Question about buying OEM XP

[stogez]

Hi,
If I buy a Full version of XP Home that came with someone else's machine, how can I be sure that they're not using it anymore. Is it just based on honor system? Will I have problems activating it if they're still running it?
I understand that they have to send a piece of hardware from the machine but are there any other requirements.
Just wanted to get couple of things clear before I buy.

Thanks

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Originally posted by: stogez
Hi,
If I buy a Full version of XP Home that came with someone else's machine, how can I be sure that they're not using it anymore. Is it just based on honor system? Will I have problems activating it if they're still running it?
I understand that they have to send a piece of hardware from the machine but are there any other requirements.
Just wanted to get couple of things clear before I buy.

Thanks

If it is a full version, they will send you the XP disk and COA. If it came installed on the machine, it is an OEM version and you will have to purchase a new OS. You will need to activate the the full version and talk to MS.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: stogez
Hi,
If I buy a Full version of XP Home that came with someone else's machine, how can I be sure that they're not using it anymore. Is it just based on honor system? Will I have problems activating it if they're still running it?
I understand that they have to send a piece of hardware from the machine but are there any other requirements.
Just wanted to get couple of things clear before I buy.

Thanks

This is not in compliance with the EULA. You cannot buy an OEM license and install it on another machine and maintain the validity of the license. OEM OS is tied to the original mother board it was installed on.

pcgeek11

pcgeek

 

[Jiggz]

Technically, pcgeek11 is correct! This the reason MS stopped activating OEM version OS online. You can only do it with a MS Rep over the phone. Anyways, I'm not sure how much you are paying for this, but if you are a student you can get an academic version of XP Home for around $50.00 and $99 for a XP Pro. These are full version, sealed with COA and key. Shop around and you'll be surprise how cheap XP is now compare to about a year or two ago. Even with the regular retail version, you can still find cheap XP online. If you have to buy used XP software, make sure it is the Retail Version only. Never OEM or other versions. With a retail version, you can activate as many times and as long as you want!