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oem, retail, update versions of software

Discussion in 'Other PC Software' started by kfarley, 2003/05/28.

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  1. 2003/05/28
    kfarley

    kfarley Inactive Thread Starter

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    I was thinking of buying new (but same) OS software for my computer on ebay but now I'm just confused!
    Which is the corrct type of os osftware to buy when the 98se disk i have goes in the crapper. My comuter is starting to need the help of my disk but it doesn't work anymore. I've seen OS software listed as OEM, retail versions and updates which should I get that I can use on my current computer. Plus would I have to upload the new disk contents replacing my old windows OS.
    I have an e-machines w/ celeron PII at 433 Mhz
     
    kfarley,
    #1
  2. 2003/05/29
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    kfarley

    Retail boxed - the full, boxed version complete with the printed manuals, etc.

    Upgrade - same as above, but checks for installation of previous version (e.g. XP upgrade will look for Win Me or earlier, Office XP will look for Office 2000, say, on the drive to which it is to be loaded). Updates or upgrades an existing installation. Can also do a clean install, but it will ask for a previous installation CD (e.g Me, 98, Office, etc) to be inserted as 'evidence' during the install process.

    OEM - as supplied to PC manufacturers without all the frills of packaging and probably manuals - although most manuals are on the installation CD these days. Could be a question mark re. legality/support as these are generally supplied with a PC marked 'For use only with a new PC' or something similar and for support the answer is generally 'see your PC manufacturer'.

    So basically - no fancy packaging, maybe no manuals, almost certainly no support and legality questionable.

    If your installation CD has bit the dust you could try MS for a replacement - used to be something at the back of the manual about that ?? After all, you paid for the OS - the CD has 'worn out, got damaged, etc

    If no joy on this and it doesn't work at all then it would be very dodgy to buy an upgrade - go for retail or, I guess OEM as support probably doesn't bother you.

    One possible problem - as Serial Nos. and versions (build nos) will be different your current OS may not accept the CD and your only option would be to format and make a clean install from the new CD. You would need to back up all your data first, ensure that you have installation CD's for all your programs, etc as formatting removes EVERYTHING from the disk.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2003/05/29
    BillyBob Lifetime Subscription

    BillyBob Inactive

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    Not a good situation.

    Suggestion fo the future.

    1- Before Installing SE ( actually any version of Windows below XP ) copy the contents of the Win98 ( or Win9x in the case of ME )folder from the CD to an OPTIONS folder on a partition OTHER THAN C:.

    2-Put the CD in a place for safe keeping. May need the key numbers at a later date.

    2- Install from the folder on the HD.

    3 Unless things go completley to hello in a basket it will be quite some time before the CD is actually needed again.

    5- Windows will not be asking for the CD every time it may need it. Great time saver.

    BillyBob
     
    BillyBob,
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  5. 2003/05/29
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    order a new disk from e-machines
     
    TonyT,
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