What is a DSP version?

[KevinAr18]

I ran accross someone selling a DSP version of Windows XP. Could someone explain what the DSP version is? I assume it doesn't have the same license as Retail?

 

[Pow3rd]

ALL OEM copies can only be installed clean: (that is, the hard drive must be formatted before XP OEM can be installed). They cannot be used to perform an upgrade of an existing Operating System so make sure
you back up all necessary data and files BEFORE installing XP OEM, since the format of the Hard Drive will erase ALL data on it.

There are two types of OEM CDs:

1) an OEM version created by a system manufacturer. These copies are usually "BIOS-locked", and can only be used on the exact machine they were created for.

2) a "FULL OEM", or "FULL OEM DSP". These may be installed on any IBM-compatible machine. These may or may not be provided with a factory-built machine, but are usually purchased separately for installation a home-built machine.

You will be making a trade-off in buying an OEM version. YOU will trade the ability to upgrade an existing installation of Windows (and save your data and programs) and the legal right to install the copy on a new machine, (if you should change your old machine for a new one), for a big savings in the initial cost of Windows XP.

Some examples of the price trade-off:

XP Home Edition (Retail)-- can be used to upgrade an existing installation of Windows....$159-$199

XP Home Edition ("Full OEM", "FULL OEM DSP" -- cannot upgrade an existing installation of Windows....$88-$110

XP Professional (Retail) -- can be used to upgrade an existing installation of Windows...$239-$299

XP Professional ("FULL OEM", "FULL OEM DSP: -- cannot upgrade an existing installtion of Windows....$139-$179

Hope that answers your question.
Ernie

 

[smah]

See also:

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

 

[KevinAr18]

So it is basically an OEM version?

Thank you for the help.

 

[WadeW]

I have question about the OEM version of XP. First of all, I would like to acknowledge the fact that everyone has a different opinion on the legality of certain techniques used to move the OEM version of XP to a new machine or an updated version of the same machine. Whether or not it truly breaks the EULA agreement is always up in the air for me.

My dilemma is this:

I know the EULA says the OS must stay with the original machine, but at what point does the original machine become a new machine?

Lets say I was to upgrade one component at a time once a week. I would be forced to reactivate after 3 or 4 of course, which you can do by phone. (Is this considered a new machine at this point?)

I continue to upgrade components once a week and then have to reactivate again. (Is this considered a new machine?)

Eventually everything is upgraded (Is this considered a new machine?)

Or…I upgrade all components at the same time requiring reactivation. (Is this considered a new machine?)

Or…I have a computer that has XP Home with much better specs. I want to move the XP Pro OEM version to this machine. (Is this considered a new machine?) You could argue either way since you could mix and match the parts from both machines to get the best possible computer for the OEM XP Pro copy.

I hope you can see my frustration with the legality of moving XP Pro OEM. By the way this is the FULL OEM version not the Bios-Locked OEM Version. I am not sure I have a direct question, other than maybe wanting some comments.

Thank you for your comments,

Wade

 

[bcastner]

It becomes a new machine if re-activation is required. For OEM licenses Microsoft has been pretty good about allowing the re-activation; but your are completely at the mercy of their kindness.

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm