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Want to buy windows xp...

I

Isocene

Senior member
I want to buy a legit version of Windows XP for my mom, she has a pirated version on there now. I know Vista is coming out in like a month and I'm a little confused about the best way to go about getting XP.

I see auctions like this on ebay.

If I buy that now, will I be able to upgrade cheaper to Vista for her next Fall when hopefully it will be stable?

Also, how many PCs could I install that XP on?
 
Personally, I would not buy an OEM version, because if you happen to get a corrupt disk, like I did, neither the vender or MS will do anything about it, and you will have to depend on the kindness of another...assuming that the corrupt disk is not the first, that requires the CD key. Then again, I have no intention of ever buying Vista, so that is no incentive for me. I would recommend getting a retail version of MCE and letting it go at that.
 
Then again, I have no intention of ever buying Vista
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In that case you might be better off with XP Professional, whose security support extends 5 years beyond MCE, which reaches end-of-life in just two years.

If the machine can run Vista, and her software works on Vista, then my suggestion would be to get Vista for the improved security model, if nothing else. check it here Vista Business would have a 10-year support life, which is probably longer than the machine will last, but if you buy a retail-boxed Vista Business, that's transferrable to new systems. So divide $~280 by 7-10 years and decide if that's worth it in the long haul.
 
Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Personally, I would not buy an OEM version, because if you happen to get a corrupt disk, like I did, neither the vender or MS will do anything about it, and you will have to depend on the kindness of another...assuming that the corrupt disk is not the first, that requires the CD key. Then again, I have no intention of ever buying Vista, so that is no incentive for me. I would recommend getting a retail version of MCE and letting it go at that.
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At that point, you download an image of the disc you need and be on your merry way. You're not pirating it, you just needed to make a backup copy and that was the only way you could do it. Then you learn to keep CDs in their envelope/package.

Of course if it was a bad CD right out of the box, you just get a replacement from the place you bought it.

Also it sounds like you think the CD key is dependent on the disc. It's not. You can use Any XP install CD with any CD key. An MCE disk set can be used to install Pro or Home, and and a Pro or Home disc to install the other (MCE requires the MCE discs of course, since it includes one or two extras with the MCE apps on them).

OEM is a great way to save money for people who aren't particularly concerned about Microsoft suddenly dropping the hammer on those who treat it as a retail version. They'd just drive people to other platforms if they did that, which is why they haven't, plus they'd get challenged in court and possibly have a judge declare that their EULA's are not actually binding contracts.
 
Originally posted by: Gautama2
Your mom pirated an OS? I'm impressed.
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The OP didn't say that she pirated it. She just happened to have a pirated version. Probably from a coworker or something.
 
I see nothing there that says you can't use a CD from one to install another. Only the Royalty OEMs seem to be an issue, and that's common knowledge, and most people don't even get CDs from those companies. And I did install XP Pro using my MCE disk, with the Pro (non-service pack) CD key, which resulted in a Pro SP2 installation, and I've done it with some other versions as well with various disc images, and never had any problem activating. Perhaps there are just some particular versions that it won't let you do that with. Just I and nobody I know has ever had an issue downloading any old ISO and it working. I imagine trying to install using a ProSP2 CD key using a no-SP disc would probably fail, you might need a disc of at least equal or greater version of the key.
 
Originally posted by: Lord Evermore
Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Personally, I would not buy an OEM version, because if you happen to get a corrupt disk, like I did, neither the vender or MS will do anything about it, and you will have to depend on the kindness of another...assuming that the corrupt disk is not the first, that requires the CD key. Then again, I have no intention of ever buying Vista, so that is no incentive for me. I would recommend getting a retail version of MCE and letting it go at that.
Click to expand...

At that point, you download an image of the disc you need and be on your merry way. You're not pirating it, you just needed to make a backup copy and that was the only way you could do it. Then you learn to keep CDs in their envelope/package.

Of course if it was a bad CD right out of the box, you just get a replacement from the place you bought it.
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It seems that you really didn't bother to read what I wrote. Both the vender and MS refused to do anything about the problem. In fact, without actually saying it, MS told me that I was out of luck, because the representative refused to even let me talk to anyone else about it.

As far as downloading it, that is not so easy, if you have a dialup connection, like I do.
Also it sounds like you think the CD key is dependent on the disc. It's not. You can use Any XP install CD with any CD key. An MCE disk set can be used to install Pro or Home, and and a Pro or Home disc to install the other (MCE requires the MCE discs of course, since it includes one or two extras with the MCE apps on them).
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I really don't believe that I would find many volunteers to send me a copy of the first disk of the set, regardless of whether it is tied to a CD key or not. And it is beside the point, because a person should not have to go begging for a disk, when the one that MS sells is corrupt.
OEM is a great way to save money for people who aren't particularly concerned about Microsoft suddenly dropping the hammer on those who treat it as a retail version. They'd just drive people to other platforms if they did that, which is why they haven't, plus they'd get challenged in court and possibly have a judge declare that their EULA's are not actually binding contracts.
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If you like OEM so well, you are welcome to it, because I shall never buy another. But then, I'm not likely to buy another MS product, OEM or not.
 
I did read it, but I misread part of it. I saw vendor and thought Dell or HP or something, as in you called them to get a disc replaced because the ones you had came from them. Simple honest mistake.

You think because it was an OEM disc that's why it was "corrupted"? They come off the same assembly lines as retail discs. Don't blame MS or the OEM disc for the poor response of the people that sold it to you. A good business treats its customers right and replaces defective product. MS of course has no responsibility, that's part of the OEM product, they didn't sell it to you, a distributor sold you a product specifically not supported by MS.

And of course, if one rep tells you you can't talk to anybody else, you either ask to speak to a supervisor, or you hang up and call again and again until you get somebody that will discuss the issue with you.

I also didn't say anybody had to give you their CDs. Duplicates are easy to make, and you'd be completely legal in doing so, no matter what MS says, even though you were technically copying somebody else's disc, because you're just obtaining a backup copy of something you bought. And once again, MS didn't sell it to you.
 
Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Personally, I would not buy an OEM version, because if you happen to get a corrupt disk, like I did, neither the vender or MS will do anything about it, and you will have to depend on the kindness of another...assuming that the corrupt disk is not the first, that requires the CD key.
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Sorry, but that's bull. Many B&M stores, such as Fry's, etc., will sell you a legit OEM copy of XP, as long as you buy it with a computer related piece of hardware. I've done it with as little as a floppy disk, hard drive or CD/DVD burner, even one that was free after rebate, and it will save you over $100 over the retail version. From frys.com

MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL FULL WITH SP2
Item # 4052702
$299.99

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition
(Full Version) - OEM
Item # 4970101
$138.00

MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP HOME FULL WITH SP2
Item # 4052682
$199.99

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
(Full Version) - OEM
Item # 4978861
$89.99

Essentially, your choice is whether you want to spend all of the money for the OS or whether you'd rather have your choice of free hardware to go with it. The only difference in the software is, you won't get phone support from Microsoft. If you buy it from a reputable store, you should be able to return a defective disk to the store for an exchange.

As long as you have a legal copy, it's completely legal to make an archived backup copy of the disk for your own use on the same machine. I have an image file of my own XP Pro disk in case my original copy is damaged. The original disk and COA are all the proof I need of my license to use it.
Then again, I have no intention of ever buying Vista, so that is no incentive for me. I would recommend getting a retail version of MCE and letting it go at that.
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My basic rule for any new Microsoft release, especially an OS is to wait one, or better yet, two years and let the early adopters do the beta testing M$ always fails to do. Keeping my basic system and software running is far more important to me than any new bells and whistles a new OS could offer.
 
Harv, I think what seeker is trying to say is that he ordered an OEM copy of MCE2005, the disc was scratched, and nobody would help him. When he posted the same thing several weeks ago I mentioned that he should have purchased from a reputable vendor. 😛 It's not MS's responsibility to replace the OEM disc.

In addition, a $2 power adapter is an acceptable piece of hardware for OEM software purchases.

Even though OEM software is cheaper it cannot legally be transferred to another pc. So when they upgrade the motherboard or build a new pc they are effectively advocating piracy. This is what most people fail to grasp, and they figure that since the MS activation reps don't ask if you've transferred it then it must be legal. :roll:

People that purchase OEM OS'es for their custom build are making a bad investment IMHO. Retail operating systems cost more because you can legally transfer it from computer to computer as long as it's only on one pc at a time. This makes it a better value and you aren't violating the EULA when you upgrade.
 
Originally posted by: John
In addition, a $2 power adapter is an acceptable piece of hardware for OEM software purchases.
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You don't actually have to buy any hardware at all anymore, from most dealers. OEM versions that places like Newegg sell are now "distributor" versions (or whatever one wants to call them). The license for who it can be sold to is right on the package, and specifies that it can only be sold to an "OEM or system builder", and then pretty much clarifies that as anybody who's got anything to do with installing the software or building a computer. If you build a computer and install Windows on it, you're a system builder; the license doesn't make any distinction between a registered business and personal use.

http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/Public/sblicense/English_SB_License.pdf

Previously they were the "this software only to be included with a new PC" packages, which ended up being turned into any piece of hardware (although at some point I think it also was only a CPU, mainboard or hard drive).

If you're building a machine for someone else, based on the license, you technically have to pre-install the OEM version using the OEM Pre-installation Kit. That's obviously aimed at businesses, so that the installation is ready to go and starts up exactly as MS wants it to look to the new user.


Even though OEM software is cheaper it cannot legally be transferred to another pc. So when they upgrade the motherboard or build a new pc they are effectively advocating piracy. This is what most people fail to grasp, and they figure that since the MS activation reps don't ask if you've transferred it then it must be legal. :roll:
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I think most of us grasp that MS's EULA says we can't transfer it, however it can't quite be called illegal at this point, because EULAs have never been determined to be valid contracts (particularly since the person receiving a computer with the software on it didn't open the package themselves, so they never saw the license). If MS goes after someone for it, that person will most likely settle somehow rather than fight it in court, but MS won't risk it because of the chance the EULAs will be invalidated. Additionally, many people just believe that it is an unacceptable and egregious clause in the license, which could be invalidated all by itself. This doesn't mean we're not violating the license, it just means most of us feel no shame or guilt and feel nothing "wrong" has been done.

People that purchase OEM OS'es for their custom build are making a bad investment IMHO. Retail operating systems cost more because you can legally transfer it from computer to computer as long as it's only on one pc at a time. This makes it a better value and you aren't violating the EULA when you upgrade.
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It's only a bad investment if you care about the no-transfer clause and would actually abide by it. Charging an extra 100 dollars for a retail version in order to pre-emptively recoup a POSSIBLE lost sale of a later copies is just outrageous to most people, and it's dependent on the idea that the company has any right to prevent you from using a copy of the software in any way you please once you've paid for it. The validity of that also hasn't been challenged particularly clearly, whether it's actually acceptable to "license" software or if it's a physical good which has been sold; like a book, I have a physical copy, I can screw with it in any way I want as long as I abide by the copyright (and patents in terms of software).
 
Originally posted by: Lord Evermore
You don't actually have to buy any hardware at all anymore, from most dealers. OEM versions that places like Newegg sell are now "distributor" versions (or whatever one wants to call them).
Click to expand...
Previously they were the "this software only to be included with a new PC" packages, which ended up being turned into any piece of hardware (although at some point I think it also was only a CPU, mainboard or hard drive).
Click to expand...

What you're referring to is known as DSP, and not all vendors, nor all of the MS OEM software that Newegg sells is OEM DSP. Non-DSP OEM "requires" an approved piece of hardware to be bundled with the software to keep the transaction "legal". A power adapter, IDE, or SATA cable is acceptable; a case screw is not.

If you're building a machine for someone else, based on the license, you technically have to pre-install the OEM version using the OEM Pre-installation Kit. That's obviously aimed at businesses, so that the installation is ready to go and starts up exactly as MS wants it to look to the new user.
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That doesn't apply to your local "white box" builder.

I think most of us grasp that MS's EULA says we can't transfer it, however it can't quite be called illegal at this point, because EULAs have never been determined to be valid contracts (particularly since the person receiving a computer with the software on it didn't open the package themselves, so they never saw the license).
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Actually most people do not understand the EULA.

It's only a bad investment if you care about the no-transfer clause and would actually abide by it.
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Maybe you should tell that to Adobe, Symantec, and any other company who has a EULA that says only one install per pc. 😛

Originally posted by: Lord Evermore
Originally posted by: John
People that purchase OEM OS'es for their custom build are making a bad investment IMHO. Retail operating systems cost more because you can legally transfer it from computer to computer as long as it's only on one pc at a time. This makes it a better value and you aren't violating the EULA when you upgrade.
Click to expand...

It's only a bad investment if you care about the no-transfer clause and would actually abide by it. Charging an extra 100 dollars for a retail version in order to pre-emptively recoup a POSSIBLE lost sale of a later copies is just outrageous to most people, and it's dependent on the idea that the company has any right to prevent you from using a copy of the software in any way you please once you've paid for it. The validity of that also hasn't been challenged particularly clearly, whether it's actually acceptable to "license" software or if it's a physical good which has been sold; like a book, I have a physical copy, I can screw with it in any way I want as long as I abide by the copyright (and patents in terms of software).
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That's one of the reasons people willingly and unwillingly pirate the OS. It's no different than when a person purchases a single-user copy of an antivirus and installs it on multiple computers. "I bought the software and I can do whatever I want with it" is the common excuse.
 
Originally posted by: mechBgon
Originally posted by: apoppin
not to change the subject, but:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1983510&enterthread=y

compusa has windows xp home sp2 upgrade for $39.99 no rebate!!/include vista upgrade coupon

maybe she can have it all 😉
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If she has a valid license (emphasis on "license," not "CD-ROM disc") for a qualifying previous version to upgrade from, such as retail-boxed Win98, then that would be a legit solution.
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cheap too 😉

i guess - if needed - someone could always make a gift of their old unneeded Win98 license & CD to her ... ms DOES allow one to accept a gift OS from someone, right?
😕

😀
 
i guess - if needed - someone could always make a gift of their old unneeded Win98 license & CD to her ... ms DOES allow one to accept a gift OS from someone, right?
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That would be a license transfer and if it's a retail license, no problem. If it's an OEM license, it's only valid for the computer that it came with, or the first computer it got installed on. So if I gave her an OEM Windows license that I'd used on another computer, it wouldn't be a valid license for her purposes (namely, as a basis for upgrading).

They could probably score a retail-boxed Win98 cheap on eBay if they bide their time.
 
Originally posted by: mechBgon
i guess - if needed - someone could always make a gift of their old unneeded Win98 license & CD to her ... ms DOES allow one to accept a gift OS from someone, right?
Click to expand...
That would be a license transfer and if it's a retail license, no problem. If it's an OEM license, it's only valid for the computer that it came with, or the first computer it got installed on. So if I gave her an OEM Windows license that I'd used on another computer, it wouldn't be a valid license for her purposes (namely, as a basis for upgrading).

They could probably score a retail-boxed Win98 cheap on eBay if they bide their time.
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what i am simply saying ... is that IF you are savvy and are willing to ask and spend some time, you can [legally] work around EULA's and license restrictions. MOST people i know have Old, unneeded and now unused Retail Win98 CDs they are willing to part with ... for *nothing* ... ask at work. ... or ebay.

with the CompUSA hot deal, you get a [UPGRADE] Home copy of XP -- AND ... wait for this, an upgrade to the base Vista to install at the time of your choosing.

MUCH better than a stolen copy of XP 😉
:thumbsup:

😀

even MS might agree
 
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