Chef-Scott 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 What is the difference between the two? I'm looking at getting XP Home but hey if i can save $100 by getting the upgrade, why not, right? i'm starting to think it may be time to finally give up 98se. I'll either get it for my graduation (Le Cordon Bleu - 4.0 GPA) on this Sunday (Oct. 19th) or for my birthday on this Tuesday (Oct. 21), I'll be...well older Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crimson 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 Updating Windows has cause lots of problems for people. If I may make a suggestion... (this is what I did) go here, and buy the OEM, full version of WinXP Home for around $80. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chef-Scott 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Author Share Posted October 14, 2003 Hey, why did't I think of that! Just did a quick check on XP Home OEM version: GoogleGear... errr, ummm, ZipZoomfly - $90 free Fed-Ex 2nd day NewEgg - $96 free Fed-Ex Express (3-4 day) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specter 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 Keep in mind that you will receive no sopport for the OEM version. You can buy the upgrade and do a clean install from the Upgrade disk for the same 80 bucks, and you will be able to get support for it. Also, Don't upgrade 98, just do a clean install by inserting the upgrade disk. It will then ask to verify your 98CD, will do that and then on to a clean install of XP home. But I don't recommend the OEM version, simply because MS has had Piracy issues with alot of OEM copies, and also the lack of support if you need it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
supasniper 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 i agree with phantom, i've had some probs with OEM software in the past but i couldn't get any official support Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chef-Scott 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Author Share Posted October 14, 2003 I'm not worried about not having any support from MS. I've never used their support other than web based updates, etc. anyway. I think my main concern over purchasing the "upgrade" version of XP Home was the bad taste left in my mouth from the 3.1 upgrade to 95/98. I still have a 98 CD that you have to install WinDogs 3.1 first. To tell you the truth, I'm not even sure why I want to switch to XP Home... peer pressure maybe? After all most people are running XP now. As for MS and their piracy issues with OEM versions, as long as ZipZoomfly is selling legal versions, and MY serial number works to activate it... And what is with this activation? I mean I change things in my computer a lot, cards, memory, optical drives, hard drives. Will I be allowed by XP to do this as I do now with 98se? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specter 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 As for MS and their piracy issues with OEM versions, as long as ZipZoomfly is selling legal versions, and MY serial number works to activate it... And what is with this activation? I mean I change things in my computer a lot, cards, memory, optical drives, hard drives. Will I be allowed by XP to do this as I do now with 98se? This very thing was at the heart of one of the biggest piracy issues with the OEM version. Again, there is one upgrade disc that I have ever seen that needs the previous version of Windows installed first, since 95B. Win95A and previous, yes. But not since then. It does ask you for 98CD verification, just like ME did, but requires NO 9x installation. As far as me recommending the upgrade version, I recommend the safe route on anything over 20 or 30 bucks, and also based on other factors. Just know that there were serious issues with the OEM version. As far as the activation, with RAM and Optical drives, it isnt a big deal. But it may or may not depending on the mood of the installed OS decide to re-activate with Video card, HDD, Mobo, and NIC card upgrades. I have seen it not do a thing, and I have seen it re-activate with every hardware change. That is where one of the OEM Piracy issues came in, because with the Home product, after it has been installed twice, you have to call MS for re-activation. The OEM versions alot of times were pirated with bogus serials. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crimson 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 (edited) All I can say, is that I've never had a problem with the OEM version I bought off NewEgg. If you keep your rig in good condition, any problem that develops is usually solved by rebooting. (It's that way for me anyways, guess Im lucky.) Keep in mind that you will receive no sopport for the OEM version. Kind of an oxy-###### type thing, as the support I've gotten from them in the past has been a joke. Edited October 14, 2003 by Crimson Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specter 0 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 All I can say, is that I've never had a problem with the OEM version I bought off NewEgg. If you keep your rig in good condition, any problem that develops is usually solved by rebooting. (It's that way for me anyways, guess Im lucky.) Keep in mind that you will receive no sopport for the OEM version. Kind of an oxy-###### type thing, as the support I've gotten from them in the past has been a joke. No, I agree with that part bro. The OEM is the same OS and all,. The problems come up if you are unlucky enough to run into one of the questionable discs in a banned series of serials. That's where the issue starts, and you will get no help from MS if that happens. So in other words, you wasted 90 bucks, and have to spend it again. Safer just to get the Upgrade and be done with it , one time, no hassles. You only save at most that I have seen 15 bucks. To me, it isnt worth it. JMHO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chef-Scott 0 Posted October 15, 2003 Author Share Posted October 15, 2003 Thanks for the insights on this. I'll sit back and do some research and see what course of action I will decide to take. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crimson 0 Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 The best decision is the one that leaves you satisfied. Good luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specter 0 Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 Crimson's right. There are alot of valuable insights here, and I wasn't saying that he was wrong at all. In fact, I cant tell you how many OEM software versions I have of different things, and never had any trouble at all. I just wanted you to be aware of some things that i had seen is all. The best thing as Crimson said, is to take all the info you gleaned here, and make the choice that you think is right for you. And if you have any trouble, no matter which way you go, come and post, and we will all be glad to help you through it. Let us know how it goes bud. Good Luck ! ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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