1 XP Pro CD with 2 lic. keys on 2 computers?

[Tiger]

As a new XP Pro user, now with 2 home computers, I've
posted quite a bit over the past week and have been very
grateful for all of the help that I've recevied. That
being said, I have another question, so here's some info -
Just purchased new system with XP Pro CD & Key. Need to
purchase another XP Pro key today for 2nd system (was
using Win98). Called my computer guy and this is what he
does:

He is an official Microsoft agent and so he is able to
sell full version CD and licence keys (I saw the shipment
arrive from Microsoft) without box that he gets straight
from Microsoft at a reduced price. He said I only need 1
CD (the one I already purchased for new computer), but I
will obviously need another licence key. Does this sound
right? I am going today and want to make sure that I get
everything that I need so that I don't have to go back to
his shop for another CD.

I really do trust him as he is quite knowledgeable and
doesn't hide anything - plus, he has a lot of
certifications on the walls (Microsoft, etc...) I know
that with XP the licence key and activation are very
important, so I just want to double-check on the process.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Gordon]

He said I only need 1 CD (the one I already purchased for new computer),
but I

will obviously need another licence key. Does this sound
right?

Yep, that's fine. You can use the one CD but activate with a different
licence (as long as the second licence is the same TYPE of licence as the
first.....)

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If I were you, I would insist on getting the Windows XP CD
along with the Product Key. Otherwise, if you have an issue
installing Windows XP, you'll be out the price you paid for
only purchasing the Product Key.

Is Your Copy of Windows Legal?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


| As a new XP Pro user, now with 2 home computers, I've
| posted quite a bit over the past week and have been very
| grateful for all of the help that I've recevied. That
| being said, I have another question, so here's some info -
| Just purchased new system with XP Pro CD & Key. Need to
| purchase another XP Pro key today for 2nd system (was
| using Win98). Called my computer guy and this is what he
| does:
|
| He is an official Microsoft agent and so he is able to
| sell full version CD and licence keys (I saw the shipment
| arrive from Microsoft) without box that he gets straight
| from Microsoft at a reduced price. He said I only need 1
| CD (the one I already purchased for new computer), but I
| will obviously need another licence key. Does this sound
| right? I am going today and want to make sure that I get
| everything that I need so that I don't have to go back to
| his shop for another CD.
|
| I really do trust him as he is quite knowledgeable and
| doesn't hide anything - plus, he has a lot of
| certifications on the walls (Microsoft, etc...) I know
| that with XP the licence key and activation are very
| important, so I just want to double-check on the process.
|
| Thanks, Tiger

 

[Tom]

As a new XP Pro user, now with 2 home computers, I've
posted quite a bit over the past week and have been very
grateful for all of the help that I've recevied. That
being said, I have another question, so here's some info -
Just purchased new system with XP Pro CD & Key. Need to
purchase another XP Pro key today for 2nd system (was
using Win98). Called my computer guy and this is what he
does:

He is an official Microsoft agent and so he is able to
sell full version CD and licence keys (I saw the shipment
arrive from Microsoft) without box that he gets straight
from Microsoft at a reduced price. He said I only need 1
CD (the one I already purchased for new computer), but I
will obviously need another licence key. Does this sound
right? I am going today and want to make sure that I get
everything that I need so that I don't have to go back to
his shop for another CD.

I really do trust him as he is quite knowledgeable and
doesn't hide anything - plus, he has a lot of
certifications on the walls (Microsoft, etc...) I know
that with XP the licence key and activation are very
important, so I just want to double-check on the process.

Thanks, Tiger

Save yourself the money, and buy an upgrade version of XP for your 98 setup, that is if you still have the 908 disk for qualifying the upgrade. You'll save $100!

If you decide to buy the key, make sure that the new key will work with the existing XP install disk you have, or you're out an install option.

 

[tiger]

Good suggestion! Actually, the price is the same with or
without the CD as he basically burns them for free (he
also doesn't automatically preload any of his systems with
XP OEM versions, only sells full versions for new
computers or upgrades if needed). We pay full price for
each licence key (which is an actual coloured key
Microsoft certificate) that he attaches right to the CD
case.

Just for my own info, I've been reading about OEM
versions, retail versions, etc... So what type of version
would this be? Is it only something that certain computer
techs have access to? It's very popular at his store as
he is waiting on his 2nd shipment from Microsoft of the
week, so I can't even buy my additional key today anyway.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Legally, an OEM reseller is not supposed to "burn" a copy of the
Windows XP CD. Any authentic Microsoft CD should be the one
purchased from Microsoft with a hologram image. In other words,
do not accept a "burned copy" of the Windows XP CD. You should
only receive a Microsoft CD that is authentic.

Visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...d.mspx?quizType=ret&compareButton=Compare+Now

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Good suggestion! Actually, the price is the same with or
| without the CD as he basically burns them for free (he
| also doesn't automatically preload any of his systems with
| XP OEM versions, only sells full versions for new
| computers or upgrades if needed). We pay full price for
| each licence key (which is an actual coloured key
| Microsoft certificate) that he attaches right to the CD
| case.
|
| Just for my own info, I've been reading about OEM
| versions, retail versions, etc... So what type of version
| would this be? Is it only something that certain computer
| techs have access to? It's very popular at his store as
| he is waiting on his 2nd shipment from Microsoft of the
| week, so I can't even buy my additional key today anyway.
|
| Thanks, Tiger

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Legally, an OEM reseller is not supposed to "burn" a copy of the
Windows XP CD. Any authentic Microsoft CD should be the one
purchased from Microsoft with a hologram image. In other words,
do not accept a "burned copy" of the Windows XP CD. You should
only receive a Microsoft CD that is authentic.

Visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...d.mspx?quizType=ret&compareButton=Compare+Now

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Good suggestion! Actually, the price is the same with or
| without the CD as he basically burns them for free (he
| also doesn't automatically preload any of his systems with
| XP OEM versions, only sells full versions for new
| computers or upgrades if needed). We pay full price for
| each licence key (which is an actual coloured key
| Microsoft certificate) that he attaches right to the CD
| case.
|
| Just for my own info, I've been reading about OEM
| versions, retail versions, etc... So what type of version
| would this be? Is it only something that certain computer
| techs have access to? It's very popular at his store as
| he is waiting on his 2nd shipment from Microsoft of the
| week, so I can't even buy my additional key today anyway.
|
| Thanks, Tiger

 

[tiger]

Thanks, but I am Canadian and so prices are quite
different here. Doing it his way over the upgrade actually
saves $100.00 as he discounts software for his customers.
To buy the uograde Pro version at Costco for instance is
$289.00 CDN, plus tax. Sure it comes with a box and a
Microsoft branded CD, but who needs those? His full
version of Pro is, $170.00 CDN, plus tax. That's quite a
savings - I'll give up the box and the other stuff in
retail box, in order to get the full version any day!

I also just checked on Microsoft site with link provided
below, and my copy is totally legal.

Thanks, Tiger

-----Original Message-----

"Tiger" <[email protected]> wrote in

message news:[email protected]...

Save yourself the money, and buy an upgrade version of XP

for your 98 setup, that is if you still have the 908 disk
for qualifying the upgrade. You'll save $100!

If you decide to buy the key, make sure that the new key

will work with the existing XP install disk you have, or
you're out an install option.

 

[Tiger]

That's the only thing I wasn't sure of, but I just did the
test as per your link below, and it said that I do have an
authentic copy. I wasn't able to complete the comparing
anti-piracy features test as I don't have a Microsoft CD.
What would you do?

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Tom]

Thanks, but I am Canadian and so prices are quite
different here. Doing it his way over the upgrade actually
saves $100.00 as he discounts software for his customers.
To buy the uograde Pro version at Costco for instance is
$289.00 CDN, plus tax. Sure it comes with a box and a
Microsoft branded CD, but who needs those? His full
version of Pro is, $170.00 CDN, plus tax. That's quite a
savings - I'll give up the box and the other stuff in
retail box, in order to get the full version any day!

I also just checked on Microsoft site with link provided
below, and my copy is totally legal.

Thanks, Tiger

Yes, you'll save money, but it isn't retail! If you get it burned by him, and he is authorized, then you're getting an OEM version, which means it can only be installed, and used on the first PC on which it is installed. IOWs, you cannot remove it from that first PC, to then install it on another, even if it is going to be ONLY one one PC. A retail copy does not have this limitation.

 

[tiger]

I guess I'm confused about OEM stuff! More questions:

1. How do I tell if it's OEM?

2. I already installed it into my 2nd computer, and it
works fine. I'm just waiting to go and buy the new key
from him in order to activate/register. If it were OEM,
would it have allowed me to install on a totally different
computer?

3. I thought OEM versions are those that are preloaded
into computers like Dell, HP, etc... Please help me
understand the difference between versions as I've maybe
misunderstood something.

Thanks, Tiger

-----Original Message-----

"tiger" <[email protected]> wrote in

message news:[email protected]...

Yes, you'll save money, but it isn't retail! If you get

it burned by him, and he is authorized, then you're
getting an OEM version, which means it can only be
installed, and used on the first PC on which it is
installed. IOWs, you cannot remove it from that first PC,
to then install it on another, even if it is going to be
ONLY one one PC. A retail copy does not have this
limitation.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Pay a visit to the seller and insist that you receive an authentic
"Microsoft Windows XP CD" with the authentic hologram image.
Do not accept a "burned copy"! If the seller is unwilling to accommodate
your request, then visit the following website and report the violation:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/Reporting.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------


| That's the only thing I wasn't sure of, but I just did the
| test as per your link below, and it said that I do have an
| authentic copy. I wasn't able to complete the comparing
| anti-piracy features test as I don't have a Microsoft CD.
| What would you do?
|
| Thanks, Tiger

 

[Tom]

I guess I'm confused about OEM stuff! More questions:

1. How do I tell if it's OEM?

Right click on My Computer, then choose properties, then under the Genral tab. Look under "registered to:"

It should have a name (maybe yours if you installed it and used your name during the setup process), and a series of numbers. If you see something like xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx, then I guess you'll know

2. I already installed it into my 2nd computer, and it
works fine. I'm just waiting to go and buy the new key
from him in order to activate/register. If it were OEM,
would it have allowed me to install on a totally different
computer?

Did you get a prompt to activate? Registration is totally different and not at all required. Activation doesn't matter if it is OEM or retail when installing it. Activation only allows it to be intalled on one PC at a time. If you installed it on one, then tried the same one on another, it would fail to activate on the 2nd.

3. I thought OEM versions are those that are preloaded
into computers like Dell, HP, etc... Please help me
understand the difference between versions as I've maybe
misunderstood something.

They can be preloaded, or sold with a piece of hardware, as Walmart sells them with a mouse, as one example. The only exceptions to OEMs is, they cannot perform upgrades, only clean installs, and they are tied to the first PC on which it is installed. If that PC dies, that disk does with it also.

 

[Tiger]

Yikes! I did what you said and it says OEM, but my COA
doesn't say it anywhere. What gives? I'm a bit upset as he
didn't mention that it was an OEM version at all! That's
why I'm still confused with him saying I only need 1 CD (2
keys) for both computers. Also, if my hdd were to die (as
my last OEM Windows drive from last week - that's why I
got a new computer), you're telling we I can't use this
version of Windows ever again!

Help! Tiger

-----Original Message-----

"tiger" <[email protected]> wrote in

message news:[email protected]...

Right click on My Computer, then choose properties, then

under the Genral tab. Look under "registered to:"

It should have a name (maybe yours if you installed it

and used your name during the setup process), and a series
of numbers. If you see something like xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-
xxxxx, then I guess you'll know

Did you get a prompt to activate? Registration is totally

different and not at all required. Activation doesn't
matter if it is OEM or retail when installing it.
Activation only allows it to be intalled on one PC at a
time. If you installed it on one, then tried the same one
on another, it would fail to activate on the 2nd.

They can be preloaded, or sold with a piece of hardware,

as Walmart sells them with a mouse, as one example. The
only exceptions to OEMs is, they cannot perform upgrades,
only clean installs, and they are tied to the first PC on
which it is installed. If that PC dies, that disk does
with it also.

 

[Tom]

Yikes! I did what you said and it says OEM, but my COA
doesn't say it anywhere. What gives?

COAs don't say that directly.

I'm a bit upset as he
didn't mention that it was an OEM version at all! That's
why I'm still confused with him saying I only need 1 CD (2
keys) for both computers.

Here's the point I'll add regarding your comment about the COAs. See, Product Keys are not simply tied to the disk, they are tied to the type of disk. e.g. A full install OEM disk has it own set of PKs, as does Full retail, Retail Upgrades, OEM Upgrades, and all of those with two more differences added to them between the Home and Pro versions. Activation simply records the hardware (Vid card, Sound card, MOBO, etc) serial numbers into a hash, and is sent to the MS database. When you need to activate again, the hash compares the previously recorded hash for changes, and accepts or denies activation, usually it is good, unless major changes are made.

Also, if my hdd were to die (as
my last OEM Windows drive from last week - that's why I
got a new computer), you're telling we I can't use this
version of Windows ever again!

If you disk came with the hdd, and the hdd died, then by agreement, your OEM version is gone too. But, if you still have the rest of the components in the tower, and they were there with the intital install, I think you'll still be able to use. try it, and if it activates, then you are good. It is a real iffy area where I am concerned, because I tend to think the agreement means computer system as the whole, and not the part, as the example i gave way, a OEM version being sold with a mouse. If I replaced the mouse, but the system worlked still, i would buy another mouse as they disk doesn't die with it.. You'll get varying degrees of what other have to say about this though. Most will disagree with me because they are MS zealots that only look out for MS, and not for the consumer.

 

[D.Currie]

He's already lied to you a number of times. For instance, MS doesn't sell
product directly to computer stores. Second, it's completely against the MS
agreement for stores to burn copies of Windows and sell them with individual
keys. If he's not getting MSs CDs and selling them with their original keys,
he's doing something illegal.

Figure that he's not going to be in business very long.

Your key may be coming up as valid, but that may just mean that it hasn't
been filtered out yet. Or he may have a crop of stolen stickers that are
good numbers, but still illegal.

I'd worry about doing business with this guy. If he's willing to blatantly
steal from Microsoft, what makes you think he'd deal fairly with you? Or if
he's being duped by whoever he's buying product from, then he's not so
bright.

As far as the fancy MS certificates, don't be so impressed. It means he's
been to seminars or whatever; it doesn't really prove anything.

 

[Phil]

You're not getting a Full retail version. That comes with a box. Any version
not with a box is an oem version. OEM version have restrictions that retail
versions don't. If you buy a xp pro retail version license and you get an
oem cd, then it isn't going to work. Plus, like others have said here, he
can't burn copies. Sounds fishy to me.

 

[tiger]

I just called and spoke with my computer guy and this is
what he said:

1. He says I can reinstall my OEM version of Windows a
reasonable amount of times (a few times) for a hard drive
upgrade (due to a crash or something like that). He said
it will be up to Microsoft to accept the activation and
they usually do because they know that crashes happen. He
said if I try to activate too many times, Microsoft will
not accept it because more than likely I'm trying to
install it into someone else's computer. What do you think?

2. He also said that the way he installs this OEM version
of XP Pro software is more open than Dell or EMachines for
instance in that I can reinstall it to my computer if
something were to happen in the future (see above). He
again said I can install it to my 2nd computer terminal
here at home and then activate it with the new key that I
am going to purchase from him on Monday. Does this sound
right? I asked if there were different OEM versions and he
said, "No, it's all in the way that they are installed
into the computer."

3. I asked about support, and he said that Microsoft does
not technically support OEM versions because that is his
job to do so since he sold me the product. He reiterated
that he'll always support us with any problems.

4. Asked why he doesn't give the Microsoft hologram CD
with the COAs, and he said that he is allowed to burn the
CD because he builds computers and this is a way to save
customer's money. I'm not sure if I believe this since I
saw otherwise on the Microsoft website, but this is all he
would tell me.

At this point my husband and I are confused. I'm not sure
what to believe at this point since some of the answers on
this board are contrary to what he is saying as well as on
the Microsoft website. I wish there was a way I could call
or email Microsoft with my questions. Is this possible?

Any suggestions as to what I should do now? Tiger

 

[D.Currie]

I just called and spoke with my computer guy and this is
what he said:

1. He says I can reinstall my OEM version of Windows a
reasonable amount of times (a few times) for a hard drive
upgrade (due to a crash or something like that). He said
it will be up to Microsoft to accept the activation and
they usually do because they know that crashes happen. He
said if I try to activate too many times, Microsoft will
not accept it because more than likely I'm trying to
install it into someone else's computer. What do you think?

You can reinstall the OEM software as many times as you like on the same
computer. How MS defines "same computer" is up to interpretation. If it's a
different motherboard, they may not consider it the same computer.

2. He also said that the way he installs this OEM version
of XP Pro software is more open than Dell or EMachines for
instance in that I can reinstall it to my computer if
something were to happen in the future (see above).

You can reinstall your Dell or EMachines software as many times as you like
on the same computer. There are differences in OEM software from the big
companies, and generic OEM CDs, but this isn't one of them.

He

again said I can install it to my 2nd computer terminal
here at home and then activate it with the new key that I
am going to purchase from him on Monday. Does this sound
right?

NO. OEM keys are not sold separately. Either you get the whole MS package,
or what you've got is bogus in some way.


I asked if there were different OEM versions and he

said, "No, it's all in the way that they are installed
into the computer."

He just contradicted himself. Before he said the Dell and Emachines software
was different.

3. I asked about support, and he said that Microsoft does
not technically support OEM versions because that is his
job to do so since he sold me the product. He reiterated
that he'll always support us with any problems.

Until he goes out of business for selling pirated software.

4. Asked why he doesn't give the Microsoft hologram CD
with the COAs, and he said that he is allowed

BULL

to burn the

CD because he builds computers and this is a way to save
customer's money. I'm not sure if I believe this since I
saw otherwise on the Microsoft website, but this is all he
would tell me.

He's not allowed by MS to burn CDs. It's pretty clear that OEMs have to sell
the original MS hologrammed CD with the license, or it's not legal in some
way. Maybe whoever is selling him these stickers is duping him, but that
doesn't make it legal in any way. The exception is big OEMs like Dell,
Gateway, etc., who use their own customized CDs, but that's a whole other
story.

At this point my husband and I are confused. I'm not sure
what to believe at this point since some of the answers on
this board are contrary to what he is saying as well as on
the Microsoft website. I wish there was a way I could call
or email Microsoft with my questions. Is this possible?

The piracy section at MSs website has all the info you need. You can also
call 1-800-RU Legit.

Any suggestions as to what I should do now? Tiger

Shop elsewhere?

 

[JAX]

It would be interesting to look at a hand-full of the guy's COA stickers and
compare the "characters" on them. If he is giving the customer a home burned
copy of XP, something is WRONG!!

FWIF, JAX

Yikes! I did what you said and it says OEM, but my COA
doesn't say it anywhere. What gives?

COAs don't say that directly.

I'm a bit upset as he
didn't mention that it was an OEM version at all! That's
why I'm still confused with him saying I only need 1 CD (2
keys) for both computers.

Here's the point I'll add regarding your comment about the COAs. See,
Product Keys are not simply tied to the disk, they are tied to the type of
disk. e.g. A full install OEM disk has it own set of PKs, as does Full
retail, Retail Upgrades, OEM Upgrades, and all of those with two more
differences added to them between the Home and Pro versions. Activation
simply records the hardware (Vid card, Sound card, MOBO, etc) serial numbers
into a hash, and is sent to the MS database. When you need to activate
again, the hash compares the previously recorded hash for changes, and
accepts or denies activation, usually it is good, unless major changes are
made.

Also, if my hdd were to die (as
my last OEM Windows drive from last week - that's why I
got a new computer), you're telling we I can't use this
version of Windows ever again!

If you disk came with the hdd, and the hdd died, then by agreement, your OEM
version is gone too. But, if you still have the rest of the components in
the tower, and they were there with the intital install, I think you'll
still be able to use. try it, and if it activates, then you are good. It is
a real iffy area where I am concerned, because I tend to think the agreement
means computer system as the whole, and not the part, as the example i gave
way, a OEM version being sold with a mouse. If I replaced the mouse, but the
system worlked still, i would buy another mouse as they disk doesn't die
with it.. You'll get varying degrees of what other have to say about this
though. Most will disagree with me because they are MS zealots that only
look out for MS, and not for the consumer.