How to tell if XP on a Gateway is valid/legal???

[mike]

I bought a used Gateway on Craigslist. Picking it up this afternoon.
Claims to have valid XP install and OEM reinstall disks.

How do I verify that BEFORE I hand over the cash?

MS website has all kinds of info about "indicators that
media/stickers/etc "might be pirated"...but I can't find any clear
information on how to tell FOR SURE before you buy the computer.
The Gateway site is no help. The general rule of thumb appears to be,
"we'll activate your XP if we feel like it...
sorry for any inconvenience..."

I've never had a preinstalled OEM version of XP. Do gateway computers
have pre-activated xp? 25-digit license keys?

On my retail xp system, siw.exe tells me the license key and
that the system is activated. Does that work on a preinstalled OEM
system? Is it a reliable indicator that the system can be re-activated
after making major changes?

First thing I'm gonna do with the system is upgrade the ram, hard drive
and network card. If it will let me, I'll probably upgrade from Celeron
to PIII. Then do a clean reinstall of XP. I expect that's gonna
require re-activation.

I've read horror stories that even if you have the original media and
COA and license keys, the key may have been compromised and blacklisted
by MS. So, even though a system thinks it's activated, I still
may not be able to re-activate it after changes. Yes? no?
Can MS unilaterally invalidate my installation? Silly question...
I know they can. Guess the question is, "how do I make sure that
doesn't happen?"

Can I learn anything relevant/useful with msoobe.exe?

I've got two other programs:
mgadiag.exe
and
genuinecheck.exe.
Both require an internet connection that I'm not sure is going to be
available.
If I can get hooked to the internet, do those programs give me ASSURANCE
that I won't have activation problems?

So, what do I need to do to ASSURE myself that I'm getting a used
computer with XP that MS will
let me use BEFORE I pay for it??? I really want to do this without
an internet connection...may not have one available.

I can't be the only one concerned about this. Virtually every computer
shows up used eventually. Almost the entire value of this system is in
the (valid) xp licence.

What are my options?

Thanks, mike

 

[John John (MVP)]

For the installation on the computer you would have to go online and
have it pass the WGA test. For the cd/media disk you will have to
closely examine the products:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/content.aspx?displaylang=en&pg=faq

How much are you paying for this used computer and how old is it? You
seem to be wanting or needing to put a lot into the machine after you
buy it. Also, you say you want to "upgrade" the processor to a PIII,
that is a nearly completely obsolete processor! If the computer is old
to the point that a PIII is an upgrade the computer isn't worth much!
You might be better off buying a newer machine.

John

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I bought a used Gateway on Craigslist. Picking it up this
afternoon. Claims to have valid XP install and OEM reinstall disks.

How do I verify that BEFORE I hand over the cash?

MS website has all kinds of info about "indicators that
media/stickers/etc "might be pirated"...but I can't find any clear
information on how to tell FOR SURE before you buy the computer.
The Gateway site is no help. The general rule of thumb appears to
be, "we'll activate your XP if we feel like it...
sorry for any inconvenience..."

I've never had a preinstalled OEM version of XP. Do gateway
computers have pre-activated xp? 25-digit license keys?

On my retail xp system, siw.exe tells me the license key and
that the system is activated. Does that work on a preinstalled OEM
system? Is it a reliable indicator that the system can be
re-activated after making major changes?

First thing I'm gonna do with the system is upgrade the ram, hard
drive and network card. If it will let me, I'll probably upgrade
from Celeron to PIII. Then do a clean reinstall of XP. I expect
that's gonna require re-activation.

I've read horror stories that even if you have the original media
and COA and license keys, the key may have been compromised and
blacklisted by MS. So, even though a system thinks it's activated,
I still may not be able to re-activate it after changes. Yes? no?
Can MS unilaterally invalidate my installation? Silly question...
I know they can. Guess the question is, "how do I make sure that
doesn't happen?"

Can I learn anything relevant/useful with msoobe.exe?

I've got two other programs:
mgadiag.exe
and
genuinecheck.exe.
Both require an internet connection that I'm not sure is going to be
available.
If I can get hooked to the internet, do those programs give me
ASSURANCE that I won't have activation problems?

So, what do I need to do to ASSURE myself that I'm getting a used
computer with XP that MS will
let me use BEFORE I pay for it??? I really want to do this without
an internet connection...may not have one available.

I can't be the only one concerned about this. Virtually every
computer shows up used eventually. Almost the entire value of this
system is in the (valid) xp licence.

What are my options?

Your best option...

Order a refurbished computer from online (reputable dealer) and know that
you have a machine that is better than a PIII, required you to do nothing
and will have a legitimate OS license.

Example:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=2628

I just think you would be better off and have the piece of mind you are
looking for.

(If you were buying this computer for $100 and it has a legitimate
everything - you are already talking about upgrading the processor (which
might require a new motherboard and new memory), hard disk drive and network
card... So you are looking at at least another $100 there - why not take
your $200 and maybe add a bit more and get a refurbished PC with everything
you want and more to start with?)

 

[mike]

Your best option...

Order a refurbished computer from online (reputable dealer) and know that
you have a machine that is better than a PIII, required you to do nothing
and will have a legitimate OS license.

Example:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=2628

I just think you would be better off and have the piece of mind you are
looking for.

(If you were buying this computer for $100 and it has a legitimate
everything - you are already talking about upgrading the processor (which
might require a new motherboard and new memory), hard disk drive and network
card... So you are looking at at least another $100 there - why not take
your $200 and maybe add a bit more and get a refurbished PC with everything
you want and more to start with?)

Thanks for the response, but I didn't ask for advice on whether I should
buy the computer hardware.

I asked for advice on how to VERIFY that the XP install is legit.

Yes, a 1.2G Celeron is plenty fast enough for what needs done.
The other upgrade parts are coming out of another machine I already
have. The total cost of the computer is about as cheap as the cheapest
XP license I've found from a commercial dealer.
When I'm done, I'll have a $40 XP system and a second computer of
leftovers that I can sell. And it's not even MY $40. It's a hardware
no-brainer.

I don't have any hardware issues at all. The ONLY issue is whether
microsoft will let me use the OS software I bought with this used computer.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I bought a used Gateway on Craigslist. Picking it up this
afternoon. Claims to have valid XP install and OEM reinstall disks.

How do I verify that BEFORE I hand over the cash?

MS website has all kinds of info about "indicators that
media/stickers/etc "might be pirated"...but I can't find any clear
information on how to tell FOR SURE before you buy the computer.
The Gateway site is no help. The general rule of thumb appears to
be, "we'll activate your XP if we feel like it...
sorry for any inconvenience..."

I've never had a preinstalled OEM version of XP. Do gateway
computers have pre-activated xp? 25-digit license keys?

On my retail xp system, siw.exe tells me the license key and
that the system is activated. Does that work on a preinstalled OEM
system? Is it a reliable indicator that the system can be
re-activated after making major changes?

First thing I'm gonna do with the system is upgrade the ram, hard
drive and network card. If it will let me, I'll probably upgrade
from Celeron to PIII. Then do a clean reinstall of XP. I expect
that's gonna require re-activation.

I've read horror stories that even if you have the original media
and COA and license keys, the key may have been compromised and
blacklisted by MS. So, even though a system thinks it's activated,
I still may not be able to re-activate it after changes. Yes? no?
Can MS unilaterally invalidate my installation? Silly question...
I know they can. Guess the question is, "how do I make sure that
doesn't happen?"

Can I learn anything relevant/useful with msoobe.exe?

I've got two other programs:
mgadiag.exe
and
genuinecheck.exe.
Both require an internet connection that I'm not sure is going to be
available.
If I can get hooked to the internet, do those programs give me
ASSURANCE that I won't have activation problems?

So, what do I need to do to ASSURE myself that I'm getting a used
computer with XP that MS will
let me use BEFORE I pay for it??? I really want to do this without
an internet connection...may not have one available.

I can't be the only one concerned about this. Virtually every
computer shows up used eventually. Almost the entire value of this
system is in the (valid) xp licence.

What are my options?

Your best option...

Order a refurbished computer from online (reputable dealer) and
know that you have a machine that is better than a PIII, required
you to do nothing and will have a legitimate OS license.

Example:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=2628

I just think you would be better off and have the piece of mind you
are looking for.

(If you were buying this computer for $100 and it has a legitimate
everything - you are already talking about upgrading the processor
(which might require a new motherboard and new memory), hard disk
drive and network card... So you are looking at at least another
$100 there - why not take your $200 and maybe add a bit more and
get a refurbished PC with everything you want and more to start
with?)

Thanks for the response, but I didn't ask for advice on whether I
should buy the computer hardware.

I asked for advice on how to VERIFY that the XP install is legit.

Yes, a 1.2G Celeron is plenty fast enough for what needs done.
The other upgrade parts are coming out of another machine I already
have. The total cost of the computer is about as cheap as the
cheapest XP license I've found from a commercial dealer.
When I'm done, I'll have a $40 XP system and a second computer of
leftovers that I can sell. And it's not even MY $40. It's a
hardware no-brainer.

I don't have any hardware issues at all. The ONLY issue is whether
microsoft will let me use the OS software I bought with this used
computer.

*shrug*
Your $40.

You've been told already (elsewhere in this conversation) how to tell if it
is legit. Even that is no guarantee.

Make sure you get the original installation media with it and the *product
key*. Without at least the product key and the type of media (license
type - OEM, Retail, Upgrade, etc) that product key goes with - your $40 is
wasted for what your given intentions are.

 

[mike]

*shrug*
Your $40.

You've been told already (elsewhere in this conversation) how to tell if it
is legit. Even that is no guarantee.

Make sure you get the original installation media with it and the *product
key*. Without at least the product key and the type of media (license
type - OEM, Retail, Upgrade, etc) that product key goes with - your $40 is
wasted for what your given intentions are.

Ok, I tried to get answers to a lot of questions in one email so there'd
be some hope of an answer before I have to go look at the hardware.

Let's ask ONE question at a time...

Here's a worst case scenario:
Seller copies the software and key.
I buy the hardware, software, coa, key, everything. The product is
activated and working.

Seller publishes the license key on a hacker site and 101 people try to
activate XP with that key. Lights flash and bells ring at MS. The key
gets blacklisted.

I rebuild the hardware and try to re-activate my VALID version of the
software.

Will MY software install validate???? And what do I do if it won't?
Or maybe it's only two other systems with my key. Is that different?

No amount of examining holograms and security threads will help me with
this question.

And yes, I do want a guarantee. Somebody paid MS big bux for a computer
with
licensed XP. I bought it used. I expect MS to honor the terms of the
license I purchased and GUARANTEE me a way to make it work. If someone
else stole, stumbled on or otherwise obtained my license key, it's their
problem, not mine. When the license keys are published on the outside
of the package or required to be on a sticker attached to the outside of
the computer,
there's no way to protect it from being compromised.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Ok, I tried to get answers to a lot of questions in one email so
there'd be some hope of an answer before I have to go look at the
hardware.
Let's ask ONE question at a time...

Here's a worst case scenario:
Seller copies the software and key.
I buy the hardware, software, coa, key, everything. The product is
activated and working.

Seller publishes the license key on a hacker site and 101 people
try to activate XP with that key. Lights flash and bells ring at
MS. The key gets blacklisted.

I rebuild the hardware and try to re-activate my VALID version of
the software.

Will MY software install validate???? And what do I do if it won't?
Or maybe it's only two other systems with my key. Is that
different?

You would likely be stuck purchasing a copy of Windows XP from a legitimate
dealer at this point - if you can even do it by the time this happens. You
can try to call Microsoft and explain your situation - but since you are
buying from an individual and not a store in the case you have given - your
receipt (if you get one) would probably be of no use to anyone.

No amount of examining holograms and security threads will help me
with this question.

And yes, I do want a guarantee. Somebody paid MS big bux for a
computer with licensed XP. I bought it used. I expect MS to honor the
terms of
the license I purchased and GUARANTEE me a way to make it work.

If this computer *came with* (originally) Windows XP - the OEM (original
equipment manufacturer) screwed you out of that guarantee from anyone but
them. They decided to use OEM software so they could sell the systems a
little cheaper. In doing that, *they* (the people who originally
manufactuered the system and installed the OS onto it and packaged it with
it - like Dell, IBM, HP, Gateway, etc and so on) have taken the
responsibility of OS support from Microsoft in accordance with the OEM
licensing agreement.

If someone else stole, stumbled on or otherwise obtained my
license key, it's their problem, not mine. When the license keys
are published on the outside of the package or required to be
on a sticker attached to the outside of the computer,
there's no way to protect it from being compromised.

Correct. The OEM of the computer knows this too - isn't it nice they
decided to do it anyway? Save a buck, sell more computers and make more
money.

 

[mike]

You would likely be stuck purchasing a copy of Windows XP from a legitimate
dealer at this point - if you can even do it by the time this happens. You
can try to call Microsoft and explain your situation - but since you are
buying from an individual and not a store in the case you have given - your
receipt (if you get one) would probably be of no use to anyone.


If this computer *came with* (originally) Windows XP - the OEM (original
equipment manufacturer) screwed you out of that guarantee from anyone but
them. They decided to use OEM software so they could sell the systems a
little cheaper. In doing that, *they* (the people who originally
manufactuered the system and installed the OS onto it and packaged it with
it - like Dell, IBM, HP, Gateway, etc and so on) have taken the
responsibility of OS support from Microsoft in accordance with the OEM
licensing agreement.


Correct. The OEM of the computer knows this too - isn't it nice they
decided to do it anyway? Save a buck, sell more computers and make more
money.

Nice deflection try. The licensing restrictions are entirely dictated
by MS. Gateway will NEVER do anything to make my system
STOP working...EVER!!!

I do NOT need ANY operating system support from anyone.
All I need is for MS NOT
to DISABLE my working OS due to the actions of others. If I could count
on MS to "DO NOTHING" I'd be a happy camper.

The secrecy and uncertainty of this issue puts a big black cloud over
the used computer market. Just another way to force more money out of
customers who'd be happy with old technology. Donchajustlove
Capitalism...the single source/monopoly kind...

Thanks for the discussion. I gotta go elsewhere to try to find some help.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Nice deflection try. The licensing restrictions are entirely
dictated by MS. Gateway will NEVER do anything to make my system
STOP working...EVER!!!

I do NOT need ANY operating system support from anyone.
All I need is for MS NOT
to DISABLE my working OS due to the actions of others. If I could
count on MS to "DO NOTHING" I'd be a happy camper.

The secrecy and uncertainty of this issue puts a big black cloud
over the used computer market. Just another way to force more money out
of customers who'd be happy with old technology. Donchajustlove
Capitalism...the single source/monopoly kind...

Thanks for the discussion. I gotta go elsewhere to try to find
some help.

Gateway *did* do something. They choose to sell you a crippled license.
They read the license agreement as well - you'd hope. You can blame
Microsoft all you want - but in the end - it's whomever agreed to abide by
the license they were given - you, Gateway, etc. No one made any of them
agree - they had choices. They could sell with another OS, they could sell
with retail only licenses. You could buy with no OS and buy a retail copy.

In other words - it's not deflection - it's fact. Choices are made for
money reasons. Gateway is just as guilty as Microsoft. You are just as
guilty as Gateway. Each of you had a choice.