Windows serial

[Jesse]

I bought A Windows xp disc off ebay. It said new coa.
Only problem is it is discs sold with new computers. It
also looks like the serial label was on a computer and
taken off and put back on the package and resealed and
sold. First is it even legal to sell these discs that
say "for distribution with new pc's only." ? This place
is a legit company in virginia. I just emailed them
waiting on a response. is there a way that I can tell if
a disc is new or not? Here is the ebay page
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&rd=1&item=3696487013&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

Please email me if anyone knows. thanks
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Jason Haynes]

You take your chances buying anything off eBay, especially software. I'm
doubtful that any "legit" company sells software via eBay and I'm also
doubtful you will receive a response from them. The cd is almost certainly
an OEM version that has been previously installed on a computer and will
likely not be able to be activated. My suggestion is to go out and buy a
legitimate copy of XP from an authorized retailer.

 

[Mike H]

It is an OEM version that can only be used to do a clean install.. the
upgrade path can't be used.. MS do NOT provide support for OEM versions..
other than that, feel free to use it, but ensure that you backup or save
important files..

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I bought A Windows xp disc off ebay. It said new coa.
Only problem is it is discs sold with new computers. It
also looks like the serial label was on a computer and
taken off and put back on the package and resealed and
sold. First is it even legal to sell these discs that
say "for distribution with new pc's only." ? This place
is a legit company in virginia. I just emailed them
waiting on a response. is there a way that I can tell if
a disc is new or not? Here is the ebay page
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&rd=1&item=3696487013&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

Please email me if anyone knows. thanks
(e-mail address removed)

It is legal for companies to sell generic OEM licenses, as long as
the purchase includes a non-peripheral hardware component that's to be
installed in the same computer on which you plan to install the OS.
If there was no qualifying hardware component, then the sale was not
legitimate, nor would be your use of the product.

How to Tell
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

Reporting Piracy
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/

However, if the CD is "branded" with a particular computer
manufacturer's logo, such as Dell or Gateway, then this was most
decidely not a legitimate sale, unless the CD came "wrapped" in an
entire PC.


--

Bruce Chambers

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