Help! Illegal copy of XP Professional

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Last year I purchased a copy of XP Professional on eBay. Prior to that, I
purchased Windows 2000 Professional from Best Buy - it was a legal copy and I
still have it. I wanted to upgrade/change to XP so I was hoping to get a
less expensive purchase via eBay. Everything was fine with it until this
week when I tried to download an upgrade to Windows Media Player 10. My
licenses were out of wack and when I called Microsoft for support, they told
me it was an OEM version and they didn't support those versions. I had no
idea I purchased an OEM version. I want a legal copy of XP and don't want to
have to reformat my harddrive. Since XP Professional is already on my
computer, if I "re-buy" the op-sys, can I load it over this OEM version? Or
do I have to reformat?
 
TeaCrumpets said:
Last year I purchased a copy of XP Professional on eBay. Prior to that, I
purchased Windows 2000 Professional from Best Buy - it was a legal copy and I
still have it. I wanted to upgrade/change to XP so I was hoping to get a
less expensive purchase via eBay.
Click to expand...


Granted, one should be very careful buying any software on eBay, as
eBay makes no prior effort to ensure that such sales are legitimate;
they react only when someone files a complaint. (And then all that
really happens is the seller of the pirated software returns using a
different alias, to continue selling illegitimate licenses.)

Everything was fine with it until this
week when I tried to download an upgrade to Windows Media Player 10. My
licenses were out of wack and when I called Microsoft for support, they told
me it was an OEM version and they didn't support those versions.
Click to expand...


How, exactly, was your license "out of whack?" But anyway, it's true
that Microsoft does not and cannot support OEM installations. You'll
need to turn to whomever sold you that OEM license for support.

I had no
idea I purchased an OEM version.
Click to expand...


Then you should learn to pay more attention when shopping.

I want a legal copy of XP and don't want to
have to reformat my harddrive.
Click to expand...


What makes you think that your copy of WinXP is not "legal?" Just
because you have an OEM license, it doesn't mean that you don't have a
legitimate license. Or did you perhaps purchase a branded OEM CD? (If
so, there goes your claim of not knowing it was an OEM license.)

Since XP Professional is already on my
computer, if I "re-buy" the op-sys, can I load it over this OEM version? Or
do I have to reformat?
Click to expand...


You shouldn't need to reformat. You can use a _legitimate_ full
copy of WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade)
installation, using the new CD and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH
 
Have had no problems updating OEM versions through Microsoft Update site.
Explain "licenses were out of whack"? Did you activate XP? Were you
informed the product key was invalid or previously used or the number of
copies under the license had been reached or exceeded? Did you voluntarily
use the update sites offer to verify the legitimacy of your XP version?
 
TeaCrumpets said:
Last year I purchased a copy of XP Professional on eBay. Prior to
that, I
purchased Windows 2000 Professional from Best Buy - it was a legal
copy and I
still have it. I wanted to upgrade/change to XP so I was hoping to
get a
less expensive purchase via eBay. Everything was fine with it until
this
week when I tried to download an upgrade to Windows Media Player 10.
My
licenses were out of wack and when I called Microsoft for support,
they told
me it was an OEM version and they didn't support those versions. I
had no
idea I purchased an OEM version. I want a legal copy of XP and don't
want to
have to reformat my harddrive. Since XP Professional is already on my
computer, if I "re-buy" the op-sys, can I load it over this OEM
version? Or
do I have to reformat?
Click to expand...


"Out of whack" is a meaningless statement. Tells us NOTHING! Could be
the OEM version is a retail version that only needs to be sold with
qualifying hardware (I got mine with a SATA drive cable). Could be it
is a vendor-specific OEM version and may even be BIOS-locked to that
computer vendor's brand and model. Since you never described what
happened when you attempted to upgrade the Windows Media Player then
obviously no one can address that particular problem.

OEM versions, whether retail (with qualifying hardware) or
vendor-specific versions, do not perform upgrades. They will wipe the
partition and do a *full* fresh install. You need a retail full- or
upgrade-version to perform an upgrade. However, the only "upgrade" that
a retail version will do over an OEM version is to perform an in-place
upgrade (i.e., Repair) since there is nothing to upgrade but maybe
something to fix. That means the license won't change (the product code
generated from the product key used for your OEM install will still be
in-place after the repair). If the OEM version is illegal, pirated, or
whatever "whacked" means, then you'll have to perform a fresh install of
the retail version of Windows XP which means you wipe your partition
(after first backing up your data files). AFAIK, the product code does
not change by performing a repair.
 
There are some, albeit not all, OEM XP versions which do upgrades and not a
clean install. From a previous post:

XP Pro upgrade CD contains the following sub-folders in the I386 folder
WIN9XMIG, WIN9XUPG AND WINNTUPG.
XP Pro full version CD does not - all other XP files are identical in both
versions. You can "convert" a full version XP by copying the XP CD to a
folder on the HD - from an upgrade CD version - copy the above folders to
the I386 sub-folder on the HD - copy the files from the HD to a CD and you
now have an "upgrade" XP CD - or you can run
setup from the HD folder. Obverse is possible - create XP full from XP
upgrade CD.
 
Al Romanosky said:
There are some, albeit not all, OEM XP versions which do upgrades and
not a clean install. From a previous post:

XP Pro upgrade CD contains ...
Click to expand...

That is not a retail or vendor-specific OEM version. That is a non-OEM
retail "upgrade" version (you can only upgrade by having a prior
qualifying version of Windows).
XP Pro full version CD ...
Click to expand...

That is also not a retail or vendor-specific OEM version. That is a
retail "full" version (you can perform a full install or an upgrade).

See http://www.tek-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=4004 where it says, "ALL OEM
copies can only be installed clean: (that is, the hard drive must be
formatted before XP OEM can be installed). They cannot be used to
perform an upgrade of an existing Operating System so make sure you back
up all necessary data and files BEFORE installing XP OEM, since the
format of the Hard Drive will erase ALL data on it."

If you Google around, you'll find articles, like
http://www.petri.co.il/use_oem_version_to_upgrade_xp.htm, which make it
appear that you could change an OEM's behavior so it will upgrade
instead of wipe and clean install. However, the article also mentioned
problems that result in using that technique. Maybe that's the
illegally distributed version that the OP got stuck with, but until the
OP explains what is meant by "out of whack" then no one knows what to
suggest to the OP.
 
Granted, one should be very careful buying any software on eBay



How, exactly, was your license "out of whack?" But anyway, it's true
that Microsoft does not and cannot support OEM installations. You'll
need to turn to whomever sold you that OEM license for support.
Click to expand...

Please excuse my technical shortcomings. I will in the future write down
all error messages before consulting this help group. As for the "out of
whack", after the Windows media player 10 finished upgrading it gave me an
error message (and I apologize for not having the exact words) saying that it
could not restore/upgrade/reset/renew my licenses. It was one of those words
and I know they mean different things to all of you gentlemen, but to me, a
novice, they mean the same: problem with transferring licenses from Media
Player 9 to 10. Since then, I have done a system restore to the day before I
downloaded Media Player 10 and no longer have a problem as I am able to
download my music again using my Media Player 9. I don't know why I can't
upgrade which is why I called Microsoft for help and then learned it was an
OEM version.
What makes you think that your copy of WinXP is not "legal?" Just
because you have an OEM license, it doesn't mean that you don't have a
legitimate license. Or did you perhaps purchase a branded OEM CD? (If
so, there goes your claim of not knowing it was an OEM license.)
Click to expand...

I don't know what you mean by "branded OEM". I thought I was buying a used
retail-purchased XP. The auction stated this was a previously owned and that
there was no manual or box, just the CD and it was in good condition. I had
no problem installing it on my computer using the product key so there were
no red flags to warn me. I did not know at the time that software was
bundled JUST for computers vs retail. Again, I'm not as technical as all of
you and this is new to me. When MS told me they couldn't support it because
it was OEM I assumed that meant it was illegal. So, if OEM licenses are
legal, then why won't Microsoft support me?
 
--"Al Romanosky said:
Have had no problems updating OEM versions through Microsoft Update site.
Explain "licenses were out of whack"?
Click to expand...

Please see first reply to "Bruce Chambers"
Did you activate XP? Were you
informed the product key was invalid or previously used or the number of
copies under the license had been reached or exceeded? Did you voluntarily
use the update sites offer to verify the legitimacy of your XP version?
Click to expand...


It was a year ago, but I do believe I must have activated XP. I have
downloaded all updates even through SP2 without specific-to-me problems. I
have had the same problems others have had with SP2 but the actual updates
install fine. Only problems with the Media Player update and never would
have known I didn't have a regular copy of XP had I not called Microsoft for
support. I was informed the product key was valid when I purchased it and it
has acted "valid" up until this past week.

The Media Player update problem is probably totally unrelated to my license
with XP, the problem is I can't find out what the problem is since they won't
provide support to me. I don't want to think about what other things I might
need support on in the future which is why I want to get rid of this OEM
version and install a retail version.
 
Vanguard said:
"Out of whack" is a meaningless statement. Tells us NOTHING! Could be
the OEM version is a retail version that only needs to be sold with
qualifying hardware (I got mine with a SATA drive cable). Could be it
is a vendor-specific OEM version and may even be BIOS-locked to that
computer vendor's brand and model. Since you never described what
happened when you attempted to upgrade the Windows Media Player then
obviously no one can address that particular problem.
Click to expand...

When it gave me the error message after the upgrade that
"renewing/resetting/upgrading/restoring" my licenses failed, I interpreted
that to mean my licenses were "out of whack." I did not write down the exact
words used and I apologize. I will be more prepared in the future when
asking for help. I figured it was just a little problem that could be
quickly fixed by calling support. That's when I discovered my license was
OEM.
If the OEM version is illegal, pirated, or
whatever "whacked" means, then you'll have to perform a fresh install
Click to expand...

I didn't say my XP version was "whacked" but that MS told me the license was
an OEM license. At that time I did not know the technical background of
retail vs. OEM vs. priated etc. This week has been a learning experience for
me. I thought I was buying a previously owned retail-purchased copy and that
the license was being transferred to me in the purchase which at the time I
understood to be legal. I still think that is.
 
YIKES! This is all WAY over my head. I think I'll buy a full version, not
an upgrade, and do a fresh, clean install. It's a headache to backup all my
digital photos (1000's of 'em) and my music, but it seems to sound easier to
me at this point. Then, at least I can get support from MS in the future
when little things like this happen.

If you have any advice on why the license thing with Media Player 10
happened, I'd love to hear it, otherwise,

Thank you to all your replies and attention, gentlemen.
 
Hello TeaCrumpets,
OEM software is not necessarily illegal or pirated. Microsoft just sells its
software to Original Equipment Manufacturers- OEMs' at a fraction of the
cost that they would charge you or I. The reason is OEMs buy thousands of
copies not just one and so get an enormous volume purchase discount. There
are lots of versions of Windows XP. There is even a corporate version which
doesn't require product activation. It is exactly the same as the version
you buy in a shop, the difference is in the CD key which switches off
activation. Similarly your OEM copy of XP is most likely a full version. It
clearly is not machine specific as it loaded on your PC in the first place,
but also SP2 checks for pirated versions and will not load on most cracked
or pirated versions of Windows.

If you are still concerned go to the Microsoft website download area and
select something to download-not a Service Pack just something small-most
Microsoft downloads require a check to be made on your copy of Windows XP
to ensure it is genuine. This test should determine for you whether you have
a genuine or pirated version as far as Microsoft is concerned. My guess is
your copy of XP will pass. When MS tells you they don't support OEM
versions, that simply means they expect the original supplier of the machine
hosting the OEM version to be responsible for technical support.

I do not know a lot about media player 10, but I do know that it
incorporates new technology to for protecting the copyright on music. From
what I have heard this can be quite a pain, particularly if you have a lot
of multimedia files like music which have been acquired shall we say in a
slightly shady way. I understand Player 10 can detect music that has been
shared ie downloaded from someone without being purchased. I would suspect
the messages you are receiving about licences relates to detection of
something that media player believes to have breached the copyright of a
music or video provider. If I am correct, installing another version of
Windows will not fix the media player. I think your best route would be to
install another media player-there are lots of them around and most do not
attempt to police your PC. As you can probably tell I have no shares in a
record company-hope that helps


Chelsea
 
Chelsea said:
There are lots of versions of Windows XP. There is even a corporate version which
doesn't require product activation.
Click to expand...

Wrong. this is a windows "myth". There IS no "corporate" version. Anything
sold as "corporate" version is pirated.
 
Chelsea said:
Only wrong in that its not sold as XP Corporate Edition-I did not want to go
into unnecessary detail. Check here
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321880#appliesto
Microsoft clearly believe they produce something for volume licence buyers!

Chelsea
Click to expand...

A complete confusion! The site you posted is for TOOLS that can be used to
assist with the installation of many instances of XP in a corporate
ENVIRONMENT - there is NO "corporate" version of XP.
There are Volume Licensing Key versions which don't need activating, but
this is strictly for large corporations. Thereb is no "legal" version of
windows called "corporate", and especially not for home use!
 
TeaCrumpets said:
YIKES! This is all WAY over my head. I think I'll buy a full
version, not
an upgrade, and do a fresh, clean install. It's a headache to backup
all my
digital photos (1000's of 'em) and my music, but it seems to sound
easier to
me at this point. Then, at least I can get support from MS in the
future
when little things like this happen.

If you have any advice on why the license thing with Media Player 10
happened, I'd love to hear it, otherwise,

Thank you to all your replies and attention, gentlemen.
Click to expand...


You only get 2 included support calls to Microsoft for the retail
version. Is it worth the extra price of a non-OEM version for those 2
free calls? For example pricing, Windows XP SP-2 OEM at $146
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102153) or
Windows XP SP-2 retail "upgrade" at $200
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837116195). So
are those 2 calls included in the retail version worth the $54?

As for licenses, it was probably assumed that you meant the license for
Windows XP since your description of your problem has remained vague.
However, media content can also be licensed. A content provider or
author can protect their content by requiring a license to play it. If
you look in WMP, it shows you the licenses for the audio/video content
for which you have garnered their licenses needed to play their content
(click on the Library tab, click the file, and look under the File ->
Properties -> License menu). These are licenses for the music, not for
the OS or WMP. Look under WMP's Tools -> Manage Licences to see where
are [expected for] the files for your licenses. I don't download any
licensed music (since I don't bother listening or buying music from the
web) so I can't check what would be under "%userprofile%\My Documents\My
Music\License Backup" (the default location for me shown by WMP).
 
Chelsea said:
Hello TeaCrumpets,
OEM software is not necessarily illegal or pirated. Microsoft just
sells its software to Original Equipment Manufacturers- OEMs' at a
fraction of the cost that they would charge you or I.
Click to expand...

Microsoft also sells retail versions of OEM versions but through
distributors (with the caveat that it be purchased with qualifying
hardware). So the OEM version is from Microsoft rather than a
vendor-customized OEM version, like from Dell. The reason the OEM
version which you buy just one instance thereof being cheaper is that
you are not paying for support (and why Microsoft won't provide support
because you didn't pay for it). Those 2 included tech calls with the
full-version retail copy is because you paid more than for the
full-version OEM copy. While the OEMs get a price break due to volume
sales, you still get a price break when buying just one instance because
you aren't paying for support.
There is even a corporate version which doesn't require product
activation.
Click to expand...

The "Corporate Edition" is a pirated copy. It is one license or
instance stripped out from a purchase of a Volume License. When you
purchase the volume license, all instances included within that volume
license are to be used with the same organization, so selling off one of
its licenses is a violation of the terms of sale when you got the volume
license. Some shady sellers at eBay used to do that with QuickBooks,
too, where they would buy the 5-license pack, make their own 4 copies
and sell off those, and the user wouldn't know they had a pirated copy
until they called tech support.
I do not know a lot about media player 10, but I do know that it
incorporates new technology to for protecting the copyright on music.
Click to expand...

DRM (Digital Rights Management) was added back in version 9 of WMP.

Maybe the DRM database is corrupted
(http://support.microsoft.com/?id=810422).
 
Hi Gordon,
I was trying to help someone who was obviously getting totally submerged by
the technical responses in the thread. I did not want to talk about volume
licencing of XP and simply was making the point that Microsoft Windows XP as
boxed and sold in the local computer store is not the only version of
Windows available. As you will know there are Retail, OEM, VLP and also
Trials-then there are the pirated versions and cracks. If you look at the
link I meant to post you will see that a VLP edition certainly exists and is
not pirated or illegal in anyway. It is true that you need to buy multiple
copies of XP to obtain a VLP CD, but to have said all that in the thread
would have been irrelevent and confusing.

Chelsea
 
Thank you Vanguard,
I know Microsoft sell OEM versions through distributors, which can be bought
very cheaply if you also buy a cable or system fan or other minor hardware,
but I wasn't discussing their business model, rather trying to give a simple
answer to a fairly simple question. For what its worth there are great deals
to be had on Office as well if you buy OEM.
I don't believe I said anything about how XP sold under the Volume licence
program should be deployed, I would have thought it obvious that the
licences were for use within the same organisation! Again though I can't see
how this helps the original questioner. Picking up on whether an XP VLP
version is called Corporate Edition or not is just going to confuse and
besides is irrelevant to the original question.

As for DRM being introduced in media player 9-thanks for the correction. I'm
not a fan of media player-I prefer WinAmp, but please folks don't start a
debate about that lol.

Chelsea
 
Chelsea said:
Thank you Vanguard,
I know Microsoft sell OEM versions through distributors, which can be
bought very cheaply if you also buy a cable or system fan or other
minor hardware, but I wasn't discussing their business model, rather
trying to give a simple answer to a fairly simple question. For what
its worth there are great deals to be had on Office as well if you buy
OEM.
Click to expand...

You made it sound like the only reason (because that's the only one you
mentioned) that the OEM version is cheaper is due to volume purchasing
by OEMs. I brought up that it is also cheaper for a 1-license copy
because of the lack of support (because you didn't pay for it).
I don't believe I said anything about how XP sold under the Volume
licence program should be deployed, I would have thought it obvious
that the licences were for use within the same organisation! Again
though I can't see how this helps the original questioner. Picking up
on whether an XP VLP version is called Corporate Edition or not is
just going to confuse and besides is irrelevant to the original
question.
Click to expand...

So why did *YOU* bring up the "Corporate Edition"? If it was
irrelevant, why did you mention it? Only because YOU mentioned the
Corporate Edition is why I then responded that the version so named is a
pirated copy.
 
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