Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2B for System Builders [OLD VERSION] Reviews

• Exactly what I needed for my MacBook

  
  By ABNMD6670TV53 on 2007-11-22
  I bought this Windows XP version to take advantage of my MacBook's duo core feature that allows me to use Windows. I don't use the feature that often, only for a couple of programs that are not available for Mac. I didn't want to spend a lot of money buying the full version, so this fit the bill perfectly.
  
  

• Good OS for the price

  
  By ALZZOGV4ZAW99 on 2007-03-06
  I bought this as a means to cost-effectively to re-build my system. It installed without any problems. I chose the 'full format' instead of the 'quick format' at the very beginning. Be warned, this takes about an 1.5 hours! The HD is a WD 320 GB 7200 RPM EIDE with 8 MB cache. I wonder if the 'quick install' would have gone quicker? Anyway, after that format, the OS was ready to go in less than 30 minutes. There were a lot of updates (75 or so). And you will manually have to update to IE 7 and WMP 11.0 if that is of interest to you. Oh and don't forget to install the drivers for the MB. I could not get updates until I installed the drivers for the ethernet. I have not tried the Vista update and may hold off for a bit. The form was in the package for the upgrade. For my other machines, XP has been better than their previous OS versions I have used. I don't know what the differences are for the retail version versus this OEM version. This is the full install with a key for authentication. The only difference is the money you will save with this OEM. And I don'y see the major differences between Home and Pro editions. For me Home and Pro seems the same. Early on, I heard Pro was better (or more stable) than Home. I don't think it matters anymore. I docked it one star for the potential security problems and the authentication stuff. All in all, I am pleased with the purchase. And I am a satisfied Amazon customer (and their affiliate Tigerdirect).
  
  

• For Mac also

  
  By A16QIFD2X2PDAO on 2007-07-27
  I also bought this for a new iMac and it runs better in it than any versioon of windows has on PC I've owned. This is my first Mac by the way. Installed easily and had no problems. OEM version worked just as well as the regular version. Not quite sure the difference really but the price.
  
  

• Vista Coupon

  
  By A2UCNJD9OVGBC9 on 2007-03-26
  Don't get confused by the licensing mumbo jumbo that comes on the package. It is the full version ready to be installed. Don't forget to plan out your disk partitioning strategy before you start. So far, I have not noticed a dime's worth of difference from the Pro version. It is working great.
  
  However, the Vista coupon shipped with my package expired on March 15, 2007. Additionally, the coupon only applied to new systems purchased between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007, so don't let the Vista thing induce you.
  
  

• Works perfectly

  
  By A1M6JSHYXCKL3A on 2007-11-12
  I purchased this to install on a mac running parallels. Works wonderfully. Flawlessly.
  
  
• Windows on my Mac
  By A1QK0O2Y1H3YZF on 2007-05-29
  I bought this product do run on my macintosh to run pc formatted games. Works great. Just like if I had a pc.
  
  
• This item was useless to me--no activation code
  By A165Z3QK4YHZEX on 2007-08-21
  This item is useless to me. I purchased it to install Windows XP on my new iMac using VmWare with Mac OS-X. It came without an activation code required by Microsoft, so it could not be installed. Tiger Direct refused to do anything about this and Amazon would only refund my money plus a small promotional certificate.
  
  This does not begin to compensate me for the trouble and delays in making full use of my computer.
  
  
• Full product with vista coupon and activation code
  By on 2007-01-10
  Don't listen to all that crap about how you should get Linux or buy a Mac instead of buying Windows. That will probably be the dumbest choice in your life. This is the full version of windows OEM software. Comes with activation code and Vista upgrade coupon to either Vista Home Basic or Home Premium. Bought from Tiger Direct through amazon.
  
  
  
  
• A Necessary Evil
  By A36ZUIWB28GT8T on 2008-01-12
  I purchased this because some software simply won't run without one variety of Windows or another, and this one seemed the best fit for the best price. And I cannot really complain about it, because it is exactly what I expected... almost.
  
  I am still having trouble with the pop-up that presents itself after each boot-up. It warns me that my system is not safe from viruses, malware, spyware, etc. This is hilarious. I have no sooner purchased the product from Microsoft, installed it, and the product itself is telling me that it is inadequate! Of course, the Security Center helpful directs me to anti-virus software choices, essentially all of which will add to my effective price of purchasing this product. Madness.
  
  
• Exactly what I needed to run on a mac!
  By AX74L612G6TPW on 2008-01-18
  Bought to install with Fusion on a mac, and it worked just perfectly! Since I just wanted to run XP for a few things, like Netflix instant viewing- which works great!! - I didn't want to spend a ton of money on XP and this turned out to be the perfect solution.
  
  Shipping from Tigerdirect was SUPER FAST (2 day even though I picked ground) and it installed perfectly. So glad not to be in Vista :)
  
  also - I was really struggling with whether to buy XP Pro instead, which is what I had always had on my pc computers, but Fusion takes over internet connection and other networking issues, so I was glad I saved the $50 by buying home ed. and I hardly notice any difference.
  
  
• The stable, usable option that isn't Windows Vista
  By A1H5FQ5ISJGO57 on 2007-08-12
  Windows XP is faster, more stable and runs more programs than Windows Vista. This version of Windows is a must for running many games or some old programs that do not function correctly under Vista.
  
  It's not the most fantastic operating system ever, but seems better than Vista to me.
  
  
• Windoz XP Home
  By A3FUW67XCDNZAR on 2007-03-12
  It's everything I expected it to be. I have applications that require XP so I have to dual boot my PC. You can not connect to both a wireless network and your LAN at the same time. You HAVE TO use only one or the other. There isn't a handy place that warns for that or provides the necessary configuration. But it is much more stable than W98 and doesn't require a restart for every change, like IP settings.
  
  
• Works Fine with Parallels and Mac
  By AGVKEER2Z42M2 on 2007-12-08
  I also purchased this lower-cost version of Windows to install on a new MacBook Pro with Parallels 3.0 Deluxe software. It works fine in spite of Parallels' warnings not to use an OEM version of Windows. It took just a few minutes to get all of the Windows XP updates. Windows software installs and runs just like you are on a Windows XP PC! My Leopard install created a few cosmetic bugs, but Parallels promises to fix those. They have nothing to do with this Windows version.
  
  
• Bought for new iMac, works great
  By AEUZBC9FLUYVG on 2007-12-24
  I just needed a low budget version of XP that would work on my iMac running OS 10.5 (Leopard). This was shipped on time, all as promised, and for the best price I could find ($89). Staples wanted $179 for the same item, and NewEgg wanted just over $100. If all you need is XP for your Mac, I know this works, and it's relatively inexpensive.
  
  
• Does what it's supposed to do.
  By A2AFZNHGGSASZL on 2008-03-22
  I bought this product to use on a partition on my iMac. I use it to run some software that's not available for Macintosh. So far so good; it runs without any particular problems and the software I use with it seems to run OK too. As are most things from Microsoft it's clunkier to use than the Macintosh side of the hard drive, e.g files are harder to find, but it does the job. If you have to use Windows but don't need a lot of extra functions, this is the cheapest way to do it.
  
  
• Apprehensive once but satisfied now
  By A2R2QF2WNLTEPB on 2007-09-26
  After a couple of false starts, I rescued my venerable Toshiba laptop (5205 S503) from servitude as a doorstop. Windows XP Home installed flawlessly using "quick mode." Thanks to Tiger Direct for prompt efficient service.
  
  
• does the job at less cost
  By A26JWCAF4H8KAH on 2007-08-23
  Choose the quick load and it is simple. Be sure you have a high speed connection because there lots of updates for this version. There isn't any manuals or documentation, but if you can load a disk and choose the quick load there no problems. If you're familiar with XP this is a great low cost option.
  
  
• Windows XP Home Edition Review
  By AKMB586EEAIIK on 2007-11-10
  I purchased this product for installing on a laptop. Did well with everything installing all drivers except for the video driver. Could not get it to even install video as standard VGA. With some work, was able to download drivers off the net. XP Home works great now, no glitches. I have Vista on 2 other systems & does not compare to XP Home. Vista still has many glitches & hogs resources. XP Home keeps resource consumption to a minimum, thus allowing for faster & more stable applications.
  
  
• GOOD
  By A3PEOAU91B5MZK on 2008-01-12
  This is a good alternative if you don't need the documentation or support that you get with the normal ($199) version. I bought this and installed it on my macbook pro, works fine, just like any windows operating system...Nothing special.
  
  
• IMac Owners Beware
  By A1GKUIXL55JROA on 2008-02-21
  I bought this product to run Windows on my IMac after reading reviews from MacBook owners (my video camera didn't have a Mac driver so I had to get Windows to import video). Unfortunately it is an upgrade and is not able to run on new IMacs (with Leopard OS X). The software is supposed to be unreturnable, so it would have been an expensive lesson in trying to save money if the people at the distribution company hadn't been reasonable folks.
  
  If you want to run XP on your IMac, you should go ahead and buy the full 32 bit home version with Service Pack 2, twice as expensive, but it's the cheapest version that will actually work with Leopard.
  
  
• XP HOME EDITION
  By A29MSHUQBKVHU4 on 2007-04-03
  I was not yet ready for a new computer. I wanted to download tunes, cd, etc for my IPOD> Getting XP allowed me to do this.
  Thanks!
  
  
• It's your Mom's OS
  By A3QZ6BFXJK88RK on 2008-02-13
  Windows XP: lightweight when compared to Vista, very stable when compared to 98 or ME, has integrated support for digital cameras, mp3 players, and a dizzying array USB devices. It's a tool, and on that count it does everything that it's supposed to.
  
  The downside: security issues. The good news is that security for Windows XP was vastly improved when Service Pack 2 was released in 2004. After this, the Windows firewall was turned on by default. This immediately eliminated the risk of network worms crawling into your PC, a problem for all previous Internet-capable versions of Windows. The bad news is that XP is still vulnerable to scripting attacks, trojans, and that great emailed video from your Aunt Marcie. Use care, and your XP experience can be trouble-free. Allow your kids to file-share and things can get ugly.
  
  
• works fine for me
  By A2I9CIOJQAK7RS on 2008-03-08
  works exactly like it should. im using for bootcamp on my mac. other than that it works. no trouble installing it or anything. yes, it is stripped down for system builders, but thats what its for.
  
  
• windows xp
  By A1ZI36JBGA8AKH on 2008-03-19
  I really enjoy having windows xp. It has definitely improved the speed and the functioning of my computer. I also love the way it warns you about certain downloads and how you can use more than one window at a time. The internet is also faster. I give this product 5 stars.
  
  
• Virtual Desktop Use
  By AG8D6YB91D1TN on 2008-03-26
  If you are considering this for a virtual desktop, this version is perfect and affordable. I ordered VMware Fusion and just followed the easy guide and after about 30-40 minutes everything was loaded, copied and finalized automatically.
  
  I gave a rating of 4 stars because I prefer the mac system over it, but for the price, and what I am using it for, it is perfect. I would only use this version over vista and others because your mac will run quicker. Eventually you may want to have at least 2gb of ram, but I am using 1gb which is recommended and it is fine.
  
  A note if you get VMware. It has a seamless "unity" option where you literally could not tell you were in xp. Once in that view mode, just click the application tab on the top and xp is at your fingertips!
  
  Enjoy!
  
  
• Used with bootcamp
  By A2FTRJ6NYCW8N8 on 2008-03-31
  I used this copy of XP with bootcamp for my mac. Worked flawlessly. I have no Idea what the difference is between this version and the others. I HIGHLY recommend this copy of XP to all Bootcamp users (mac). It's basically XP for mac! :) :) :)
  
  
• Perfect for Parallels on the Mac
  By A1IP0DV6E17F2X on 2008-04-07
  I installed this on a new iMac running Leopard and Parallels and it is working perfectly.
  
  
• Yes, it's Windows XP
  By A3AMXNPA1FXBBV on 2008-11-04
  A lot of people have said "I don't know what's the difference between this and the full (retail) version." Allow me:
  
  1- This is about half the $$.
  
  2- If you get the full (more expensive version) and the PC (or its motherboard) dies, or you just want to replace (upgrade) it, you can move the (expensive) copy of XP to the new machine. You are NOT allowed to do that with this cheaper copy. It is "tied" to one PC (or one motherboard, depending).
  
  3- This is XP Home. Compared to XP Pro, Home doesn't have the Encryption File System, Group Policies, Remote Desktop (server), Dynamic Disk support, Disk Manager, IIS (bad web server), Active Directory, Domain Login, Roaming Profiles, and only supports simplified (network) file security and not ACLs. The idea is that these are all things "corporate" users want and "Home" users don't need. The fact that you don't know what they are rather proves the point, doesn't it?
  
  4- If you're using this in a "virtual" situation (like VMWare, or maybe in a Window on a Mac, but probably not with Boot Camp), the software may not be able to tell it's been moved, so item #2 may not apply to your situation. But I *think* it would be outside the terms of your license. But, really, who can tell? The "license agreement" is longer than a Russian novel, and mostly gibberish.
  
  At least the Vista "agreement" (like you're actually agreeing to anything) says clearly that if you replace the motherboard, you have to buy another copy. Yes, it does.
  
  
  
• XP Home SP2 Review
  By ALK45J9W5YD2Z on 2007-06-04
  The product was just what I ordered and I am very happy with the speed of the delivery as well.
  
  
• It's Windows
  By A1GGEUG1N1E902 on 2007-06-28
  Windows may not be the best OS, but it is the most well known and universally used OS. The install was pretty quick and simple. Mostly the high rating is for the reasonable price I paid for the OS. Other than that it is Windows, so problems will arise unless you are lucky.
  
  

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