XP Pro & Office 2003 Standard bundle: $149 shipped

[fbrdphreak]

XP Pro & Office 2003 Standard $149
http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=SWW13458

XP Pro and Office 2003 Pro $179
http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=SWW13459

XP Pro $89
http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=SWW13456

I can't see a better deal anywhere for those looking to stock up on MS software

 

[Corporate Thug]

nice deal. i have actually ordered from them a few times without issue

 

[skinnyj]

comes with a keycode? so is it legit, i know it obviously says it is, just checking

 

[Eos]

I've read some of the threads in the OS category about this, but still need some clarification.

An OEM version of XP is good for a one time install on one computer.

A Retail version of XP is good for multiple installations (reformat, major hardware changes) on one computer.

Correct or incorrect?

Cliffs:
OEM: install once on 1 computer?
Retail: install as many times as you want on 1 computer?

This one appears to be OEM, although I did not see it on the page.

 

[CarpeDeo]

The software itself should be legit, but I think it's illegal for surpluscomputers to be selling NFR (Not For Resale) software.

 

[CarpeDeo]

Originally posted by: eos
I've read some of the threads in the OS category about this, but still need some clarification.

An OEM version of XP is good for a one time install on one computer.

A Retail version of XP is good for multiple installations (reformat, major hardware changes) on one computer.

Correct or incorrect?

Cliffs:
OEM: install once on 1 computer?
Retail: install as many times as you want on 1 computer?

This one appears to be OEM, although I did not see it on the page.

Incorrect. OEM and Retail are functionally the same.

 

[Eos]

Originally posted by: CarpeDeo

Originally posted by: eos
I've read some of the threads in the OS category about this, but still need some clarification.

An OEM version of XP is good for a one time install on one computer.

A Retail version of XP is good for multiple installations (reformat, major hardware changes) on one computer.

Correct or incorrect?

Cliffs:
OEM: install once on 1 computer?
Retail: install as many times as you want on 1 computer?

This one appears to be OEM, although I did not see it on the page.

Incorrect. OEM and Retail are functionally the same.

Hmmmm. Functionally the same. Then do you know what does the price difference is for?

 

[CarpeDeo]

Originally posted by: eos

Originally posted by: CarpeDeo

Originally posted by: eos
I've read some of the threads in the OS category about this, but still need some clarification.

An OEM version of XP is good for a one time install on one computer.

A Retail version of XP is good for multiple installations (reformat, major hardware changes) on one computer.

Correct or incorrect?

Cliffs:
OEM: install once on 1 computer?
Retail: install as many times as you want on 1 computer?

This one appears to be OEM, although I did not see it on the page.

Incorrect. OEM and Retail are functionally the same.

Hmmmm. Functionally the same. Then do you know what does the price difference is for?

Basically, OEM software/hardware isn't intended to be sold to end users. OEM is sold to vendors who package it with their own products. So OEM tends to be cheaper because there's usually no packaging, no manuals, etc. OEM sometimes offers shorter warranties than retail and less (if any) customer support.

 

[Eos]

So for advanced users with no need for support (other than post reformat phone registration), OEM would be fine?

 

[DrivinWhileBlind]

Will this work on a MACPRO using Boot Camp?

 

[Nick5324]

Would you be able to use an OEM WinXP disc later to install the "upgrade" version of Windows Vista?

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: CarpeDeo

Originally posted by: eos

Originally posted by: CarpeDeo

Originally posted by: eos
I've read some of the threads in the OS category about this, but still need some clarification.

An OEM version of XP is good for a one time install on one computer.

A Retail version of XP is good for multiple installations (reformat, major hardware changes) on one computer.

Correct or incorrect?

Cliffs:
OEM: install once on 1 computer?
Retail: install as many times as you want on 1 computer?

This one appears to be OEM, although I did not see it on the page.

Incorrect. OEM and Retail are functionally the same.

Hmmmm. Functionally the same. Then do you know what does the price difference is for?

Basically, OEM software/hardware isn't intended to be sold to end users. OEM is sold to vendors who package it with their own products. So OEM tends to be cheaper because there's usually no packaging, no manuals, etc. OEM sometimes offers shorter warranties than retail and less (if any) customer support.

BS. OEM is "married" to the first machine you install it on (hint: read the EULA). NFR is plain illegal to resell.

 

[AMDZen]

Originally posted by: DrivinWhileBlind
Will this work on a MACPRO using Boot Camp?

Yes

Originally posted by: Nick5324
Would you be able to use an OEM WinXP disc later to install the "upgrade" version of Windows Vista?

Yes

 

[raincityboy]

Originally posted by: Golgatha

Originally posted by: CarpeDeo

Originally posted by: eos

Originally posted by: CarpeDeo

Originally posted by: eos
I've read some of the threads in the OS category about this, but still need some clarification.

An OEM version of XP is good for a one time install on one computer.

A Retail version of XP is good for multiple installations (reformat, major hardware changes) on one computer.

Correct or incorrect?

Cliffs:
OEM: install once on 1 computer?
Retail: install as many times as you want on 1 computer?

This one appears to be OEM, although I did not see it on the page.

Incorrect. OEM and Retail are functionally the same.

Hmmmm. Functionally the same. Then do you know what does the price difference is for?

Basically, OEM software/hardware isn't intended to be sold to end users. OEM is sold to vendors who package it with their own products. So OEM tends to be cheaper because there's usually no packaging, no manuals, etc. OEM sometimes offers shorter warranties than retail and less (if any) customer support.

BS. OEM is "married" to the first machine you install it on (hint: read the EULA). NFR is plain illegal to resell.

10. NOT FOR RESALE SOFTWARE. Software identified as "Not For Resale" or "NFR," may not be sold or otherwise transferred for value, or used for any purpose other than demonstration, test or evaluation.

Text

 

[Jmman]

Through the years MS has given me tons of OEM or NFR software to use, and I have installed and reinstalled these OS's on different machines without a problem. It is highl;y questionable for them to sell NFR software though, and MS would probably come down on them like a ton of bricks if they knew about this.....

 

[ActuaryTm]

Please Note: This is a fully functional original Microsoft CD with installation key code and CD. On the CD it states you must legally own a copy of their license to use this CD.

 

[Shinare]

so basically you are paying to get installible media but you arent really legit with this stuff because there is no corresponding license to use the software?

 

[Stratmanx]

OEM - the operating system is "married" to the system you first install it on. You may reinstall the OEM software as many times as you need to as long as certain key components remain the same, although Microsoft may whine a bit. Specifically, installing a different motherboard and/or your CPU may result in Microsoft not giving a new code key for activation. Some people have been able to replace their MB's/CPU's and gotten MS to give them the activation code. Some have not. YMMV.

Retail - Unlimited installations on one machine regardless of what components are changed. In essence, you can change your motherboard, CPU and anything else you want and Microsoft will validate your activation. Of course, MS will not like you if you try to use the same key to activate two or more computers at the same time. For that you need multiple copies of Windows or a site license.

 

[HomeAppraiser]

Originally posted by: Stratmanx
OEM - the operating system is "married" to the system you first install it on. You may reinstall the OEM software as many times as you need to as long as certain key components remain the same, although Microsoft may whine a bit. Specifically, installing a different motherboard and/or your CPU may result in Microsoft not giving a new code key for activation. Some people have been able to replace their MB's/CPU's and gotten MS to give them the activation code. Some have not. YMMV.

Stratmanx, what about replacing a dead hard drive. The customer support person at HP said my new hard drive had to be the exact same size (GB) for the reistall of WinXP Home OEM to work. I had a 160GB Seagate SATA that died after 16 months, it was OEM so "no five year warranty to you", replacing it with a 200GB Maxtor SATA that I picked up for $49.99. Any reason why the reinstall would not work with a different hard drive?

 

[aimanzym]

is it an upgrade version? or a individual version that i can install without upgrade?

 

[Stratmanx]

Originally posted by: HomeAppraiser

Stratmanx, what about replacing a dead hard drive. The customer support person at HP said my new hard drive had to be the exact same size (GB) for the reistall of WinXP Home OEM to work. I had a 160GB Seagate SATA that died after 16 months, it was OEM so "no five year warranty to you", replacing it with a 200GB Maxtor SATA that I picked up for $49.99. Any reason why the reinstall would not work with a different hard drive?

Since you have an HP branded system, I'm thinking that what you have is essentially a backup disc(s) disguised as an installation disc(s). If you have to re-do your operating system and setup, the HP "installation" disc(s) just puts your computer back to factory-fresh setup. As such, it requires certain hardware to be present, for instance, the appropriate motherboard. Since harddrives can be viewed as essentially "generic" to the operating system, with size and type of ATA/SCSI connection for data flow being important and the manufacturer not important (certain peculiarities excepted).

Your HP installation disc(s) require a similar sized harddrive in order for the "installation" to continue. The installation routine looks for a specific sized harddrive for formating and partitioning to HP's specifications. In addition, part of the reason most likely involves that HP makes a hidden partition on the harddrive for restoration purposes if/when the customer runs into problems. This secret partition/drive may require specific placement as dictated by the installation disc(s).

For those that purchase an OEM operating system, one that did not come with their Dell or HP or whatever branded computer, the size of the harddrive will not be an issue since the activation of Windows is dependent upon the motherboard and potentially the CPU and network interface card (the MAC address of the LAN connection which oftentimes is built into the motherboard and not found on a separate card as in the old days.).

 

[BigLar]

Nice clear, clean, and concise discussion, Stratmanx!

 

[kindlr]

I've been using the same OEM copy of XP since 2001, the system is on its 3rd mobo/CPU, 4th vid card, 2nd hard drive, and has had a good amount of other hardware added/removed over that time. The only limit on OEM is that it has to be sold with hardware. The definition of hardware varies by the vendor, a friend ordered his copy from Newegg along with a case fan to satisfy it.

Microsoft never gave me any trouble with re-activating that copy since every time it was well past the limit on how often you can reinstall on differently configured hardware. My laptop on the other hand, I had to call MS every time despite no hardware changing, but I'm going to blame that on it being an academic copy.

 

[grappa]

Reseller Ratings

Check the comments...

 

[Eos]

Yikes. Their rating is horrid.