Windows XP Pro Retail vs OEM?

[billru44]

Hey,

What's the difference between Windows XP Pro Retail and OEM?

I noticed the Retail is about $220 while the OEM is about $130.

What's the difference?

 

[Osiris]

http://www.mssmallbiz.com/questions/LicType.aspx

 

[Bruce]

Basically Retail is supported by M$ and OEM is not.

 

[JoshC]

I'm wondering the same thing. On Neweggs website it says

" All OEM software including the operating system is 100% non-refundable once purchased and delivered. OEM versions are intended for system builders only and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. Purchasers of this software are required to comply with the terms of the System Builder License, including responsibility for providing all end-user support. "

I'm just wondering, does this mean if I ever get a new computer, I can't put it on there? And also, what happens if I need to reformat my hard-drive?

 

[EricB]

oem is cheaper. need tech support? come here. it does everything that the other one does besides that

 

[JoshC]

What is the deal about not being transferable?

 

[EricB]

What is the deal about not being transferable?

trust me. yes you can. you just need to know the right lie to tell them

 

[shdwsclan]

OEMs and retails have differernt cd key ranges.
Some key ranges bypass the activation, this is useful for oem builders...