Is it illegal?

[frogspawn]

Your questions for the OP were right on the money, although, strangely, he
did not ask anything more than the legality question. It leaves one to
wonder whether his machine has some sort of unsavory history, or he has a
"problem" contacting the manufacturer. So much remains unknown, but at least
we answered his question.

 

[Steve N.]

This whole issue gets discussed to death in this newsgroup, so I know the
drill forwards and backwards (as does anyone who reads posts here with any
regularity):

There is are the various "true" OEM versions of XP that come preloaded on
name-brand computers, and there is the "Retail OEM", aka "System Builder"
version of XP, that you can buy on a disk at any computer store for as
little as $90 USD.
How do they differ? The OEM you buy at the store is generic, direct from MS.
The "true" (preloaded) OEM versions are all different from the MS version in
various ways, having been reconfigured to the computer manufacturer's
hardware. This kind of OEM OS is tied to the exact build of computer it was
sold with.

So, going back to your post:
"What if he bought an OEM CD?"
If he bought a CD, it would have to be the generic MS OEM CD, the only kind
you can buy. As stated above, that CD would not work with a "true" OEM
Product Key. Based on this quote: "The original recovery CD's do not work",
you have to assume that the product key on the side of the computer is
"true" OEM, as the purchaseable version of XP does not come with recovery
CD's in place of of a regular XP disk..

This is all very deductive, and if you still see flaws in my reasoning, post
again. The situation could be more complicated than we know, and the OP may
not have told the entire story, such as where he got his computer, etc.

I don't see flaws in your logic, I just think it's imcomplete. The OP
definitely has supplied less than conclusive information. That's why I
asked the OP specific questions. I await his/her reply.

However, it has been verified that is some cases installing a
store-bought "OEM" copy of XP can be successful with an OEM PID code
supplied by a PC OEM and affixed to the PC case. In my understanding of
the OEM EULA this would not be a violation of the EULA either. My
understanding is that an OEM installation is limited to the first
computer it was installed on, with unlimited reinstallations and
activations allowed; if the correct PID is used and works with the
installation media used for a reinstallation, how is that a EULA violation?

Steve

 

[xfile]

Neither am I but that's what I've learned

Whoa! Being neither a criminal nor a lawyer, I should not have assumed...
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/StocktonSent.htm

 

[frogspawn]

The more I think about it (going over the OP one more time),
"the key on the folder that XP came in" could refer to either the OEM or
store-bought version of XP. My OEM came in a cardboard folder, and I could
conceivably have placed my sticker on the folder instead of on the machine
as was instructed. The retail version has an orange paper PID sticker right
on the jewel box of the CD, from what I have read.
I hope the OP at least tries the CD. If it is illegal it will not work, and
otherwise he is home free.
Taking back the Wheeeees.

 

[frogspawn]

Well, maybe not...

Your questions for the OP were right on the money, although, strangely, he
did not ask anything more than the legality question. It leaves one to
wonder whether his machine has some sort of unsavory history, or he has a
"problem" contacting the manufacturer. So much remains unknown, but at least
we answered his question.

 

[Steve N.]

The more I think about it (going over the OP one more time),
"the key on the folder that XP came in" could refer to either the OEM or
store-bought version of XP. My OEM came in a cardboard folder, and I could
conceivably have placed my sticker on the folder instead of on the machine
as was instructed. The retail version has an orange paper PID sticker right
on the jewel box of the CD, from what I have read.

I think you are right about that.

I hope the OP at least tries the CD. If it is illegal it will not work, and
otherwise he is home free.
Taking back the Wheeeees.

LOL! You can go "Wheeeee" all you want to.

I hope he/she at least tries, too, but only after confirming that he/she
indeed does need to do a reinstallation of the OS. That's what I'm
waiting to hear about more than anything. Cleaning up XP can be a
daunting and time consuming experience, but it is certainly not
impossible and rarely requires a format and reinstallation.

Steve

 

[ByTor]

Your questions for the OP were right on the money, although, strangely, he
did not ask anything more than the legality question. It leaves one to
wonder whether his machine has some sort of unsavory history, or he has a
"problem" contacting the manufacturer. So much remains unknown, but at least
we answered his question.

True, true, I see your point and it's well noted.........

THX......

 

[Guest]

Sorry for the slow reply! I really appreciate your interest in the
matter.... (PS No i have not been scared off by the debating .) My
answers follow...

Why does it need to be formatted and reinstalled?

Does not work right... It is a Compaq... need I say more?

Why don't they work? Have you contacted the PC maker for replacement CDs?

When the Compaq was purchased, the computer told me to burn the Recovery
CD's. There must have been an error when I burned them or the CD was bad. I
have contacted HP/Compaq and they will not send me another one. I can buy
one from them for $12.80 which is crazy because they should have provided me
with CD's in the first place!

Is it an OEM or Retail CD? If it's OEM it might work. If it's Retail, it
won't work with an OEM product code.

It is a Retail CD bought at the local Office Depot.

Illegal? It depends. Consult a lawyer to possibly find out, but it'll
cost you less to just buy another copy of XP.


Steve

Thanks for your help... Adam

 

[frogspawn]

You are right to be mad at Compaq. Still, $12.80 is peanuts. I would swallow
my rage and buy the disks, if only to save time and hassle.
For sure the Product ID on your Compaq would not activate the copy of XP
that is on the other machine. Compaq is the master of software
reconfiguration.
If you are really, really mad at Compaq, you could buy an OEM copy of XP at
Newegg.com along with a tiny piece of hardware.

 

[Guest]

The bottom line, I believe, is that an OEM key will just not work on a
full retail install anyway............Welcome to the OEM world, that
license is "specific" to that machine....Logic would dictate that you
own a license of the OS, but that's not the way it works, you need a
copy for that machine.........

The OEM machine, what is it? Dell, Gateway, HP??? How old is the
machine? Just request a copy from the original source no? What's wrong
with the recovery CD's? Do you get errors?? What happens?

The OEM is a Compaq and I am re-doing it for a very close friend. The
machine was bought in August of 2003 but is off warranty. I have tried to
contact HP but here is what I get:
--------------------------------------------------
Adam,

Thank you for writing back.

As your computer is not under warranty, you need to buy the Recovery CDs
to perform Full Restore.

The charges mentioned for the Recovery CD covers only the shipping
charges and not for the cost of the CD. If the computer is under
warranty, the CD will be shipped free of charge. As your computer is not
under warranty, you need to pay for the shipping charges of the Recovery
CD.

Hope this information helps. If you need further assistance, please
reply to this message and we will be happy to assist you further.

Regards,

Sarah
HP Total Care
--------------------
Ummm... I am kinda familiar with shipping charges and I know for a fact that
it does not cost $12.80 to ship a couple of CD's!!! I was just wondering if
there was a way around it all. You see... these CD's dont work because I had
to burn them (they didnt come with it) and they went on a defective CD! (The
CD wont load) Thanks for all of you help and endless debates! No... you
havent scared me off... I just had to take a little break.

Adam

 

[Guest]

Could I borrow some one else's OEM... even if it is not from a Compaq
computer? I have enjoyed reading all of your posts, frogspawn!

Thanks,
Adam

 

[ByTor]

Sorry for the slow reply! I really appreciate your interest in the
matter.... (PS No i have not been scared off by the debating .) My
answers follow...

Hey glad to see your to clarify, maybe this thread will die out.... ;0)

When the Compaq was purchased, the computer told me to burn the Recovery
CD's. There must have been an error when I burned them or the CD was bad. I
have contacted HP/Compaq and they will not send me another one. I can buy
one from them for $12.80 which is crazy because they should have provided me
with CD's in the first place!

Gotta luv that....MONEY MONEY MONEY, there little dime to save is
eventually at your expense...Like I say welcome to the world of
proprietary traps......Build your own with a real (retail OEM, aye yay
yay) install CD.....Not being an ass just throwing some humor at
it....... ;0)
Pay the $12.80 and be done with it.....If the CD works perfectly, copy
it & store it somewhere, you'll now have double copies and feel a little
safer.

It is a Retail CD bought at the local Office Depot.

Lordy, Lordy, thanks for clearing that up......... ;0))))))))

Thanks for your help... Adam

Hey thanks for creating such a shit storm..... HA HA HA (Just kidding)

Good Luck!

 

[ByTor]

The OEM is a Compaq and I am re-doing it for a very close friend. The
machine was bought in August of 2003 but is off warranty. I have tried to
contact HP but here is what I get:
--------------------------------------------------
Adam,

Thank you for writing back.

As your computer is not under warranty, you need to buy the Recovery CDs
to perform Full Restore.

Ahhhh, this explains the $12.80..........

The charges mentioned for the Recovery CD covers only the shipping
charges and not for the cost of the CD. If the computer is under
warranty, the CD will be shipped free of charge. As your computer is not
under warranty, you need to pay for the shipping charges of the Recovery
CD.

Hope this information helps. If you need further assistance, please
reply to this message and we will be happy to assist you further.

Regards,

Sarah
HP Total Care
--------------------
Ummm... I am kinda familiar with shipping charges and I know for a fact that
it does not cost $12.80 to ship a couple of CD's!!! I was just wondering if
there was a way around it all. You see... these CD's dont work because I had
to burn them (they didnt come with it) and they went on a defective CD! (The
CD wont load) Thanks for all of you help and endless debates! No... you
havent scared me off... I just had to take a little break.

Adam

You'll be beating a dead horse, $12.80 is sorta a better investment than
buying a whole new full install..........

Again, Good Luck!

 

[Lee Chapelle]

This whole issue gets discussed to death in this newsgroup, so I know the
drill forwards and backwards (as does anyone who reads posts here with any
regularity):

No kidding! Talk about a hot-button issue, more than 50 responses in less
than 90 min. Makes me wonder if "the OP" is actually a troll. Where is the
little devil..?

 

[Guest]

The OEM is a Compaq and I am re-doing it for a very close friend. The
machine was bought in August of 2003 but is off warranty. I have tried to
contact HP but here is what I get:
--------------------------------------------------
Adam,

Thank you for writing back.

As your computer is not under warranty, you need to buy the Recovery CDs
to perform Full Restore.

The charges mentioned for the Recovery CD covers only the shipping
charges and not for the cost of the CD. If the computer is under
warranty, the CD will be shipped free of charge. As your computer is not
under warranty, you need to pay for the shipping charges of the Recovery
CD.

Hope this information helps. If you need further assistance, please
reply to this message and we will be happy to assist you further.

Regards,

Sarah
HP Total Care
--------------------
Ummm... I am kinda familiar with shipping charges and I know for a fact that
it does not cost $12.80 to ship a couple of CD's!!! I was just wondering if
there was a way around it all. You see... these CD's dont work because I had
to burn them (they didnt come with it) and they went on a defective CD! (The
CD wont load). There is no shady computer history here! Thanks for all of
your help and endless debates! No... you
havent scared me off... I just had to take a little break.

Adam

 

[Steve N.]

:




The OEM is a Compaq and I am re-doing it for a very close friend. The
machine was bought in August of 2003 but is off warranty. I have tried to
contact HP but here is what I get:
--------------------------------------------------
Adam,

Thank you for writing back.

As your computer is not under warranty, you need to buy the Recovery CDs
to perform Full Restore.

The charges mentioned for the Recovery CD covers only the shipping
charges and not for the cost of the CD. If the computer is under
warranty, the CD will be shipped free of charge. As your computer is not
under warranty, you need to pay for the shipping charges of the Recovery
CD.

Hope this information helps. If you need further assistance, please
reply to this message and we will be happy to assist you further.

Regards,

Sarah
HP Total Care
--------------------
Ummm... I am kinda familiar with shipping charges and I know for a fact that
it does not cost $12.80 to ship a couple of CD's!!! I was just wondering if
there was a way around it all. You see... these CD's dont work because I had
to burn them (they didnt come with it) and they went on a defective CD! (The
CD wont load) Thanks for all of you help and endless debates! No... you
havent scared me off... I just had to take a little break.

Adam

You still haven't answered why you feel the need to reinstall in the
first place. We can probably help you get around most situations, short
of a complete OS and/or critical hardware failure.

If it makes you feel better, $12.80 is a lot less than buying another XP
CD with another PID key, and you will be sure it is legit. Heck, I've
spent more money than that on dinner.

The choice, as always, is yours.

Steve

 

[Steve N.]

Sorry for the slow reply!

No problem.

I really appreciate your interest in the
matter.... (PS No i have not been scared off by the debating .)

Good. I didn't think so. If you read much here, you'll see there are a
lot of debates. In my mind, it is in the interest of getting to better
understanding.

My

answers follow...

:




Does not work right... It is a Compaq... need I say more?

Well, yeah, you do need to say more. While I'm not particularly fond of
Compaq PCs they aren't total crap. Explain "does not work right" please.

When the Compaq was purchased, the computer told me to burn the Recovery
CD's. There must have been an error when I burned them or the CD was bad. I
have contacted HP/Compaq and they will not send me another one. I can buy
one from them for $12.80 which is crazy because they should have provided me
with CD's in the first place!

Not according to some OEM agreements. All they have to do is supply you
with some method of returning the computer to an ex-factory state with
XP intact. It's too bad that you may have gotten a bad CD burn. Prehaps
you should have paid more attention to error messages at the time and
tried again.

It is a Retail CD bought at the local Office Depot.

Then it will not work with an OEM key, sorry. Get the replacement CDs
from HP/Compaq and bite the $12+change bullet.

Steve

 

[Steve N.]

Could I borrow some one else's OEM... even if it is not from a Compaq
computer? I have enjoyed reading all of your posts, frogspawn!

Thanks,
Adam

You could try it and it'll be a crap shoot, but for Pete's sake! It's
only $12.80! Filling my gas tank costs more than twice that and it only
lasts about a week and a half!

And you STILL haven't given sufficient details about exactly WHY you
need to reinstall the OS in the first place.

Steve

 

[frogspawn]

Not a troll. He seems to have a serious case of OEM-osis, after his dealings
with Compaq/HP. You now the syndrome, elevated pulse rate and blood
pressure, and an slight obsession with not being taken advantage of any
further.

 

[Lee Chapelle]

Not a troll. He seems to have a serious case of OEM-osis, after his
dealings
with Compaq/HP. You now the syndrome, elevated pulse rate and blood
pressure, and an slight obsession with not being taken advantage of any
further.

Yes, can be deadly.

His solution is to request replacement media from the OEM distributor, he
already has the license key, that should make it relatively easy.