=IF= you get the actual OS installation disk, then the only issue is how much are they charging you to install it for you? Some of the CompUSA models are like Compaq and HP; they install the OS on a hidden partition, and all you get is a 'recovery disk', which is no more than a boot starter and driver compilation. In the latter case, if your HDD goes Tango Uniform, then you have to go back to the builder and pay whatever it costs to get another OS set up done, as the recovery disk has nothing to recover -with-. My personal preference is to hit a computer show and shop around; I picked up my copy of Win2k Pro for $99, still in the sealed OEM packet. You can get XP Pro for around $149 (you might have to purchase 'hardware'....like a dollar's worth of screws or something similar). But then I'm a builder, and want the OS install handy if something goes wrong. It's a trade off between doing it yourself and investing the time, or investing the money in someone else doing it for you.