The OEM VERSION is cheaper than Retail version.

The OEM version is from a computer company right?
Does the OEM version have all the UNNECESSARY programs like AOL, Napster, Realplayer, Quicktime
and others?
Will it say on the disk what company it's from?

Thanks.OEM is made just for that computer build i think.. retail can be used on any computer.21407 ...... Let me attempt to explain.......

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

In the case of XP Pro , ......It is produced by MicroSoft.

It only contains ..... The Windows XP Pro operating system.

The Retail and OEM versions are the same , the DIFFERANCE being, the license fee that is paid. Further, the OEM version doesn't include telephone
support at no cost.

I trust this helps .

dl65 And Microsoft will not give you support at all (not really needed) but refer you to the OEM who sold it to you. Also, that copy of Windows will be bound to that machine. It cannot be used on ANOTHER machine, unlike the retail product.That clears it up. Thanks.Come back ANYTIME.