Should I buy XP OEM?

[ChickenSwartz]

So I am think I am going to buy Windows XP, I really need it to run some software that I own...cheaper to buy Windows than to buy all the software for my *new* Mac.

So for now, I want to buy XP Home and just run it with bootcamp. When I get some cash (or for Christmas) I will get Parallels (a new version is set to be released fairly soon, right?).

So my question is, should I get a full retail copy or an OEM copy?
I understand that the OEM will only let me install once correct? When I want to install via Parallels will there be a problem when I try to activate?

I ask becasue I would love to save $100.
Newegg:
$90 vs. $195

 

[Eraserhead]

You can't install XP on both the virtual machine and boot camp at the same time with either, you can however transfer the installation with the retail version.

You might be better off with two OEM XP installations (one for each)

 

[OllyW]

You can transfer your OEM copy of XP to other computers.

All you need to do is phone the number given when the activation fails for Microsoft to re-set the activation process. I've installed my copy on 3 different computers now with no problems.

 

[Graeme A]

The UK and other countries (not sure of the full list) have an Microsoft "Action Pack" available. This is part of a program from MS where you are a 'partner', and they ship you software in order to promote their stuff to your clients.

I ordered one years ago, and I got XP, Office, Visio, Project and all the SQL server products with multiple use NFR licenses for 200GBP. You might have to fib a little but worked out great for me - original software for cheap and yes, I did promote the software to my clients at the time.

Wait until Vista gets put out and apply for one then, you're likely to get the ultimate version and Office 07 as an update.

 

[Eraserhead]

You can transfer your OEM copy of XP to other computers.

All you need to do is phone the number given when the activation fails for Microsoft to re-set the activation process. I've installed my copy on 3 different computers now with no problems.

I think that's a UK (and EU probably) only thing as we have decent consumer laws, MS told me you could *SELL* XP OEM that was on another computer, but in the US that isn't the case.

 

[plinden]

You can't install XP on both the virtual machine and boot camp at the same time with either, you can however transfer the installation with the retail version.

That's the theory, but I've heard reports of people phoning Microsoft and getting XP activated on both BootCamp and Parallels, with the Microsoft rep being in full knowledge of what the user was doing. However, I don't know if that's with the retail or OEM version of XP, or whether that's official (albeit unpublicised) policy or if the rep didn't really understand what they were doing. It wouldn't hurt to ask though. You can get OEM XP Home for $80 from newegg so it wouldn't be a big deal to get another copy. Unless you don't have $80, when it would be a big deal, so I don't really have a point here.

I'd just like to say, I've been totally Windows free for a week now. I have it in a Parallels VM, my laptop dual boots Linux and Windows, and I have a Windows desktop on my desk at work, but I've been able to do anything I want to do in Linux or OS X (especially since I bought CivIV for OS X)

 

[balamw]

Whatever you do, do it soon, i.e. before Vista becomes the only thing readily available, and you'll need Vista Ultimate to run in Parallels...

B

 

[ChickenSwartz]

Thanks everyone. I guess I will just buy the OEM version. It was my understanding that the EULA for the OEM said it could only be installed on one machine. So parallels and bootcamp show up to Miscrosoft as two different machines, so they wouldn't let you. But it is the same machine, their process is just flawed.

And, yeah, I have to buy this before Vista comes out. I will not pay whatever ridiculous amount it would cost to buy Vista Ultimate or whatever the hell they are calling it. Plus, I have learned Windows 3.x, 95, 98, NT, XP...that's it, I'm done.

So what is the latest projection for Vista release?
And the newest version of parallels?

Let me ask this...what is the RAM usage I loose by using parallels, so, how much RAM does OSX+parallels+windows use versus windows alone (botcamp)?

Maybe I don't even need to install bootcamp. Plus, will bootcamp stop being available as a free beta when leopard is released?

 

[Zmmyt]

buy?WHY?

 

[reflex]

buy?WHY?

Sometimes people do the right thing. Go figure.

 

[YoNeX]

Nov 30 is the magic date.

http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/6820/52/

 

[ChickenSwartz]

Nov 30 is the magic date.

http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/6820/52/

WOW didn't realize that was so close.

You think after that XP will disappear?

 

[Clydefrog]

buy the OEM, i have had XP Pro and have installed it on 3 or 4 computers.

 

[balamw]

WOW didn't realize that was so close.

You think after that XP will disappear?

Not until February when the reail copies of Vista show up. Nov 30 is only for business users w/volume deals.

Microsoft is free to "extend" their EULA on a case-by-case basis, so just take the EULA as a guideline, but don't be afraid to ask them to break the rules.

B

 

[product26]

Not until February when the reail copies of Vista show up. Nov 30 is only for business users w/volume deals.

wow! they would really use business as guinea pigs?

damn...

 

[balamw]

wow! they would really use business as guinea pigs?

Business as usual I'm afraid since 99% of their market is business.

Most IT managers stay behind the curve for this very reason. My company is planning their migration to XP for early next year, and my wife's company just did their XP migration earlier in the year.

B