computer selling ethics

[albumleaf]

So i've got this japanese laptop that I have no use for, and I can't find the recovery disks and right now i'm running a copy of windows xp jap edition on it. Is it ethical to sell the computer (which comes with a oem license of win xp) on ebay to somebody else and including a backup copy of xp so they can restore the hdd if anything goes awry? I mean, the computer was bought with a license so it shouldn't be an issue should it?

thanks

 

[theMan]

i personally think thats fine, but thats coming from someone who has never bough windows, or obtained it in any other legal way, and the same thing goes for other software. i certainly dont have a problem with it. i would be more concered with helping ther person out that is buying it, not helping microsoft make 80 dollars.

 

[MobiusPizza]

OEM licenses doesn't need activation...
The backup copy is the legit Jap one?

I suppose you have to send the original disc not the backup.
I see that you have lost it... anyhow sending him a back up of English/Japanese WinXP which are copied from other sources doesn't seem legal to me; since the content of the sic is from other sources.

And since you still have the possesion of the original recovery disc (although you lost it) it's not that legal
Unless you can prove that it is destroyed.

Nah I've gone to far
Technically no
You might get away
but who would like a PC with backup copy of windows without recovery discs (no drivers, etc)?

 

[albumleaf]

well see, i have my own copy of xp japan that i bought, and the computer is running that right now as i lost the recovery disks. I'd much rather just send them a backup than the original disk because the computer originally came with a xp japan license (the sticker with the key is still attached to the bottom of hte laptop)

 

[lxskllr]

I don't think it matters. You can always call Microsoft to see what they say. You really are buying the license when you get the operating system, the media doesn't matter, it's just convenient for them to give it to you on a cd :^). So in other words, as long as the sticker's on the case and you don't use the key for another installation you're fine using a burned cd.

 

[owensdj]

There is a good chance that the copy of XP you give them won't install using the Product ID on the Windows XP sticker on the laptop. For example, you can't install the retail version of XP using an OEM version's Product ID. If you know for sure that the person who buys the laptop will be able to reinstall that copy of XP using the laptop's Product ID, I think it would be OK to sell it like that.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: lxskllr
I don't think it matters. You can always call Microsoft to see what they say. You really are buying the license when you get the operating system, the media doesn't matter, it's just convenient for them to give it to you on a cd :^). So in other words, as long as the sticker's on the case and you don't use the key for another installation you're fine using a burned cd.

It does, trust me, I did the same thing on ebay and it bit me in the ass. The buyer had to reinstall and the COA on the laptop I sold him didnt jive with the back up disk I sent, I had to buy the guy a retail Winxp Upgrade.

 

[piasabird]

Microsoft would probably not like that. Ideally you should just do a reformat and reinstall, assuming that will not completely ruin the laptop. I dont really like laptops. If it has some kind of cmos on the hard drive or something similar they could cause problems.

 

[Jeff7]

Easy way to try - run the WinXP setup of the disc you'd send along, format the drive, install WinXP, and try the key that's on the sticker. If it works, fine. If not, sell the laptop either with an empty hard drive, or else install Linux on it and ship it that way.

 

[Nocturnal]

Actually I've had to actiave OEM on numerous occassions. I work as a tech and upon formatting and reinstalling with a Win XP Home OEM disc, I did have to activate on more than one occassion.

 

[hopejr]

OEM copies need activation. Only Volume licence copies don't need activation. Those are the ones the bootlegged copies come from.

To the OP: It isn't legal AFAIK. Put linux on it and call it a day