Software installation

[Jan Sershen]

I bought what I thought would be a full version of Windows
XP Home edition from a retailer. What I got was a OEM
product. When I tried to install it, I got the following
message:"Continuing your installation of this software may
impair or destabilize the correct operation of your system
either immediately or in the future. Microsoft strongly
recommends that you stop installation now and contact the
software vendor for software that has passed the Windows
logo testing."
Question: Did I get this warning because this is an OEM
product or because it may be counterfeit?
I looked on Microsoft's site and can not find a number I
can call to verify the authenticity of this product. What
do I do?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Microsoft doesn't sell OEM CDs to retailers, so it's had to say
whether it's a legitimate CD or not. However, you're most likely
getting that specific message because you're trying to start the
installation from within another operating system. OEM CDs are
specifically designed to be installed _only_ upon empty hard drives;
they cannot perform upgrades.

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:

 

[Sir_George]

Jan,

Did you run the compatibility test? It sounds like you have a program/driver
that is not certified by MS to run on XP. This doesn't mean it won't perform
properly, but it "could" be an issue.

 

[Michael]

I would take the OEM product back and get the full
version. OEM is not sold by retailers unless you bought
it with some hardware.