Buy XP Professional OEM??

[Tuffgong4]

The cheapest reliable option for XP, from what I have found, is here..

http://www.salesintl.com/product.asp?0=218&1=235&3=158

I have used them several times, never had a problem. That particular copy I don't believe has SP2, but you can get the CD for free here..

wow that is cheap...I can't believe that is legit as well...I may have to buy a copy

 

[jpom]

The home OEM I got with my dell didn't have the drivers, I had to use a disk fro to install them. A buddy of mine got a dell with OEM Pro, it didn't have the drivers either. Maybe, it is just diff if you buy from a manufacturer as apposed to buying it from a retail outlet. If that is the case, then I would go with OEM. You don't need the stupid packaging, or book anyhow ..

AFAIK that's more a laptop issue then anything else. I have installed XP Pro SP2 Corporate on Dell, Compaq/HP, Sony, and Toshiba machines and it almost never has the drivers for them, I have to go to their respective sites and download network, video, sound, modem, etc drivers from the site and install them manually. Maybe it's just my luck but I always assumed that it was due to the fact that most components are integrated into the system board on laptops, like my asus Mobo in my desktop, I have to manually install network drivers when I format because XP SP2 doesn't have them integrated into it.