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Hi
Im building my new system.
I understand if i get an OEM version of XP, i can only install and regester it once?
If i have to reformat the machine after regestering xp oem on the previous installation, i take it XP OEM will not regester a second time....is this absolutely correct?
Perhaps i'm better getting a full retail if i want to reformat the machine every once in a while?
Thanks
Boo!
No, as long as you keep it on the same machine you can reinstall it from time to time. I have heard rumours of both 8 and 11 times you can reactivate Windows XP (regardless of what version you buy)
I've got the OEM version and I've formatted at least three times and had no problem. If necessary you can phone M$ up and talk to an advisor.
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You can re-install and reactivate Windows as many times as you like on the same machine, OEM or Retail. You can even install it on a different machine providing you un-install it on the original.
The only problem you are likely to have is if you get a vendor specific version that comes with a complete system. These are often tied to the machine they came with.
After 90 days the activation is cleared and you can start again. All the activation does is stop you from installing the same copy on multiple machines in a short space of time.
Just to clarify. Activation is mandatory. Registration is optional.
Stuart
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Under the terms of the EULA an OEM version cannot be transferred from one distinct PC to another - even if you uninstall it from the first PC. The blurring occurs when you start upgrading to the point that nothing (except the case & COA) remains and then it's just a case of whether you can convince the guy on the phone at M$.
"I know that I'm mad - I've always been mad..."
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How could an OEM copy become available for a home built PC unless it was being transferred from an Original Equipment Manufacturer built PC?
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>> Under the terms of the EULA an OEM version cannot be transferred from one distinct PC to another <<
You can. You will have to phone MS and tell them you are transferring the licence to another PC. Where you will have problems is if you try and reactivate the original installation. MS do recognise that computers don't last forever and they occasionally to break down.
As for obtaining an OEM version for a build it yourself. Buy a Motherboard or any other hardware like a hard disk and you are entitled to an OEM version of Windows.
AS pointed out in the article highlighted by XP User, with an OEM version you will get no support from MS. It's up to the vendor to supply support.
Stuart
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And this is why retail version is far better then OEM , It can be reinstall as often as you like and onto as many computer you might have , Again though its good for one computer at a time , One license to one computer ...
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Be warned that some OEM disks really do need a particular computer to work fully.
Where I work we have corporate keys but each replacement computer comes with an OEM CD. We destroy that OEM CD but other places might sell it to a resale shop. Since it was never activated (you don't have to register but you must activate) it is a legal copy of XP and could be installed. You will not receive tech support form MS.
There are companies that sell full versions of XP that are sold as OEM. They are wonderful. They can be purchased along with hardware for a build your own system. They are just like the full retail version except support.
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Unregistered Corporate versions have been threatened with deactivation by M$ for a long time now, but as a lot of large users haven't bothered with individual registration of machines I don't believe M$ will ever carry out the threat - it's a similar situation with Office XP/2003. The support is provided by M$ on the basis of the number shown on the 'General' tab of System/Control Panel. If you phone up they will ask for this number & if you have 'OEM' in the second bit you will be referred to the builder/supplier.
As said before, it's against the EULA to unistall & transfer XPOEM to another machine - whether you can persuade the phone op at M$ otherwise (large hardware change or whatever) is obviously down to the individual case."I know that I'm mad - I've always been mad..."
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