not know how and where do those sls shops get a copy of OEM win 7...

Hairyworm · Oct 2nd, 09, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxjhxxx

nope. If you purchase from IT shows, you will need to fill up a form online to get win 7. The win 7 is the FULL version and not just upgrade version. However, some retailers will be giving out OEM disc with the relevant drivers. The discs will be delivered from US on Oct 22 when win 7 is officially launched. It depends on the IT retailer. So tat is why i do not know how and where do those sls shops get a copy of OEM win 7...

IIRC, OEM pack are usually distributed from Ingram Micro.

Thus OEM packs(selling @ SLS now) do have that form to fill too.

Ok. Maybe i got the upgrade wrong. Its still a full version afterall.

xxxjhxxx · Oct 2nd, 09, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hairyworm

IIRC, OEM pack are usually distributed from Ingram Micro.

Thus OEM packs(selling @ SLS now) do have that form to fill too.

Ok. Maybe i got the upgrade wrong. Its still a full version afterall.

Ok. Thx for the clarification on the sls shops too.