can I install XP OEM on exisiting system?

  • Thread starter Thread starter code_wrong
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C

code_wrong

While browsing for the cheapest XP OS disk I find this:

--quote--
Microsoft OEM Operating system software MUST be purchased with a
non-peripheral hardware component or fully assembled computer system.
Non-peripheral hardware consists of a motherboard, graphics card, memory
module, hard disk, keyboard or mouse. Full retail boxed products must be
ordered if no hardware/PC system is to accompany the sale.
--end quote--
here:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=66489
 
Yes, in fact OEM is intended for a Clean Installation on a new computer.
There will not be an upgrade option and any data that may be on the
partition will be lost.
 
code_wrong said:
While browsing for the cheapest XP OS disk I find this:

--quote--
Microsoft OEM Operating system software MUST be purchased with a
non-peripheral hardware component or fully assembled computer system.
Non-peripheral hardware consists of a motherboard, graphics card,
memory module, hard disk, keyboard or mouse. Full retail boxed
products must be ordered if no hardware/PC system is to accompany the
sale. --end quote--
here:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=66489
Click to expand...

Yes - that is true.

Technically an OEM copy must be purchased with a piece of hardware -
although I have seen it sold with the audio cable that goes from your CD
drive to your sound card.

OEMs can only be installed clean - wiping the machine of everything
previous. There is no "upgrade" with a true OEM copy of Windows XP.
OEMs come with no support from Microsoft, your only drop-back point is the
OEM you buy it from.
OEM copies can be modified in almost anyway - personalized by the OEM to
their specifications - even as far as to make it depend on something on the
machine. Generally the OEM copies bought online without a computer in the
purchase are not done that way unless you get taken for a ride.
In strict accordance with the EULA you click "I Agree" to when installing
the product - once installed on Machine "A", if Machine "A" melts to slag in
front of your very eyes - you have lost the license of Windows XP you had
installed on it even if you were holding the pretty XP CD in your hands and
it remained unharmed during the meltdown.
You cannot purchase additional license with OEM copies, just additional OEM
copies (which is cheaper anyway. heh)

There are other limitations of OEM copies - but in general - they are the
same as the Retail for someone who knows what they are doing and what they
want.

If you do get one of those cheap copies and are concerned about legalities
as well:
http://www.howtotell.com/
 
Jupiter Jones said:
Yes, in fact OEM is intended for a Clean Installation on a new computer.
There will not be an upgrade option and any data that may be on the
partition will be lost.
Click to expand...

thanks ..the information on these licenses is confusing ..it's not very
helpful when sites like ebuyer.com add to the miss-information
cheers
cw
 
Shenan Stanley said:
Yes - that is true.

Technically an OEM copy must be purchased with a piece of hardware -
although I have seen it sold with the audio cable that goes from your CD
drive to your sound card.

OEMs can only be installed clean - wiping the machine of everything
previous. There is no "upgrade" with a true OEM copy of Windows XP.
OEMs come with no support from Microsoft, your only drop-back point is the
OEM you buy it from.
OEM copies can be modified in almost anyway - personalized by the OEM to
their specifications - even as far as to make it depend on something on
the machine. Generally the OEM copies bought online without a computer in
the purchase are not done that way unless you get taken for a ride.
In strict accordance with the EULA you click "I Agree" to when installing
the product - once installed on Machine "A", if Machine "A" melts to slag
in front of your very eyes - you have lost the license of Windows XP you
had installed on it even if you were holding the pretty XP CD in your
hands and it remained unharmed during the meltdown.
You cannot purchase additional license with OEM copies, just additional
OEM copies (which is cheaper anyway. heh)

There are other limitations of OEM copies - but in general - they are the
same as the Retail for someone who knows what they are doing and what they
want.

If you do get one of those cheap copies and are concerned about legalities
as well:
http://www.howtotell.com/
Click to expand...

I have always been wary of trying out that site ...I have the impression
that if in fact the system does have a bootleg copy of XP .. some activex
component at that sitewill lock up the system and demand that you buy a
legitimate copy while at the same time adding your details to the FBI most
wanted list ... So it's not as bad as that then?
 
Nothing of the kind will happen.
The worst thing that can happen is you determine you have a pirated version
when you thought it was legal.
But do not assume the sight is correct.
If the site suggests pirated and you believe otherwise, research with the
seller to determine the cause.
 
You asked, in the header, a question.
If you mean overinstall XP to an existing XP install, no. Clean install,
yes.

Shopping for an OEM, non-specific to any PC, XP install software, one should
be wary. The very cheap ones are most likely pirated. You should shop at a
reputable, long term online business for this to lessen the liklihood of
getting a pirated copy.
 
XP Home is only Mainstream supported for another 1.5 years. Get the least
expensive version of Windows XP available...because Longhorn will soon have a
"Windows" name!..?...!
 
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