Buying a copy of Windows - I'm confused

I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.

Obviously I want a legal copy.

As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:

Full version (about $114-128)
OEM version ($90-110)
Media only ($29)
License + media ($135)

So what's legal with what?

Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?

But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
it so cheap?

And what makes the License+media option so expensive?

Thanks for any clarification.

You need to be careful and purchase Windows XP from
an established, reputable source. Anyone offering a
"media only" version is attempting to sell you a
non-genuine version which does not include a
genuine license nor a Certificate of Authenticity.


What to Know before you Buy:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/h...pg=prepurchase

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

"MikeB" wrote:

I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.

Obviously I want a legal copy.

As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:

Full version (about $114-128)
OEM version ($90-110)
Media only ($29)
License + media ($135)

So what's legal with what?

Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?

But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
it so cheap?

And what makes the License+media option so expensive?

Thanks for any clarification.

It could be you don't get the media with the first two. The "media only"
is just that, no license, but you broke your CD and need another. be
sure to read the fine print as to what you are going to get.

MikeB wrote:

> I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
> install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
> new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
> Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
> As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
> Full version (about $114-128)
> OEM version ($90-110)
> Media only ($29)
> License + media ($135)
>
> So what's legal with what?
>
> Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
> legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?
>
> But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
> it so cheap?
>
> And what makes the License+media option so expensive?
>
> Thanks for any clarification.
>

MikeB wrote:
> I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
> install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
> new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
> Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
> As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
> Full version (about $114-128)
> OEM version ($90-110)
> Media only ($29)
> License + media ($135)
>
> So what's legal with what?
>
> Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
> legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?
>
> But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
> it so cheap?
>
> And what makes the License+media option so expensive?
>
> Thanks for any clarification.
>

If I understand correctly,
Full Version means that you can call Microsoft for help in
certain circumstances.
OEM means that whoever you install it for calls you for help.
Media only is an install disk for someone who has a license
but lost the disk.
Media plus license I haven't dealt with. Can't help you there.

Full - 100% compatible for any use on a single PC.
OEM - New PC, non transferable, no upgrades.
Media Only - Just the install disk - No Product Key
*There are situations like businesses where a disk
only purchase is needed.
License-&-Media - Disk and Product Key, no idea of
whether it's Retail, OEM or upgrade

The vendors I deal with are having a run on Windows XP.
For most users I'd recommend checking with both Newegg
and Tiger Direct for XP. Avoid eBay and Craig's list as
purchases there are always risky when it comes to PK type
software.

"MikeB" <MPBrede@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:77f13e5b-3a57-4fdb-ba80-9276e2e4b049@c58g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
>I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
> install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
> new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
> Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
> As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
> Full version (about $114-128)
> OEM version ($90-110)
> Media only ($29)
> License + media ($135)
>
> So what's legal with what?
>
> Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
> legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?
>
> But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
> it so cheap?
>
> And what makes the License+media option so expensive?
>
> Thanks for any clarification.
>

MikeB wrote:
> I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
> install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
> new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
> Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
> As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
> Full version (about $114-128)
> OEM version ($90-110)
> Media only ($29)
> License + media ($135)
>
> So what's legal with what?
>
> Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
> legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?
>
> But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
> it so cheap?
>
> And what makes the License+media option so expensive?
>
> Thanks for any clarification.
>

You need to shop at a reputable place like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...rating-Systems

Alias

MikeB wrote:
> I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
> install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
> new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
> Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
> As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
> Full version (about $114-128)
> OEM version ($90-110)
> Media only ($29)
> License + media ($135)
>
> So what's legal with what?
>
> Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
> legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?
>
> But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
> it so cheap?
>
> And what makes the License+media option so expensive?
>
> Thanks for any clarification.
>

I'm surprised the later two don't come with explanations of content.
I'm surprised the web pages don't all come with explanations.
My guess is the first two are what you want. IIRC OEM means you take on
the support for the software, you can't run to mommy (MS). :-)

Since media only is $29, I'd also guess its a CD without the CDKey.
Basically a replacement media for your original. You use your old key.

The last I can't guess at.

MikeB wrote:
> I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
> install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
> new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
> Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
> As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
> Full version (about $114-128)


For the long term, this would be your best option.


> OEM version ($90-110)
> Media only ($29)
> License + media ($135)
>
> So what's legal with what?
>

They're all legal, under the proper circumstances.


> Since I sometimes build/upgrade my own computers, I believe I can
> legally install the OEM version on such a modified computer, right?
>


Certainly. But remember that an OEM license, once installed, is not
legally transferable to another computer under _any_ circumstances.
That's the primary reason it's so much less expensive than the retail
license.


> But what is the media-only option? What does that not have that makes
> it so cheap?
>

It has ho license; you're buying nothing but the CD. You would already
have to have an unused license (Product Key) for this to do you any good.


> And what makes the License+media option so expensive?
>

That's the Volume License, normally sold to businesses in minimum lots
of 5.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

MikeB <MPBrede@gmail.com> wrote:

>I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
>install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
>new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
>Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
>As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
>Full version (about $114-128)

This will allow you to do anything: install on a new machine, upgrade
an older system, reinstall on another machine if you remove it from
the original one. You also get support from MS.

>OEM version ($90-110)

Installs only on a new machine (no OS currently installed). Will not
upgrade an older system, cannot be moved to another machine even if
the first one ceases to exist. No support from MS.

>Media only ($29)

Just a disk, no license. If you load from the disk, you won't be able
to activate.

>License + media ($135)

Like the full version, I guess. It depends on what kind of license.

--
Tim Slattery
MS MVP(Shell/User)
Slattery_T@bls.gov
http://members.cox.net/slatteryt

On Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:07:14 -0700 (PDT), MikeB <MPBrede@gmail.com>
wrote:

> I want to buy a layaway copy of Windows XP Pro. I don't need to
> install it right away, but I want to have one, just in case I get a
> new computer and XP isn't available at that time anymore.
>
> Obviously I want a legal copy.
>
> As far as I can see when searching, I can find the following types:
>
> Full version (about $114-128)
> OEM version ($90-110)
> Media only ($29)
> License + media ($135)
>
> So what's legal with what?


Stay away from that very cheap "Media only" copy. It sounds bootleg.

You essentially have three choices:

1. OEM

2. Retail Full

3. Retail Upgrade

The OEM version is normally the cheapest of the three. Although if you
get a complete generic OEM version, it contains the same software, it
has the following disadvantages as compared with the retail version:

a. Its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on. It can never legally be moved to another computer, sold,
or given away (except with the original computer).

b. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.

c. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You can't call them
with a problem, but instead have to get any needed support from your
OEM; that support may range anywhere between good and non-existent. Or
you can get support elsewhere, such as in these newsgroups.

It's that first disadvantage, a, that's the deal-breaker, as far as
I'm concerned. It makes it a very bad bargain.

The Retail Full version is the most flexible of the three choices, but
it's also the most expensive.

The third choice, the Retail Upgrade, however, is the one I normally
recommend. It usually costs only slightly more than an OEM version,
and comes without the OEM version's restrictions. Moreover, despite
what many people think, Upgrade versions *can* do clean installations
as long as you own a CD of a previous qualifying version to show it
when prompted. Most people have such CDs, but worst case, if you
don't, one can be bought used inexpensively someplace like eBay.


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
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