is there really a difference in the actual disk of windows XP oem and retail? Iv herd some ppl say u can only use it once but never found proof. Sry im a noob...hate me for it...but please answer my question!
I think the only difference is with the license. You should be able to install the software more than once, I bought Win2k OEM, and I was able to install it more than once.
Also, don't worry about asking question that may seem to you simple or very easy to answer, most people will answer questions unless is a question that has been answered in these forums a lot. Just make sure that you use the search feature in the forums
difference between OEM and Retail are the CD Keys. You can use any OEM CD key on any OEM disk. Same goes for Retail but you cannot use a retail CD key while doing an installation on OEM CD.
CD keys and licensing are the two noticeable ones.
If you are using a Dell, IBM or Compaq (etc..) copy there will often be quite a few other changes. The OEM cds often contain altered drivers or services. You may also find and $oem$ folder containing apps, drivers and other changes.
If you buy a "boxed" oem copy from newegg for instance the CD keys and licensing will be the only real changes.
In addition to the above, you also cannot upgrade an existing installation using OEM media. OEM media is designed to be deployed to a machine without an OS, so you do not get the option to upgrade.
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