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View Full Version : sad day.

The Saint
10-14-2005, 11:59 AM
today is a sad day:

I have to go and buy WinXP! :(

$300, do I really?
sigh
Paithar
10-14-2005, 12:31 PM
Why do you need to buy WinXP?

Do you want a retail package of WinXP or would an OEM version do? The reason I ask is because I was able to buy my WinXP Pro OEM for about $100. I don't remember the site at the moment but I've seen that deal at a lot of online places. Just go to PriceWatch (http://www.pricewatch.com) and do a search.
The Bryophyte
10-14-2005, 12:46 PM
Another suggestion. If you are a student you can probably get it dirt cheap through your school.
hity645
10-14-2005, 01:16 PM
Just buy a license! way way cheaper
BillLeeLee
10-14-2005, 01:52 PM
What are you running now, and why do you have to buy WinXP? I can only think school.
The Saint
10-14-2005, 02:20 PM
....thanks guys...

question: how do I buy a license and where??

Well I'm running Mac OS X right now as my main PC is in the construction phase...

and of course the old WinXP I have is no good anymore :D
Carnival Forces
10-14-2005, 02:31 PM
try www.pricegrabber.com before you shell out 300...
The Saint
10-14-2005, 02:35 PM
Thanks Carnival Forces...

how do I buy a license only?
S1nF1xx
10-14-2005, 02:40 PM
Read the licensing FAQ before purchasing your OEM copy of Windows.

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=885079

Then you know EXACTLY what you're getting for your $150.

Thanks go out SJConsultant for that awesome sticky. ;)
The Saint
10-14-2005, 02:45 PM
hmmmm....

shady things eh?
S1nF1xx
10-14-2005, 02:53 PM
Not shady, it's just that OEM licenses are tied to the motherboard you first installed it on. Most people don't realize that and get pissed when they try installing it on another computer.
The Saint
10-14-2005, 03:03 PM
...I see.
Well I never had it really, so basically my onnly option is to either buy it OEM or Retail.

I was hoping to finish up the PC today, but I guess I can't :(
NulloModo
10-14-2005, 03:28 PM
...I see.
Well I never had it really, so basically my onnly option is to either buy it OEM or Retail.

I was hoping to finish up the PC today, but I guess I can't :(

Why can't you use the copy you already have?

I'd learn to use Linux before I'd ever actually pay for a copy of XP...
neo86
10-14-2005, 03:35 PM
My school has Win98 for free and an XP upgrade on their server for "free." I'm pretty sure with the XP upgrade edition you don't even need Win98 installed... just some of the install files. Your school might've done something similar.
dbwillis
10-14-2005, 03:46 PM
I prefer the OEM versions as well

Zip Zoom Fly For $130 (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=604631)
PopeKevinI
10-14-2005, 03:48 PM
I only use OEM copies of XP. I figure I can buy a good piece of hardware and OEM XP, or buy retail XP.

I've talked to several MS reps about the rule that the motherboard has to remain in the system, and they've stated that MS is lenient about this rule for home users, specifically because of the frequency of updates on the part of enthusiasts. Primarily they don't want large organizations--their primary income source--to build new PCs and recycle the licenses. This clause limits the upgradeability of a PC and keeps a business from gutting and rebuilding a hundred PCs to avoid buying new OEM licenses.