Okay, I'm thinking about getting Windows XP for my grand mom, because I am building a new computer to her. They only sell in the store Windows XP OEM which is "only for system builders". What does this mean? I am building a system for her and getting paid for it, but must you be some kind of "certified" computer builder or stuff? Also, if you could explain the diffrence between retail and OEM I would appreciate it

I've only bought those versions. Nothing wrong with them. You just don't get the same level of customer support as retail.

Okay great, I was afraid it would be illegal or something

Unless you are an authorized M$ reseller it would technically be illegal for you to buy it without hardware and load it on your own custom built PC.

Here's more info: http://oem.microsoft.com/public/sblicense/...nse_english.pdf

Well, there isn't a real way to track it anyway, so I'm buying it.

OEM = CD in a sleeve
Retail = Fancy Box

retail comes with 32 bit and 64 bit discs doesnt it?
that might be important to some people

Not to his grand mom though

probly.. but i think later on down the road you could still order the 32 bit or 64 bit disk from microsoft if you needed it

The system builder one can only be installed onto 1 motherboard, while the regular version has the fancy box and it can be installed onto different computers, also 32-BIT and 64-BIT.