The difference XP Pro Retail numbers and OEM? 1

[HarryWild]

Hi,

I am thinking about buying another Windows XP Professional Retail Boxed OS.

I come across varies number or models of them:

The ones at Officemax and other store retailers are:
E85-02665

The cheaper ones are: E85-01011
E85-02674m E85-00086


The OEMs are: E85-00913

What is the difference between a OEM version and a retail version?

And what is the difference between the retail model E85-02655 and other retail models?

Thanks!

 

[Frank4d]

Well I searched around the Internet for your various part numbers and am confused because one site claims a part number is an upgrade, another shows it as OEM, and another shows it as retail... all the same part number.

But in answer to your question... the OEM and retail versions of the software are exactly the same. The retail version come with a CD and manual in a shiny blue box and costs around $289. The OEM version comes with a CD and very thin manual shrink-wrapped in plastic and costs around $160. They are exactly the same software. The OEM license requires that you buy it with hardware at the same time (buy a mouse or a power cord).

 

[Frank4d]

I recently bought this one:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...ATT=Software+Operating+S&CMP=OTC-streetprices

 

[bcastner]

Should you purchase an OEM license version of XP? faq779-4004

 

[HarryWild]

Well you both gave me alot to think about! I guess I am cheap but will try the Retail routine because my other computers have OEM XP; one from the manufacturer - IBM; the other a corporate version I think(was installed for me). Also, I have an OEM Full that I cannot find the CD for. So I will try to find a cheap retail box XP Pro for around $200. That way I can fixed my machine when there is a problem with any of them except the IBM which I have the recovery CDs for. I heard that the retail CD can be used to fix any of the other versions but the OEM cannot be use to fix the retail or corporate!

Cannot comfirm the above! Does anyone know?

Plus, I can move the OS to another machine if I want too! I really do think I will not move to Longhorn because I don't have a 64 bit machine and don't plan on buying one.

And MS will not give me any trouble in doing re-activation with a retail box! It the premium and they will treat you nicely! (smile!)

 

[HarryWild]

I heard that the retail CD can be used to fix any of the other versions but the OEM cannot be use to fix the retail or corporate!"

To carify; the Retail Disc can be used to upgrade or repair the registry without having to reformat the entire drive; which the OEM must! It really the cheap way to go in my opinion!

I found alot of craziness on the naming of the Full OEM as Full Version! So beware all! A Full Version is not the Retail Commercial Box Version!