Product Description

This OEM software is intended for system builders only and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license, including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the software.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #641 in Software
• Color: 1-user
• Brand: Microsoft
• Model: N09-02142
• Platform: Windows XP
• Format: CD-ROM
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .31 pounds

Customer Reviews

Exactly what I needed for my MacBook
I bought this Windows XP version to take advantage of my MacBook's duo core feature that allows me to use Windows. I don't use the feature that often, only for a couple of programs that are not available for Mac. I didn't want to spend a lot of money buying the full version, so this fit the bill perfectly.

Good OS for the price
I bought this as a means to cost-effectively to re-build my system. It installed without any problems. I chose the 'full format' instead of the 'quick format' at the very beginning. Be warned, this takes about an 1.5 hours! The HD is a WD 320 GB 7200 RPM EIDE with 8 MB cache. I wonder if the 'quick install' would have gone quicker? Anyway, after that format, the OS was ready to go in less than 30 minutes. There were a lot of updates (75 or so). And you will manually have to update to IE 7 and WMP 11.0 if that is of interest to you. Oh and don't forget to install the drivers for the MB. I could not get updates until I installed the drivers for the ethernet. I have not tried the Vista update and may hold off for a bit. The form was in the package for the upgrade. For my other machines, XP has been better than their previous OS versions I have used. I don't know what the differences are for the retail version versus this OEM version. This is the full install with a key for authentication. The only difference is the money you will save with this OEM. And I don'y see the major differences between Home and Pro editions. For me Home and Pro seems the same. Early on, I heard Pro was better (or more stable) than Home. I don't think it matters anymore. I docked it one star for the potential security problems and the authentication stuff. All in all, I am pleased with the purchase. And I am a satisfied Amazon customer (and their affiliate Tigerdirect).

Yes, it's Windows XP
A lot of people have said "I don't know what's the difference between this and the full (retail) version." Allow me:

1- This is about half the $$.

2- If you get the full (more expensive version) and the PC (or its motherboard) dies, or you just want to replace (upgrade) it, you can move the (expensive) copy of XP to the new machine. You are NOT allowed to do that with this cheaper copy. It is "tied" to one PC (or one motherboard, depending).

3- This is XP Home. Compared to XP Pro, Home doesn't have the Encryption File System, Group Policies, Remote Desktop (server), Dynamic Disk support, Disk Manager, IIS (bad web server), Active Directory, Domain Login, Roaming Profiles, and only supports simplified (network) file security and not ACLs. The idea is that these are all things "corporate" users want and "Home" users don't need. The fact that you don't know what they are rather proves the point, doesn't it?

4- If you're using this in a "virtual" situation (like VMWare, or maybe in a Window on a Mac, but probably not with Boot Camp), the software may not be able to tell it's been moved, so item #2 may not apply to your situation. But I *think* it would be outside the terms of your license. But, really, who can tell? The "license agreement" is longer than a Russian novel, and mostly gibberish.

At least the Vista "agreement" (like you're actually agreeing to anything) says clearly that if you replace the motherboard, you have to buy another copy. Yes, it does.