Where to buy XP Home?

[tate]

Hello, I'm needing to buy a few copys of windows xp home and was wondering where would be a place to buy these for cheap? Also what are the differences with the retail and the OEM versions? Thanks!

[dark_reign]

Newegg would be a good place. Ebay would be another place if you want to get them dirt cheap. Just make sure they are legit copies and that they haven't been activated.

OEM versions are intended for system builders and are not supposed to transferred to another PC. Retail versions are meant for people that upgrade their hardware more often. Microsoft allows for more hardware changes with retail versions before having to call them.

[tate]

Thanks, anything I should look out for to make sure they are legit copies?

[bbz_Ghost]

The biggest difference (aside from pricing) between OEM and Retail is: if you buy the OEM version you can't call Microsoft for support. None. So don't even bother picking up the phone.

Aside from that major difference, they're basically the same software aside from the other difference already mentioned: OEM is tied to the hardware it's originally installed on (first time install) and isn't meant to be moved around from machine to machine unless it's because of hardware failure, etc. Casual upgrading for better performance (faster CPU, faster video card, etc) is not a valid reason for reinstallation.

The easiest way to tell they're legit is if they're actual hologram DVDs which is still a very difficult thing to create without the proper fab facilities, as well as the proper COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker. If you buy from Newegg or more any popular and well-known retailer, you should be just fine. Obviously, keep all the purchase info, etc, just in case.