Legal copy of windows XP?

[Matt]

Ok, I've built a new computer, no problems. I just need
to buy an operating system. I've used windows XP home in
the past, but I want to try XP pro. I could go to a
local store and pay $199 OEM or $299 retail....but
naturally, that is pretty expensive, so I looked around.
Using google, I found a few OEM sites, including
http://www.qualityoemsoft.biz and a few others, claiming
to sell OEM versions of the software for very low prices,
such as $50.

My question - are these legit? Could I be buying an
illegal copy?

Thanks,

-Matt

 

[Paul Smith]

My question - are these legit? Could I be buying an
illegal copy?

They may be "legit" however, they may also simply be selling on OEM's that
have restrictions on them, not being able to install on say a non-Dell
computer, showing they're just selling OEM discs that are tied to specific
systems.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
http://windows.dasmirnov.net/ Windows XP Resource Site.

*Replace nospam with smirnov to reply by e-mail*

 

[MrB]

I believe you can buy the upgrade version for a lot less than that if you
have a legal cd from an eligible earlier Windows version.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I believe you can buy the upgrade version for a lot less than
that if
you have a legal cd from an eligible earlier Windows version.

A lot less than $50? Unfortunately, even the upgrade version is
considerably more than that.

 

[Bob Knowlden]

Check www.resellerratings.com.

Even the best online stores will have some negative reports there, but the
site that you mention appears to be an Eastern European operation. Are you
feeling lucky?

If you have access to a copy of "qualifying media" (I usually use a CD-R
backup copy of my Win98 upgrade CD), get a retail upgrade copy of XP. It
lists for $200, but at any moment one of the chain stores (Circuit City,
Officemax, Staples) usually has it on sale for $180.

Good luck.

Address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

 

[Michael Stevens]

You should be able to buy the upgrade since you are building a new
computer, buy some piece of hardware with it, such as a hard disk.

Andre

What?????? You need to research before answering. The upgrade does not
require a piece of hardware, it requires a qualifying previous Windows. OEM
versions must be purchased with a piece of hardware.

You also need to check your time zone, you are posting in the future.
--
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

 

[Andre Da Costa]

You should be able to buy the upgrade since you are building a new computer,
buy some piece of hardware with it, such as a hard disk.

Andre

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Ok, I've built a new computer, no problems. I just need
to buy an operating system. I've used windows XP home in
the past, but I want to try XP pro. I could go to a
local store and pay $199 OEM or $299 retail....but
naturally, that is pretty expensive, so I looked around.
Using google, I found a few OEM sites, including
http://www.qualityoemsoft.biz and a few others, claiming
to sell OEM versions of the software for very low prices,
such as $50.

My question - are these legit? Could I be buying an
illegal copy?

Thanks,

-Matt

Actually, if you were to clicked the links provided and then read
the site's self-contradictory,broken English "FAQ," you'd probably
have known it was a scam. Full OEM CDs that are full retail versions
that are legal as backup media? Shipped from eastern Europe? All CDs
shipped with the serial number included in a text file? Definitely
not legitimate CDs.

--

Bruce Chambers

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[MikeP]

Get XP Pro OEM here:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=37-102-143&DEPA=6