Question about buying "XP Pro Full Retail"

Right now I have XP Pro OEM on my machine, but my MB is slowly dieing, and I need to buy another OS for the new machine I am building. :(

I understand that my OEM version will die along with my old machine (R.I.P. old friend), and by purchasing the "retail boxed" version, I will have the OS for as long as the CD holds up, and I will be able to transfer it to any machine I want (as long as it is only on one machine at a time)...please correct me If I'm wrong.

If this is the gist of the EULA I can live with it, even though the price make me want to choke.

OK, so here's the question: What should I expect to get along with the CD in/on the box... COA? License certificate? Key code? anything else?

And finally does $242.63 (cough, choke cough) seem like a good price for the XP Pro Full Retail Boxed version w/SP2 ?

Thanks in advance for your opinions. Nine

In the box, you will get COA, and product code will be supplied also. License certificate is the COA.

And you're correct in that the OEM version dies with your old computer. And the retail version you can use on one computer at one time. In other words, it can't be installed on two computers.

$242.63 is a good price, but make sure it's legit. There are a lot on Ebay that aren't even though they say they are. Make sure the one you get is, and is sealed.

The OEM version is $139.99 and you can't see or smell any difference once the pc is up n running.

I agree with Steve. See here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=all
Maybe you won't gag on that price.
J.

Thanks for confirming my thoughts on boxed version ... that is the one I am going to go with.

I like the thought of not having to buy it over again. This will be the second time I'll be buying XP, but it will also be the last.

I'll be ordering it from Royaldiscount.com they have a guarantee :rolleyes: :

100% GUARANTEED GENUINE
RoyalDiscounts Guarantee of Software Authenticity To Our Valued Customers,

We guarantee 100% genuine software or we will refund your money. RoyalDiscount takes issues of pirated software very seriously. we verify the authenticity of all software that is shipped from our store through our Software Authentication Center.

RoyalDiscount is the only on-line software vendor to guarantee the authenticity of our products along with discounted prices. Since pirated software is commonly distributed in the discount market, other discount vendors should be regarded with caution. Our excellent customer service ratings are testament to our honest business practices and commitment to provide you with 100% authentic software.

If you have any quesitons on how to authenticate software, whether you buy it from us or another vendor, please contact our trained piracy experts at 1-877-292-7712. You can also visit http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ for further information on piracy.

Unless someone tells me they've had a bad experience with them, I'll just have to give them a shot. Thank you all for the feedback. :) Number9

Six-Month Rating: 4.17 / 10
Lifetime Rating: 8.29 / 10

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Royal_Discount

Two known reputable dealers - $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116400
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...1830&CatId=672

Steve, that rating sure doesn't look good. Well, too late now, I ordered it late last night. I'll let you know how I fare when the goods arrive.

I've bookmarked the resellerratings site for the next time. thanks for the link.

SpywareDr, yes I have done business with both tigerdirect and newegg in the past, but experienced sticker shock with both when I checked the price on the M$ "Full Boxed Version" . I understand that the "OEM" is cheaper ($129.-$149.) , but once is enough down that road, thanks anyway.

So as I've said; I plunked down my nickle and I took my chance...I'll let you know how it all turns out when the wheel stops turning. Thanks again. Number9

UPS dropped off the pkg. an hour ago and I'm a happy man. :D
Sealed box, COA, correct version (w/SP2), and all the fancy holograms on the CD.

To tell the truth, I was a bit worried. That was the lowest price I could find; and you know what they say: "If it seems too good to be true...." Well in this case it did turn out to be true.

Now all I have to do is make it last 10 years and I'll be able to get my moneys' worth out of it!

Thanks to all who replyed :) ...it's always good to have all the info you can when making a decision. Number9

Thanks for the update. Glad it's a genuine XP Pro and I'm sure you'll be reimbursed as you can use this on your next and your next, etc, computers.