XP Question

[jlew]

I'm thinking about buying a barebones PC kit from tigerdirect.com I will need to buy a copy of Windows XP. I'm seeing a lot of recommendations for OEM XP Pro SP3. Is this the best way to go? Can an older version of XP be purchased cheaper and simply be upgraded?

 

[Richard Longfellow]

XP Pro is worth it, and yes you can buy an older version and download all the service pack updates. But typically retailers hold the price on a good O/S, even older versions of it. I wouldn't mind finding another copy of Pro for under $100, but last I checked everyone still wanted $150 plus.

 

[Liquid 2]

Wait for Windows 7.

 

[Salamando3000]

If you're a college student, there's a good chance you can get a copy of XP Pro for real cheap. The school I work for sells OEM XP for 15 bucks.

 

[jlew]

New question. My previous PC (an emachines bought new) came with XP home and has a product key on the back of the case. XP has been long uninstalled from that computer and never reinstalled. Would I be able to use that product key for xp on a new machine? If so, what would I need? All I have is an emachines restore disk which I doubt I could use.