Using an OEM version for new XP home installation

[me]

I bought a Dell OEM version of XP Home that includes SP-1. I understand
that this version can be used for a new installation on any machine but
will not allow one to do an upgrade. What are the cons in using an OEM?

Thanks.

 

[Steve]

OEM versions are also specifically configured for the machine they were
originally supplied with. It may not work correctly on a different machine.
It may not even install.

 

[hawk]

OEM versions are sold at many places "with hardware". They are legal and
can be installed as a clean install on any computer. XP has the activation
procedure that is intended to enforce the one computer rule, but how is
this rule enforced on other OEM versions? For example, I have an OEM
Windows 98se still in the shrink wrap that came with a computer that I
bought. What, besides my honesty, keeps me from installing this software
on several other computers?

Thanks and regards, hawk

 

[Ken Blake]

In

OEM versions are also specifically configured for the machine they
were originally supplied with. It may not work correctly on a
different machine. It may not even install.

That's true of *some* OEM versions (and since he says his is a
Dell OEM version, it may be true of his). But it isn't
necessarily true of all OEM versions. Some are completely generic
and the software they contain is identical to that on a full
retail version.

 

[Steve]

Apart from the EULA, OEM versions are usually configured for a specific pc.
If you did manage to install it, if the hardware is incorrect, you will have
problems.

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Yes - several places can indeed sell the generic OEM product with a piece of
qualifying hardware. However the original poster explicitly stated it was a
Dell OEM CD. These are not generally for sale and only ship with a new Dell
PC.

--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

Not true. As I said before, several places sell legal OEM copies of
WindowsXP. All that is required is the OEM version must be purchased "with
hardware". That hardware can be a video card, motherboard, floppy drive,
etc. It doesn't have to be a specific computer. In that case for XP, the
first installation would become that "one computer", because the
activation procedure would have the ID of the computer on which it was
installed. But for other versions such as Windows98se, is there any
enforcement other than individual honesty?

Thanks and regards, hawk

Apart from the EULA, OEM versions are usually configured for a specific
pc.
If you did manage to install it, if the hardware is incorrect, you will
have
problems.

OEM versions are sold at many places "with hardware". They are legal and
can be installed as a clean install on any computer. XP has the
activation
procedure that is intended to enforce the one computer rule, but how is
this rule enforced on other OEM versions? For example, I have an OEM
Windows 98se still in the shrink wrap that came with a computer that I
bought. What, besides my honesty, keeps me from installing this software
on several other computers?

Thanks and regards, hawk

On Sun, 14 Sep 2003 18:00:34 +0100, Mike Brannigan [MSFT]

Did the Dell OEM Windows XP come with your Dell PC ? or did you just
buy it
on e-bay or somewhere like that ?
If it did not come with a Dell PC then you have been sold something
that
you
may not use. The Dell OEM Windows XP is only for shipment and
install/use
on a new Dell PC.

If this did come with your Dell PC then under the terms of the OEM End
User
License Agreement it may not be used to perform an install on any
other
Pc
then he one it was originally shipped with. OEM software may not be
moved
from the device it is first installed on. OEM products are not
supported by
Microsoft but only by the OEM (in this case Dell - IF it came with a
Dell
PC)




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[Steve]

Through personal experience of a friends DELL machine, I do believe you dont
need to activate it either. I had a SONY laptop with an OEM version of 98SE.
If the OEM CD was put it in a different machine, the CD would not install.
Even their software is model specific.