Help clarify difference--OEM vs Retail Windows XP

[lemonlime]

I know there has been some changes to Microsoft's OEM policies, and I've been hearing a lot of conflicting information. Just wanted some help to clarify just what the difference is between the OEM and retail versions of Windows XP.

Can it be transferred to another PC in the event of an upgrade? Does it need to be purchased with a non-peripheral piece of hardware?

I'm going to be building a PC for a family member, and just wanted to see if it was worth the lower price tag for the OEM version.

Thanks.

[Nightwolf]

The only difference I know of is that they don't offer tech support with an OEM copy.

[madmat]

The OEM version is registerable to one hardware config only meaning where it doesn't require a reload.

Everything BUT the mobo can be upgraded with OEM. With retail it's fully transferable.

[Kwitko]

http://www.infocellar.com/winxp/oem-recover-retail.htm