Hi, Am just finishing up a build of a computer, and was wondering what XP to purchase. Was looking at Home ed. ( Dont need anything high power or anything, & have it on other home computers and am happy with it. & hate Vista) Is this what I need? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ... I thought I read someplace for some XP discs you only get 1 chance to load, others you get more chances. Also with some you can get phone support, others not. How do I know if the above product has these compliments? Thanks! Matt Also what is the diff between 32bit vs 64 bit - should I be concerned about that too? Thanks! Matt

You aren't an OEM so that version technically isn't for you. note the disclaimer below: Disclaimer: Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows this would be more what you are looking for http://www.nextag.com/Microsoft-Cor... "some XP discs you only get 1 chance to load, others you get more chances." Never heard or ever encounted such a thing. Does not exist. "Also with some you can get phone support, others not." You would get phone support if you purchases a OEM product which means you bought a pc from a OEM and it came with XP. The OEM would provide the support. Building your own pc and buying retail means you are your own support.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, If I come across the article gain - or whatever it was I saw on the internet regarding loading only 1x chance, I'll pass it on. Also besides me, my support would be you! Thanks!! M

Technically MSoft has had a policy in place that states the OEM versions of WinXP are to be purchased with major components and are supposed to stay linked to those components for life. MSoft has not enforced that policy for years. When Vista first came out MSoft tried to tighten up the licensing but backed of after strong opposition from the computing community. So, as a practicality, you can install the version you linked on a single computer as reinstall it on that same computer as many times as needed. However, changes in the hardware can cause you to re-register the installation. To my knowledge, the only WinXP versions currently for sale are of the type you linked. IMO you can use that particular item. Just don't try to use it as an upgrade disk. Why are you buying WinXP at this late date? In a month Windows 7 will be for sale. I recommend that is the OS to use. There are offers for versions of Vista with a free upgrade to Windows 7. You would be better off to buy one of those. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

Been very happy with XP no complaints whatsoever, though I only read little about Win7. Heard that it was faster ( my OS seems fast enough, safer....etc but may have a hard time running some older programs and games. I will reconsider. Can you please comment on the XP that was suggested by Wanderer in his reply above? Is one preferred over the other in my case? (no pun intended!). Again though, will consider about the Vista &7. Am now checking if it will run some gaming, waiting for a reply to that - but in the meantime....... Thanks! Matt

I agree with OTH, if you are going to buy a Windows license at the present time, it is more reasonable to buy Windows 7. Granted you like & seem content with Windows XP, but you need to realize that you can easily pickup a used XP (Home) machine complete with a license for close to what you are contemplating on spending on just the XP license ... something you may want to think about. Windows 7 News!

I looked at the link provided by wanderer. The version being offered by the cheapest seller is also an OEM version. The only difference in the packaging is the fact that Microsoft placed an end date on selling WinXP. So they now have the more restrictive labeling. They are the same IMO. One thing you must be careful of. In the past some vendors have sold BRANDED OEM versions of WinXP that were ONLY intended to be used on the brand computer they are for. Those are not legal to use on a custom built computer and you would have trouble with them. I am not stating the link by wanderer is selling that type. Just warning you.