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Upgrading to Win XP

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Name: blueverine
Date: July 9, 2004 at 14:46:22 Pacific
OS: Win 98
CPU/Ram: PIII 450Mhz/256mb
Comment:

I was looking at Win XP Home Upgrade(OEM) in on-line stores. It was claimed the software can be installed only once on a PC. If the system crashes, one can't reinstall it even on the same PC and has to buy a new CD. Is it true?

Can the retail version of Win XP Home Upgrade CD be used for multiple installation on the same PC and then activated by Microsoft?

Thanks in advance



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Response Number 1
Name: strbux4me2
Date: July 9, 2004 at 15:51:41 Pacific
Reply:

that is false. However, you can only install it on a single PC (Microsoft product Activation).


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Response Number 2
Name: angrymen2001
Date: July 9, 2004 at 16:28:12 Pacific
Reply:

The only difference between OEM and non-OEM is you pay microsoft for product support on OEM. I have never called microsoft for any support whatsoever since I started on win95. Save money and get OEM.

When all else fails beat the $%!* out of it!!!


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Response Number 3
Name: Richard59
Date: July 10, 2004 at 00:55:11 Pacific
Reply:

The theory with OEM is that it is supposed to be purchased in conjunction with a major component such as Harddrive/Motherboard or CPU. Otherwise the retail version. There is no effective difference in the installation/activation. Similarly an "Upgrade " version is no different from a retail version except that it requires proof of previous eligible product during the instal process. So to get the best value look for an upgrade version as long as you have a 98 or later CD on hand as proof of ownership. If you need any other hardware then get OEM otherwise it's full retail. Shop around.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach him to fish and you feed him for life.


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Response Number 4
Name: XpUser
Date: July 10, 2004 at 04:01:14 Pacific
Reply:

The only difference between OEM and non-OEM is you pay microsoft for product support on OEM.

To paraphrase OEM Q&A from an old computing.net thread OEM & Retail versions (12/12/02)

Question asked:

Is there a difference between an OEM version as opposed to the version you buy over the counter?

Answer (KTTD):

OEM's don't come with any technical support from the manufacture. They cost less and you are supposed to purchase some type of hardware as well when you purchase OEM software. You don't get a fancy retail box but besides all that, it is the same software. My copy of XP Pro is OEM. It was less than half the cost of the retail version but works just the same.


i_XpUser


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Response Number 5
Name: XpUser
Date: July 10, 2004 at 04:57:38 Pacific
Reply:

blueverine,

If you're interested to know more about OEM license agreement, read this thread

Windows XP OEM License Question (06/16/04)

Regards


i_XpUser


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Results for: Upgrading to Win XP
Upgrading to Win XP FROM Win 98 www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/upgrading-to-win-xp-from-win-98/31004.html

can't upgrade to Win XP Pro www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/cant-upgrade-to-win-xp-pro/88077.html

upgrading to win XP www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/upgrading-to-win-xp/10932.html