OEM???
 

Hello all!

I have a question about WINDOWS XP PRO OEM. I currently have a Sony laptop, which came with XP PRO. However when I use the setup discs, it formats the HDD into two partitions, and adds a whole lot of other sh!t i don't really want.
I also have a 'not so legal' :) copy of XP Pro Corporate edition. So I use that instead, because then I can setup the laptop how I want. But now with MS new Windows Update service, I can't use anymore updates because the version is 'not so legal'.
So I want to buy a copy of XP PRO, preferably with SP2 included. Can I just buy an OEM version (cheaper) and use the key that I have on the bottom of my laptop, or do I have to buy a whole full version, because that key on the bottom of my laptop will only work with the Sony Setup CD's?

Anybody got any advice?

Thanks,

Sander

You can use the key you have, but you still won't be able to update. The newest version of Windows Update makes you verify your install online (as you now know). if you have a key from a major computer manufacturer (Dell, Sony, etc), it will recognize that, and it won't verify unless it's on one of their computers. (Don't ask how I know this. :p) Also, if you have a key that's been installed on another machine, it won't let you update.

You can still use Auto Update though. It's a pain in the ass, but if you configure it the way you want, it's really not that bad.

If you buy an OEM version of XP Pro, you will get a new Key with that CD. You install that CD and use the Key that came with it. No probs.

So why doesn't everybody buy OEM versions? They are so much cheaper. So if I buy an OEM version, it will work just fine, like any other versions?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer - those versions are supposed to only be supplied with a new machine. You *shouldn't* be able to walk in off the street and just buy an OEM version.

Can you install on the laptop using the "not so legal" version but using the key that came with your laptop? It really shouldn't matter which media you use as long as you have a valid windows key (which you do). I don't see the difference between one XP pro CD and another - it is the key that differentiates one PC from another...

Caveat - I'm not a lawyer so legals ain't my area of expertise.

Maximum PC says in this month's issue that OEM software/Os's is only sold with "hardware". But in most stores, an ethenet cable is hardware!

OEM is cheap for one reason.

There is no tech support. If it stops working, tough shit.
The extra cost that OEM does not carry is call centers and tech support emailers that answer questions and help you back out of the screw-up you just made.

Understand that OEM is fine if you are educated well in computer installation and OS issues. If you don't know what a .dll is, you may be better off buying a retail version.
Oem is a great value in my book.

Just remember that if you ever need tech support, it's going to be $90.00 a call.

New source of revenue for TFP? :p

If you're going from one Pro OEM version to another, there shouldn't be a problem. At first I thought you were going from home to pro, but I think you'll be fine.

Pro and Pro Corporate have different CD key generations.. so your OEM CD key wont work with your Corporate install. Since you legally own an XP Pro license (thats part of the OEM deal) -- just borrow someone's LEGIT CD. Install it with YOUR key and you won't have to buy anything.

Actually there are several iterations of key generations.

XP Pro
XP Home
XP Pro w/ SP2
XP Home w/ SP2
XP OEM
XP OEM Tier 1 (Dell)
XP OEM Tier 1 (HP/Compaq)
XP OEM Tier 1 (Toshiba)

and actually several others. The media has specific data files that are unique to each iteration, and will only accept specific key values. The media itself is neither legal or illegal, but the key which you use. As JinnKai said above, another Windows disc MAY work with your key, but realistically it may very well not. Technically, per MS licensing to vendors, even if they have a "rebuild" CD with your laptop, they should've given you a "true" copy of the Windows CD usable with that key. Sadly, most Tier 1 vendors do not do this.

Unless I got lucky, I do not believe this is true. I have many friends with Dell/HP laptops, all with OEM Win XP. When I reinstall, i can use the Dell or HP CD with no problem.

That may be true nowadays. With Win2k most Tier 1 companies had their own install versions. I don't really use many name brand PCs anymore. At any rate, there are more than a few versions for sure.