Solved: Legitimate Purchase of XPpro/SP2

[blonde288]

I just paid $145 for XP pro/SP2 OEM at Newegg. Seemed a bit high, I thought. With all the different designations, descriptions and packaging that Microsoft and its resellers use, I guess I am not crystal clear on whether I am getting the right version for my new, from-the-ground-up build, for personal use only. Seems like a dumb question, but not for someone who hasn't had to new a total new build before. This pricegrabber site seems to offer what I think is the same one, (for alot less $) just want to be sure. Also, are there limitations (in terms of upgrades, compatability, licensing, etc..) I need to know about? According to microsoft, the 'oem' version is for new builds that have no os yet. ("builder's license") Need to know, because if I just foolishly paid twice what I had to, I will try to return, or at least shop elsewhere for my next XPpro purchase. tia for replies

 

[jmaster_w]

Illegal content removed.

 

[JohnWill]

jmaster_w, you may not have been caught by Microsoft, but you've been caught here. We don't allow such activities, you obviously didn't read the forum rules.

Other Illegal Activities - As you might expect, we don't want anything illegal going on here. Users cannot post hacks, cracks, pirated software, or anything of the like. Furthermore, we do not allow instructions on how to complete illegal activities, such as pirating. Please don't ask for advise on using illegal software, as it will be removed.

As to the punshment for such offenses, from the same aforementioned rules:

First Offense: These are very serious crimes, not merely site regulations. The offending user's account will be immediately disabled and his/her service provider will be informed of the activity. If applicable, proper authorities will be contacted. The user may or may not be immediately contacted by administration during investigation.

 

[Cookiegal]

jmaster_w,

Your account has been permanently disabled for this breach of the forum rules.

Cookiegal
Temp. Admin.

 

[JohnWill]

blonde288, sorry you got caught in the middle of this little problem, but I'd like to address your question.

The reason that the OEM copies are so much cheaper is that they're intended to be sold with hardware, and they really aren't legal as a software-only sale. I don't know how aggressively Microsoft presses these types of issues, because I do see them quite often.

I did find this opinion in a brief web search:

Completely legal. Most online stores offer copies of XP OEM's. The licensing agreement Microsoft gives out with OEM versions is that it must be sold with a "non peripheral piece of hardware" ie network card or HDD. Assuming Directron requires their customers to buy something like this along with MCE 2005 its legal.

So what's the real answer? I don't honestly know.