Windows XP, COA or OEM?

Hi Nthao,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thanks for posting the question.

Based on the description provided, it looks like you are trying to Windows XP Operating System.

It would be great if you could answer these questions in order to assist you further.

1.     Which version of Windows Operating System is installed on your computer?

2.     Which programs are you referring to?

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by another company and retailed under that purchasing company's brand name.[1] OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product. When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part

COA: Certificate Of Authenticity, It verifies that the copy you have is genuine.

Hope the information provided is helpful.

In case you have any questions regarding Windows operating system please post on Microsoft Community Forums and we will be glad to help.

You're welcome!

This forum post is my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of Microsoft, its employees, or other MVPs.

John Barnett MVP: Windows XP Associate Expert: Windows Expert - Consumer:  www.winuser.co.uk |  vistasupport.mvps.org | xphelpandsupport.mvps.org | www.silversurfer-guide.com

Thank you so much for your great ideas to help me in this matter. Actually, I get stuck while trying to save some money. First, I talked to a computer sale man, he told me, I may install a windows XP on a new computer, but all drives of new computer may be not compatible with windows XP.  That is a problem and his conclusion, "No! new computer not work with windows XP."  I think  this is the time I am going to buy new computer and I also buy new all video editing software too. Needless to say, it will cost me a lot of money.

Again, Thank you so much for your time.

Hello Nthao,

Windows XP is old and ancient and Microsoft are finishing supporting any machine with XP by 2014. The question is, can you actually now get a genuine copy of Windows XP? You certainly won't get a copy from a local computer store. That leaves e-bay and, frankly, a good proportion of copies of XP (and other windows operating systems) on e-bay etc are pirated copies, so you may be causing more problems for yourself.

Maybe it's time to start thinking of a new computer completely, either running Windows 8 or, if you can get one, Windows 7. It may also be time to update your editing software to versions that support Windows 7/8.

Windows does have a 'compatibility' mode which allows you to run software as if you are running it on an earlier edition, but whether you can use this option will be dependant upon the software applications you are currently using.

This forum post is my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of Microsoft, its employees, or other MVPs.

John Barnett MVP: Windows XP Associate Expert: Windows Expert - Consumer:  www.winuser.co.uk |  vistasupport.mvps.org | xphelpandsupport.mvps.org | www.silversurfer-guide.com

Hi,

I am a wedding videographer. My computer is old and broken and it time I want to replace a new computer. Unfortunately, new computer is used windows 7, but most of my software video editing are compatible with windows XP only. Therefore, I plant to buy new computer and windows XP package 3 to reinstall to new computer.

First I don't know what I should buy COA or OEM? Thank you for your help, now I am going to buy OEM, but I still have one more concern about SATA hard drive. I hear people said the SATA hard drive only works for windows 7, Is it right?

Many Thanks for your help.