Ok here's the situation: I built a computer from scratch.. I got a custom biostart motherboard, an AMD athlon 2.2ghz 3700+ processor and a new case.. Now I removed the harddrive from my Compaq, which had a fried motherboard and I removed the CD RWs and the Floppy drive from it and connected them to the new custom comp.. Only problem is the windows XP which existed on the harddrive is being wierd cuz it gives me the screen of death r continuous restarting.. This is prolly cuz i changed the motherboard.. Now i'm trying to buy Windows XP on ebay and I dunno if the OEM will work r if I have to buy the retial version.. I hope u get the situation.. basically I'm trying to reinstall windows with a brand new package but on ebay the OEMs r much cheaper than the retails n i'd like to save money at this point.. so thanx for all the answers ppl..
2006-09-10 02:04:00 · 10 answers · asked by sesh48 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
the oem license dies with the computer, yes you can save money with the oem, but once you install it, that's it, it's married to that computer. So if it dies, and you build another computer,you can't use it. the retail varsion can be moved from one computer to another.
Also, be very careful buying a windows xp from ebay. make sure you get an authentic COA, and there is no way of telling if it has been used. My advice, only buy from someone who has a lot of posotive feedbacks. It's real easy to get screwed on this deal and get a copy that can't be registered with microsoft.
If it was me, i'd spend the hundred bucks for a retail xp home at the local walmart and not worry about it, but that's me.
2006-09-10 02:17:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The OEM versions are meant for Original Equipment Manufacturers ie: Dell, Compaq, Gateway, or the local computer shop. These do NOT COME with a Serial Number or if they do probably have one created by a key maker which may allow you to install and validate, but may not allow you to use update. If you know how to use the OEM versions you can save money, but there are issues with doing so which may or may not be issues for you.
One way you may be able to solve your problem. Boot the machine into safe mode. Then Start Control Panel Hardware, goto the Device Manager, then goto System devices and DELETE EVERYTHING in there. Goto the USB devices and delete everything. Basically go into every tab in there and delete everything that is NOT THE SAME as before. The big thing is all the motherboard hardware and USB controllers from the old motherboard. DO NOT delete the LAN card one if its the same card. This way you can use Windows Update to get drivers etc.. Reboot the mahcine and let XP re-auto detect your motherboard and devices connected and install the correct drivers for it. You will need an XP CD to probably provide drivers or the driver disks from the manufacturers for any hardware.
2006-09-10 02:13:59 · answer #2 · answered by rec9140 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The OEM version will definately work but its cheap because you can only use it on ONE machine, should you ever change components again (motherboard) than you will have to buy a new disc (unless you bought the retail version)
Be careful on ebay though, you could be buying oem discs that people have already installed, meaning the serial key might be invalid.
My best advice (I know it sounds dodgey) but is to download a version of bittorrent, than try to update with microsoft and microsoft will say your version is not genuine and ask you if you would like to update it to a genuine version (price of oem!), than go that route.
Its safer than ebay because your guaranteed a valid serial-key!
2006-09-10 02:10:31 · answer #3 · answered by Elmer Fudd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the os system was pe installed on the compaq you have a full copy of your previous operating system in a non dos partition this a protected partiton which stops software from altering it you if you can boot to safe mode do the following
start the computer open windows explorer click on tools on the menu bar at the top/folder options/view/select show hidden files/untickbox hidet protected operating system files/tick show hiden files and folders you will then see the hidden folders on your
system then look for a folder in windows named options or preinstall if you have this open the folder and click on the the (partition is then unprotected)setup.exe file windows will then reinstall itself at the instalation screen when it reboots pick repair windows leave file system as it is this will re install windows but leave your files as they are on the computer you will still need your serial number to re install you will only loose any updates that you installed If you want to destroy the partition pick Change file system windows will auto format (clean Install)(partition is then unprotected)OEM will only DO A FULL INSTALL AND ERASE THE HARD DRIVE
2006-09-10 02:39:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I guess oem is ok but i think thats mainly for retailers who use that. It dont come with cd with all the features I dont think. I would go with full version as then if you get a problem you will be better off.
2006-09-10 02:08:35 · answer #5 · answered by Tiger 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some oem disks are dedicated to a manufacturer. Just be careful. EG when i had a Siemens disk and tried to book from it I got a message saying this isn't a Siemens PC
2006-09-10 02:13:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, easily u can replace a professional version instead of a home edition. just insert windows Xp Porfessional edition and in first steps select upgrade to upgrades ur windows.
2016-03-27 05:12:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
oem just means right out of the factory and you dont gert the fancy boxing and or mauals. You just get the cd key and cd. The retail is vice versa of oem.
2006-09-10 04:15:29 · answer #8 · answered by Bhaumik P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get the retail version, because OEM versions do not usually come with a system file recovery disk (they only come with a full re-format disk).
Yup, i would get the retail version. But not off eBay, as it may be counterfeit.
2006-09-10 02:10:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey download linux i recommend http://fedora.redhat.com it's totally free. You can also use and Windows and Linux together.
2006-09-10 02:06:10 · answer #10 · answered by PainMaster 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋