Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP2 Full Version CD and Key (Promotional)??

Mustanggt

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 1999
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Hi I was looking through price watch and came across sellers that have Win xp Promotional what does this mean?? is it a fully working version thats ok to buy??
 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
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that's a great question. I think I read somewhere where they say the cheap versions might be counterfeit. But, Vista is coming out for business customers next year.
 

Mustanggt

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 1999
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Well these places selling it say its legit but what i am curious about is if the promotianal copy is like on a time limit or something like 90 days etc or if its good to buy.
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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Originally posted by: Mustanggt
Well these places selling it say its legit....
Places selling "illegal" software will ALWAYS say that it's legal. Often, they have blubs describing how they support anti-piracy efforts.

Any copy of XP Professional sold for less than $140 or so is one of the following:

A) A Not-for-Resale copy, given away by Microsoft, that Microsoft insists cannot be sold.
B) A Volume-license-key copy with a stolen Key.
C) A "branded" OEM version, built for a large PC maker, that Microsoft insists cannot be installed on anything but a PC built by that PC maker.
D) A forged copy of the XP CD, along with a Key stolen from a large PC maker (like Dell).
 

ForumMaster

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2005
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they still take $62 for windows 98?! :laugh: that just shows they aren't legit. Windows 98 no longer has support and MS isn't selling any.
 

Mustanggt

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 1999
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I dont know much about this this kinda of thing with un legit software, you would think that MS being so big would have its attorneys shut these websites down if it was not legit. If i buy a copy say from link John posted will it work ?
 

John

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Mustanggt
I dont know much about this this kinda of thing with un legit software, you would think that MS being so big would have its attorneys shut these websites down if it was not legit. If i buy a copy say from link John posted will it work ?

I apologize for the confusion. The URL in my OP is one of the sites with illegal software and they were reported to MS Piracy. Buy a legit OEM copy from Newegg, ZZF, etc, if you want new, or you can save a few bucks if you can find one in our For Sale / Trade forums. :) There should be some on eBay but be careful and read the auction listing and buy from a reputable seller.
 

pkme2

Diamond Member
Sep 30, 2005
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OEMs are available and sell for $100/110. They are legal and have COAs and CD keys. One can find them from reputable sellers.
You will still need activation from Microsoft, but that's just a formality.
I've found 4 XP Pro's from eBay for my clients on their new builds recently.
As John said, you have to buy from reputable sellers. I've found few and I continue to patronize them.

Caution: Some sellers are trying to sell the UK versions of Win XP Pro as legit. I would stay away from them. If the deal sounds too good, you know the rest......