*Source: Technibble (
http://www.technibble.com/how-to-tel...ey-you-have/)*
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For the not-so-techie readers, not all Windows XP CDs and Licenses are the same. There are many different types of Windows XP CDs available:
OEM - Which are usually sold with the computer
Retail - Brought stand alone in stores like BestBuy, CompUSA etc..
Upgrade - To upgrade from a previous operating system
Branded - Specifically branded copies from large computer manufacturers like Dell
Action pack - Was part of the Microsoft Action Pack
Volume License - Typically used in large businesses, government and educational institutions
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