Is This Legal?

[Brett A.]

Hi Everyone,

I apologize if this question doesn't belong in this
forum, but I wasn't sure where to ask it.

I'm recently starting up a business and I need to
purchase Windows XP for several computers (note, I'm not
selling the computers, I'm going to use them for my
company).

Anyway, I've come accross this site
www.buycheapsoftware.com/ms_products.asp?subcategory=24
that sells OEM versions for a lot cheaper price and I was
wondering if purchasing them considered legal? Or would I
have to purchase the full retail version?

Thanks for any help that can be provided!

 

[Jose Francisco]

Greetings Brett,

I suppose it's fine to buy an OEM version of Windows XP. But do remember
you've got to have 1 license per computer.

*If I'm wrong someone do comment *

Regards,
Jose Francisco

 

[Jose Francisco]

Greetings Brett,

I suppose it's fine to buy an OEM version of Windows XP. But do remember
you've got to have 1 license per computer.

*If I'm wrong someone do comment *

Regards,
Jose Francisco

(Sorry for double post)

 

[Michael Stevens]

Hi Everyone,

I apologize if this question doesn't belong in this
forum, but I wasn't sure where to ask it.

I'm recently starting up a business and I need to
purchase Windows XP for several computers (note, I'm not
selling the computers, I'm going to use them for my
company).

Anyway, I've come accross this site
www.buycheapsoftware.com/ms_products.asp?subcategory=24
that sells OEM versions for a lot cheaper price and I was
wondering if purchasing them considered legal? Or would I
have to purchase the full retail version?

Thanks for any help that can be provided!

They are probably legal, but the OEM versions have restrictions.
One that may be of importance is the fact they cannot upgrade a current
Windows OS. The OEM version is limited to clean installs, and they are also
bound to the original computer the OEM version is installed to.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#can3
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I'm recently starting up a business and I need to
purchase Windows XP for several computers (note, I'm not
selling the computers, I'm going to use them for my
company).

Anyway, I've come accross this site
www.buycheapsoftware.com/ms_products.asp?subcategory=24
that sells OEM versions for a lot cheaper price and I was
wondering if purchasing them considered legal? Or would I
have to purchase the full retail version?

You can buy OEM versions, but be aware of their restrictions:

1. Its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on. It can never legally be moved to another computer,
sold, or given away.
2. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.

3. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You have to
get any needed support from your OEM, and that may range anywhere
between good and non-existent.

 

[Ron Martell]

Hi Everyone,

I apologize if this question doesn't belong in this
forum, but I wasn't sure where to ask it.

I'm recently starting up a business and I need to
purchase Windows XP for several computers (note, I'm not
selling the computers, I'm going to use them for my
company).

Anyway, I've come accross this site
www.buycheapsoftware.com/ms_products.asp?subcategory=24
that sells OEM versions for a lot cheaper price and I was
wondering if purchasing them considered legal? Or would I
have to purchase the full retail version?

Thanks for any help that can be provided!

Ordinarily an OEM version of Windows XP (full install) sells for about
the same price as a Retail Upgrade version.

If you can get it for significantly less than that then it is a good
deal. Provided, of course, that it is legitimate OEM software and not
a counterfeit that you are buying.

See http://onlinehelp.bc.ca/oem_software.htm for details on OEM
software, especially the licensing and support differences.

Good luck



Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

 

[Bill]

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

sticker. This just the product activation number and
sticker that you place on the pc case. I can get them for
about $90 for XP PRO and $70 for XP HOME. A Plus
Computers and Software Bill