What constitutes proof of license for Windows XP?

G

Guest

Hi,

I hope someone can help me with a simple question:

What constitutes proof of a legal license for Windows XP?

Is it solely the COA sticker?

Thanks,

ebarton
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

A legal Windows XP license is comprised of a genuine
Certificate of Authenticity (COA), genuine Windows XP
CD, Product Key, and original licensing documentation.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------

:

| Hi,
|
| I hope someone can help me with a simple question:
|
| What constitutes proof of a legal license for Windows XP?
|
| Is it solely the COA sticker?
|
| Thanks,
|
| ebarton
 
D

DatabaseBen

windows is money ware and
can be considered as legal tender.

Basically, whomever has the product is
the owner...

What would contradict the above, you might wonder?

Well, if you store receipt indicated the product id number next
to your windows purchase might be a way.

Maybe if microsoft documented the owner's contact
data with the product key and then excercised some
kind of enforcement or protection or recovery for the
owner might be another.
 
G

Guest

OK, you have listed 4 parts:

1. Certificate of Authenticity (COA) - that is easy to check - it should be
stuck on the PC.

2. Genuine Windows XP CD - what about computers that ship with no CD, like
Dell, Gateway, Lenovo etc?

3. Product key - isn't that on the COA? Or am I missing something?

4. Original licensing documentation - what the heck is this?

ebarton
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

A PC manufacturer's customized Windows XP reinstallation, recovery,
or restore CD, or the recovery partition would be equivalent. The
licensing documentation comes with the PC or in the packaging materials
when you purchase it separately. The Product Key should be printed
on the COA.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------

:

| OK, you have listed 4 parts:
|
| 1. Certificate of Authenticity (COA) - that is easy to check - it should be
| stuck on the PC.
|
| 2. Genuine Windows XP CD - what about computers that ship with no CD, like
| Dell, Gateway, Lenovo etc?
|
| 3. Product key - isn't that on the COA? Or am I missing something?
|
| 4. Original licensing documentation - what the heck is this?
|
| ebarton
|
| "Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:
|
| > A legal Windows XP license is comprised of a genuine
| > Certificate of Authenticity (COA), genuine Windows XP
| > CD, Product Key, and original licensing documentation.
| >
| > --
| > Carey Frisch
| > Microsoft MVP
| > Windows - Shell/User
| >
| > Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
| > http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx
| >
| > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------
| >
| > "ebarton" wrote:
| >
| > | Hi,
| > |
| > | I hope someone can help me with a simple question:
| > |
| > | What constitutes proof of a legal license for Windows XP?
| > |
| > | Is it solely the COA sticker?
| > |
| > | Thanks,
| > |
| > | ebarton
| >
| >
 
G

Guest

iHi Carey, This is interesting, you are saying things I never considered
before.

So, the product key and COA are really the same thing, as long as the
product key printed on the COA is the one actually used.

You state that "PC manufacturer's customized Windows XP reinstallation,
recovery, or restore CD, or the recovery partition would be equivalent" [to a
genuine CD]. So proof could be a hand labeled CD-R? That seems rather
"unofficial" don't you think?

By this explanation, I could lose my license if I burn a recovery CD, wipe
the hard drive to reinstall, then find out the recovery CD is bad. *POOF* one
bad burn and I am now unlicensed. That seems rather fragile don't you think?

I am still confused about the "licensing documentation" part. I build a
system every year or so. I buy a completely legal OEM copy of windows to
install to that machine (no transfers, yada, yada, yada..) All I get is the
little getting started booklet with a CD envelope stuck to the back, the CD
in the envelope, the whole thing wrapped in shrink wrap, and the COA sticker
stuck to the outside. Which of these is the license documentation? The
booklet?

I never considered the booklet to be part of the license proof before. If I
put the CD in a jewel case and throw the little booklet away, I am now
unlicensed? That can't be right.

ebarton
 
G

Ghostrider

ebarton wrote:

So, the product key and COA are really the same thing, as long as the
product key printed on the COA is the one actually used.
Click to expand...

True, but only for the OEM version.
You state that "PC manufacturer's customized Windows XP reinstallation,
recovery, or restore CD, or the recovery partition would be equivalent" [to a
genuine CD]. So proof could be a hand labeled CD-R? That seems rather
"unofficial" don't you think?
Click to expand...

For the OEM version, the business transaction is between the
OEM-reseller and the buyer. Microsoft does not figure into the
business end of things except to enforce what it requires of
the OEM-reseller. It is up to the buyer to determine whether or
not to accept the product, "officially".
By this explanation, I could lose my license if I burn a recovery CD, wipe
the hard drive to reinstall, then find out the recovery CD is bad. *POOF* one
bad burn and I am now unlicensed. That seems rather fragile don't you think?
Click to expand...

Resolving this situation is between the buyer and the OEM-reseller.
It has always been this way. Microsoft offers the recourse of the
careless user to buy a retail version of Windows XP. And Microsoft
will replace lost or damaged retail versions of Windows XP.
I am still confused about the "licensing documentation" part. I build a
system every year or so. I buy a completely legal OEM copy of windows to
install to that machine (no transfers, yada, yada, yada..) All I get is the
little getting started booklet with a CD envelope stuck to the back, the CD
in the envelope, the whole thing wrapped in shrink wrap, and the COA sticker
stuck to the outside. Which of these is the license documentation? The
booklet?
Click to expand...

For the OEM product, all of the material constitutes the license
but this is really immaterial since this copy of Windows XP should
not be re-used in an upgraded computer system or even re-sold to a
third-party. The buyer is responsible for maintaining the documents
and materials, regardless of whether the version of XP is OEM or
retail.
I never considered the booklet to be part of the license proof before. If I
put the CD in a jewel case and throw the little booklet away, I am now
unlicensed? That can't be right.
Click to expand...

Who cares about the OEM version? Anybody buying an OEM copy from
a non-certified reseller or retailer is doing so at risk. But to
re-sell the retail version, then all of the contents that came in
the box (and including the original box, if possible) constitutes
the legal sale, i.e., cdrom, booklets, startup instructions, COA
and product key. For the retail product, the COA is the SKU that is
affixed to the top of the box and the Product Key is the orange
label with the 25-alphanumeric serial.

Pretty straight-forward, IMO.
 
G

Guest

Ghostrider said:
ebarton wrote:

So, the product key and COA are really the same thing, as long as the
product key printed on the COA is the one actually used.
Click to expand...

True, but only for the OEM version.
You state that "PC manufacturer's customized Windows XP reinstallation,
recovery, or restore CD, or the recovery partition would be equivalent" [to a
genuine CD]. So proof could be a hand labeled CD-R? That seems rather
"unofficial" don't you think?
Click to expand...

For the OEM version, the business transaction is between the
OEM-reseller and the buyer. Microsoft does not figure into the
business end of things except to enforce what it requires of
the OEM-reseller. It is up to the buyer to determine whether or
not to accept the product, "officially".
Click to expand...
Yes and no. Sure, as a buyer I have the responsibility to determine if I am
being sold a legitimate bag of goods. But, with WPA and Windows Genuine
Advantage, Microsoft has put itself in the role of actively determining
validity of licenses post sale. Also, one may at some point in time have to
demonstrate to a software auditor or law enforcement that the copy installed
on a computer is properly licensed. Hence the original question.
Resolving this situation is between the buyer and the OEM-reseller.
It has always been this way. Microsoft offers the recourse of the
careless user to buy a retail version of Windows XP. And Microsoft
will replace lost or damaged retail versions of Windows XP.
Click to expand...
Sure this is the result of a careless user, but reading this newsgroup and
others, it does appear to happen. If such an act invalidates my license, and
I seek resolution from my OEM-reseller, and the reseller supplies me with a
recovery CD (for a nominal fee) has an additional license been created in the
eyes of Microsoft? If yes, then I'm sure the reseller must have paid
Microsoft for the license. If no, then losing/damaging the media didn't
really invalidate my license did it? I still had a valid license, but was
just unable to make use of the software covered by my license.
For the OEM product, all of the material constitutes the license
but this is really immaterial since this copy of Windows XP should
not be re-used in an upgraded computer system or even re-sold to a
third-party. The buyer is responsible for maintaining the documents
and materials, regardless of whether the version of XP is OEM or
retail.
Click to expand...
This evening I will have to take a look at my OEM booklet and see where it
states that it is part of the license. I must say, I am having trouble
believing this. Is there a link or URL somewhere on the Microsoft site I can
refer to?
Who cares about the OEM version? Anybody buying an OEM copy from
a non-certified reseller or retailer is doing so at risk. But to
re-sell the retail version, then all of the contents that came in
the box (and including the original box, if possible) constitutes
the legal sale, i.e., cdrom, booklets, startup instructions, COA
and product key. For the retail product, the COA is the SKU that is
affixed to the top of the box and the Product Key is the orange
label with the 25-alphanumeric serial.
Click to expand...
I care about the OEM version. I use the OEM version. Most people use the
OEM version. Sure anyone buying from a non-certified reseller is doing so at
risk, but that risk should be understandable. If I buy a car from my
neighbor, the title transfers ownership. If I buy a used computer or sell my
old one, what else besides the computer with the COA sticker conveys the
installed windows license to the new person? The media, if there was media,
I can understand. The book, well, if you are right, that is outrageous. If
I lose my book, I am committing software piracy? Really?
 
A

antioch

ebarton said:
Hi,

I hope someone can help me with a simple question:

What constitutes proof of a legal license for Windows XP?

Is it solely the COA sticker?

Thanks,

ebarton
Click to expand...

Hi Ebarton
You said
"This evening I will have to take a look at my OEM booklet and see where it
states that it is part of the license. I must say, I am having trouble
believing this. Is there a link or URL somewhere on the Microsoft site I
can refer to?"

If you are in Europe you should have a thin green booklet that came with the
OEM CD attached on the back.
On the front page it should say 'Licensed for distribution only to specific
countries within Eorope'. The front page also directs you to the web page
concerning the OEM System Builders Licence.
In small print, on the back of the booklet, is a para headed ' Important:
Windows Product Activation.
The last sentences of this states ' This software is subject to the terms
and conditions of the End User Licence Agreement(EULA)located in either the
product documentation or online within the software product. By using the
software product, you indicate that you have accepted the terms of the EULA)
Just in case you do not find your booklet :)
Rgds
Antioch
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/coa.mspx

How to Tell: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/faq.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------

| iHi Carey, This is interesting, you are saying things I never considered
| before.
|
| So, the product key and COA are really the same thing, as long as the
| product key printed on the COA is the one actually used.
|
| You state that "PC manufacturer's customized Windows XP reinstallation,
| recovery, or restore CD, or the recovery partition would be equivalent" [to a
| genuine CD]. So proof could be a hand labeled CD-R? That seems rather
| "unofficial" don't you think?
|
| By this explanation, I could lose my license if I burn a recovery CD, wipe
| the hard drive to reinstall, then find out the recovery CD is bad. *POOF* one
| bad burn and I am now unlicensed. That seems rather fragile don't you think?
|
| I am still confused about the "licensing documentation" part. I build a
| system every year or so. I buy a completely legal OEM copy of windows to
| install to that machine (no transfers, yada, yada, yada..) All I get is the
| little getting started booklet with a CD envelope stuck to the back, the CD
| in the envelope, the whole thing wrapped in shrink wrap, and the COA sticker
| stuck to the outside. Which of these is the license documentation? The
| booklet?
|
| I never considered the booklet to be part of the license proof before. If I
| put the CD in a jewel case and throw the little booklet away, I am now
| unlicensed? That can't be right.
|
| ebarton
|
| "Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:
|
| > A PC manufacturer's customized Windows XP reinstallation, recovery,
| > or restore CD, or the recovery partition would be equivalent. The
| > licensing documentation comes with the PC or in the packaging materials
| > when you purchase it separately. The Product Key should be printed
| > on the COA.
| >
| > --
| > Carey Frisch
| > Microsoft MVP
| > Windows - Shell/User
| >
| > Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
| > http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx
| >
| > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------
| >
| > "ebarton" wrote:
| >
| > | OK, you have listed 4 parts:
| > |
| > | 1. Certificate of Authenticity (COA) - that is easy to check - it should be
| > | stuck on the PC.
| > |
| > | 2. Genuine Windows XP CD - what about computers that ship with no CD, like
| > | Dell, Gateway, Lenovo etc?
| > |
| > | 3. Product key - isn't that on the COA? Or am I missing something?
| > |
| > | 4. Original licensing documentation - what the heck is this?
| > |
| > | ebarton
| > |
| > | "Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:
| > |
| > | > A legal Windows XP license is comprised of a genuine
| > | > Certificate of Authenticity (COA), genuine Windows XP
| > | > CD, Product Key, and original licensing documentation.
| > | >
| > | > --
| > | > Carey Frisch
| > | > Microsoft MVP
| > | > Windows - Shell/User
| > | >
| > | > Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
| > | > http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx
| > | >
| > | > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------
| > | >
| > | > "ebarton" wrote:
| > | >
| > | > | Hi,
| > | > |
| > | > | I hope someone can help me with a simple question:
| > | > |
| > | > | What constitutes proof of a legal license for Windows XP?
| > | > |
| > | > | Is it solely the COA sticker?
| > | > |
| > | > | Thanks,
| > | > |
| > | > | ebarton
| > | >
| > | >
| >
| >
 
F

Frank

ebarton said:
Ghostrider said:
ebarton wrote:

So, the product key and COA are really the same thing, as long as the
product key printed on the COA is the one actually used.
Click to expand...

True, but only for the OEM version.
You state that "PC manufacturer's customized Windows XP reinstallation,
recovery, or restore CD, or the recovery partition would be equivalent" [to a
genuine CD]. So proof could be a hand labeled CD-R? That seems rather
"unofficial" don't you think?
Click to expand...

For the OEM version, the business transaction is between the
OEM-reseller and the buyer. Microsoft does not figure into the
business end of things except to enforce what it requires of
the OEM-reseller. It is up to the buyer to determine whether or
not to accept the product, "officially".
Click to expand...
Yes and no. Sure, as a buyer I have the responsibility to determine if I am
being sold a legitimate bag of goods. But, with WPA and Windows Genuine
Advantage, Microsoft has put itself in the role of actively determining
validity of licenses post sale. Also, one may at some point in time have to
demonstrate to a software auditor or law enforcement that the copy installed
on a computer is properly licensed. Hence the original question.
Resolving this situation is between the buyer and the OEM-reseller.
It has always been this way. Microsoft offers the recourse of the
careless user to buy a retail version of Windows XP. And Microsoft
will replace lost or damaged retail versions of Windows XP.
Click to expand...
Sure this is the result of a careless user, but reading this newsgroup and
others, it does appear to happen. If such an act invalidates my license, and
I seek resolution from my OEM-reseller, and the reseller supplies me with a
recovery CD (for a nominal fee) has an additional license been created in the
eyes of Microsoft? If yes, then I'm sure the reseller must have paid
Microsoft for the license. If no, then losing/damaging the media didn't
really invalidate my license did it? I still had a valid license, but was
just unable to make use of the software covered by my license.
For the OEM product, all of the material constitutes the license
but this is really immaterial since this copy of Windows XP should
not be re-used in an upgraded computer system or even re-sold to a
third-party. The buyer is responsible for maintaining the documents
and materials, regardless of whether the version of XP is OEM or
retail.
Click to expand...
This evening I will have to take a look at my OEM booklet and see where it
states that it is part of the license. I must say, I am having trouble
believing this. Is there a link or URL somewhere on the Microsoft site I can
refer to?
Who cares about the OEM version? Anybody buying an OEM copy from
a non-certified reseller or retailer is doing so at risk. But to
re-sell the retail version, then all of the contents that came in
the box (and including the original box, if possible) constitutes
the legal sale, i.e., cdrom, booklets, startup instructions, COA
and product key. For the retail product, the COA is the SKU that is
affixed to the top of the box and the Product Key is the orange
label with the 25-alphanumeric serial.
Click to expand...
I care about the OEM version. I use the OEM version. Most people use the
OEM version. Sure anyone buying from a non-certified reseller is doing so at
risk, but that risk should be understandable. If I buy a car from my
neighbor, the title transfers ownership. If I buy a used computer or sell my
old one, what else besides the computer with the COA sticker conveys the
installed windows license to the new person? The media, if there was media,
I can understand. The book, well, if you are right, that is outrageous. If
I lose my book, I am committing software piracy? Really?
Click to expand...

About 10 years from now Microsoft will lose in court over this fiasco and
settlements will have to be made the same as are being made now for
W95 and W98. A person has the right to use any thing that he purchase
as long as he does not break any _LAWS_.
 
T

Tom Willett

Finally, a definitive response from a licensed attorney.

settlements will have to be made the same as are being made now for
W95 and W98. A person has the right to use any thing that he purchase
as long as he does not break any _LAWS_.
 
B

Bruce Chambers

Frank said:
About 10 years from now Microsoft will lose in court over this fiasco and
settlements will have to be made the same as are being made now for
W95 and W98. A person has the right to use any thing that he purchase
as long as he does not break any _LAWS_.
Click to expand...


Sure. But what you've purchased, in regards to software, is a license
(the licenser's permission, in simpler terms) to use another's
intellectual property for exactly so long as you abide by the terms of
said license, and no longer.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell
 
F

Frank

Bruce Chambers said:
Sure. But what you've purchased, in regards to software, is a license
(the licenser's permission, in simpler terms) to use another's
intellectual property for exactly so long as you abide by the terms of
said license, and no longer.
Click to expand...

More marketing bull****
 
A

antioch

Bruce Chambers said:
Sure. But what you've purchased, in regards to software, is a license
(the licenser's permission, in simpler terms) to use another's
intellectual property for exactly so long as you abide by the terms of
said license, and no longer.
Click to expand...

More marketing bull****


Hi Frank
Whose - Bruce's or MS's.
MS's marketing strategy yes - so what are you going to do about it -
nothing - one has to suck it or change OS - simple realy.
If you break their rules you do not get to play with their toys.
Rgds
Antioch
 
B

Bruce Chambers

Frank said:
More marketing bull****
Click to expand...


Nope. A simple statement of fact. What's the weather like where you
live, in the State of Denial?


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell
 

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