Windows XP help

[pacifika]

I have windows vista 64-bit which has problems with some of the programs I run. I am going to set up a virtual machine, but need to order windows XP. I normally order from bhphoto, but not sure which to order and some are out of stock (where I live it is hard to order things so I normally use them. Can I order the windows XP profesional edition SP3 CD-Rom (OEM)? I do not have any copies of windows XP right now. Appreciate any help someone can give.

[nightspirit]

As long as it's not an upgrade you can use it. OEM just means it was licensed for system builders. It's about the only way to get a legitimate copy of xp now. And yes you can use it legally.

[Busk]

Nightspirit is right. You can purchase Windows XP Pro from Newegg for about $140.

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 English for System Builders 1 Pack CD - Operating Systems

If you are installing on a Virtual Machine to run a problematic program temporarily, then do not activate the program and you can install it on another machine or multiple VM's. If it only temporary ten borrow a CD from a friend and use that and then delete the VM installation.

Good Luck!

[Carusoswi]

Or you can purchase the upgrade version as long as you have a valid product license from which to upgrade (Windows ME, 98, 2000). During the install, the routine complain that it cannot find a qualifying product on your hard drive, then, will ask you to insert the CD from one of those qualifying products before it allows you to proceed with the installation.

Follow the instructions and your upgrade product will be no different from the full professional version after you finish installing it.

It's been about a year since I had to purchase XP, and I saved $100 by purchasing an upgrade version rather than the full version.

Pricing of $140 seems cheaper than what I find XP going for around here, although I haven't paid attention for about six months.

I own two upgrade copies of XP which I am guarding carefully because I am not impressed by any reason to move to Vista at this point.

Caruso

[DavidFromPhila]

Does anyone besides me think it's highway freakin' robbery that you've purchased Vista, and it's crappy, so you have to pay more to get an older operating system?