Windows XP Professional SP2 OEM (English) ????

[Seum]

I came across this online tonight and here is the URL

http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/operating-systems/windows-xp-professional-sp2-oem2/

Windows XP Professional SP2 OEM (English) -
only 18,90 € See price after login incl. 19% VAT plus shipping costs

Is this website selling books, or something else, or fake CDs, or real CDs?

TIA

 

[Paul]

I came across this online tonight and here is the URL

http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/operating-systems/windows-xp-professional-sp2-oem2/


Windows XP Professional SP2 OEM (English) -
only 18,90 € See price after login incl. 19% VAT plus shipping costs

Is this website selling books, or something else, or fake CDs, or real CDs?

TIA

What does this mean ?

"Version Dell"

It suggests to me, the origin of the disc, is it came with
a Dell computer.

The seller, also appears to work out of Ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Windows-XP-Professional-SP3-English-Win-XP-Pro-/120671386447

They have a street address. Do you have the equivalent of the
Better Business Bureau over there, to check the reputation of
sellers ? What recourse would you have, if you don't receive
satisfaction on your purchase ?

http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/info/agb/

You can see an example here, of a Dell CD. It is protected
by "bchk32.exe" , which checks for a Dell BIOS. Who knows
whether the CD in question works on "any PC" or works on
"any Dell PC" ?

http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-2000/use-dell-reinstallation-cd-on-non-dell-pc/18896.html

There are such things, as "unbranded OEM", which is what I used
to install on the PC in front of me. But those stopped being
sold, some time ago.

Paul

 

[Nobody > (Revisited)]

What does this mean ?

"Version Dell"

It suggests to me, the origin of the disc, is it came with
a Dell computer.

The seller, also appears to work out of Ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Windows-XP-Professional-SP3-English-Win-XP-Pro-/120671386447


They have a street address. Do you have the equivalent of the
Better Business Bureau over there, to check the reputation of
sellers ? What recourse would you have, if you don't receive
satisfaction on your purchase ?

http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/info/agb/

You can see an example here, of a Dell CD. It is protected
by "bchk32.exe" , which checks for a Dell BIOS. Who knows
whether the CD in question works on "any PC" or works on
"any Dell PC" ?

http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-2000/use-dell-reinstallation-cd-on-non-dell-pc/18896.html


There are such things, as "unbranded OEM", which is what I used
to install on the PC in front of me. But those stopped being
sold, some time ago.

Paul

From my own experience with Dell-branded OEMs used as 'generic install'
(3 of XP SP2,one Win7), the ones that come with the hi-end stuff works
just fine. I can't put hands one one right now to check for that
"bchk32.exe" file.


--
"Shit this is it, all the pieces do fit.
We're like that crazy old man jumping
out of the alleyway with a baseball bat,
saying, "Remember me motherfucker?"
Jim “Dandy” Mangrum

 

[Paul]

From my own experience with Dell-branded OEMs used as 'generic install'
(3 of XP SP2,one Win7), the ones that come with the hi-end stuff works
just fine. I can't put hands one one right now to check for that
"bchk32.exe" file.

So is the CD close to a real install CD ? With the 5000 files
in the i386 folder ?

The bchk32 thing is something to do with a BIOS lock, so the installer
won't run, unless bchk32 concludes it's a Dell. There might be
other mechanisms out there.

I've heard that some of the media that comes with pre-built computers
is "ordinary". But I don't know if any web page has made a point
of writing an article, and identifying which ones do that. The ones
that come with an "image" on the CD, aren't very useful.

A computer I bought for a relative, was pre-built, and one of
the purchase options was a real, Microsoft CD (with real Microsoft
pricing :-( ). At least I have the assurance, that if I ever need
to reinstall the OS, it's going to go well (unless the COA gets
lost). Being a dumbass, I didn't write it down, so I hope the
sticker doesn't become unreadable. The reason I didn't built
the computer myself, is the formfactor is "all in one", similar
to a laptop, but without the convenience factor.

Paul

 

[Seum]

So is the CD close to a real install CD ? With the 5000 files
in the i386 folder ?

The bchk32 thing is something to do with a BIOS lock, so the installer
won't run, unless bchk32 concludes it's a Dell. There might be
other mechanisms out there.

I've heard that some of the media that comes with pre-built computers
is "ordinary". But I don't know if any web page has made a point
of writing an article, and identifying which ones do that. The ones
that come with an "image" on the CD, aren't very useful.

A computer I bought for a relative, was pre-built, and one of
the purchase options was a real, Microsoft CD (with real Microsoft
pricing :-( ). At least I have the assurance, that if I ever need
to reinstall the OS, it's going to go well (unless the COA gets
lost). Being a dumbass, I didn't write it down, so I hope the
sticker doesn't become unreadable. The reason I didn't built
the computer myself, is the formfactor is "all in one", similar
to a laptop, but without the convenience factor.

Paul

Thank you once more Paul, you are a knight in shining armor

I have just had another offer, this time from Germany, for a Win XP
at a very reduced price. I asked about the details of the CD and, yes
indeed, it was another Fujitsu-Siemens.

Speaking of these low-priced offers, a couple of weeks ago I bought a
floppy disk drive - via Amazon. I used it for about 10 days, maybe 4 or
5 times and the tab, that I had used to release the disk, flew right
out. On the outside of the case it said 'Made in China.'

I opened up the case and saw 'Made in Malaysia.' The tab was
astonishingly flimsy - plastic of about 1 mm thick.

This just about ends my connection with Amazon and E-Bay. Garbage is
garbage, after all.

 

[Nobody > (Revisited)]

So is the CD close to a real install CD ? With the 5000 files
in the i386 folder ?

Absolutely. It looks/acts/installs just like a 'generic' OEM disk,
including the key code entry.

The bchk32 thing is something to do with a BIOS lock, so the installer
won't run, unless bchk32 concludes it's a Dell. There might be
other mechanisms out there.

I'm wondering if that's for the discs supplied with Dell's lower-end
(consumer) stuff.

The ones I've used were apparently for "corporate grade" models, and it
fits with the grey-market model that these discs come from.

It's almost impossible to buy bare/no OS machines, so the Windows
"packet" gets pitched in a box when the IT folks unpack them and load
the standard corporate image using the blanket M$ license for the OS and
apps.

However it happens, the boxes of Windows packets gets out on the market.


--
"Shit this is it, all the pieces do fit.
We're like that crazy old man jumping
out of the alleyway with a baseball bat,
saying, "Remember me motherfucker?"
Jim “Dandy” Mangrum

 

[Man-wai Chang]

http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/operating-systems/windows-xp-professional-sp2-oem2/

Windows XP Professional SP2 OEM (English) -
only 18,90 € See price after login incl. 19% VAT plus shipping costs

OEM Window$, once activated on PC A, could only be re-installed again in
PC A foreever. So that OEM WinXP might not be activated in your PC.

Is this website selling books, or something else, or fake CDs, or real CDs?

--
@~@ You have the right to remain silent.
/ v \ Simplicity is Beauty! May the Force and farces be with you!
/( _ )\ (x86_64 Ubuntu 9.10) Linux 2.6.39.3
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http://www.swd.gov.hk/tc/index/site_pubsvc/page_socsecu/sub_addressesa

 

[Man-wai Chang]

Don't know how reliable these people are but ...

One should only buy ***SEALED*** OEM Window$. Too bad Micro$oft does not
offer a service for buyers to check whether a Window$ product key has
been used or not.

--
@~@ You have the right to remain silent.
/ v \ Simplicity is Beauty! May the Force and farces be with you!
/( _ )\ (x86_64 Ubuntu 9.10) Linux 2.6.39.3
^ ^ 21:44:01 up 23 days 3:13 0 users load average: 1.20 1.30 1.37
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http://www.swd.gov.hk/tc/index/site_pubsvc/page_socsecu/sub_addressesa

 

[anotherpaul]

One should only buy ***SEALED*** OEM Window$. Too bad Micro$oft does not
offer a service for buyers to check whether a Window$ product key has
been used or not.

If winxp is no longer "supported", can winxp still be "activated"?

Or is the non-support only applies to no more fixes/patches?

 

[Man-wai Chang]

If winxp is no longer "supported", can winxp still be "activated"?

Another good question! Note that customers pay real money to get their
WinXP licenses!


--
@~@ You have the right to remain silent.
/ v \ Simplicity is Beauty! May the Force and farces be with you!
/( _ )\ (x86_64 Ubuntu 9.10) Linux 2.6.39.3
^ ^ 01:28:01 up 23 days 6:57 0 users load average: 1.34 1.34 1.38
ä¸å€Ÿè²¸! ä¸è©é¨™! ä¸æ´äº¤! ä¸æ‰“交! ä¸æ‰“劫! ä¸è‡ªæ®º! è«‹è€ƒæ…®ç¶œæ´ (CSSA):
http://www.swd.gov.hk/tc/index/site_pubsvc/page_socsecu/sub_addressesa

 

[Pennywise]

Originally you had to purchase system builder OEM XP
along with a computer part, say a motherboard, a hard drive or depending
on the retailer maybe just a case screw.

I tend to agree with John, it's the hardware part: "A piece of hardware is
included to meet the terms of the Microsoft OEM Sales Agreement".

I figured it would come with a power cord, but it could be a screw or face
plate. The OEM license says it must be sold with hardware to be considered OEM.
A computer power cord is considered hardware.

WinXp is still supported, in fact MS is making sure people are aware the end is
near with the count down timer they have just recently released.
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11662

That it's being sold in Euros it might be the N edition. since it's not called
XP media edition.

"Windows XP Home Edition N and Windows XP Professional Edition N is being
distributed without Microsoft’s Windows Media Player"
http://www.computerweekly.com/Artic...soft-to-ship-new-European-XP-OS-next-week.htm
To appease the European anti-trust settlement.

While the loss of WMP would mean nothing to me (VLC) it might to someone else.

I did come across this which I think would be an appropriate read:

The 5 Windows XP Versions
(Full, Upgrade, OEM Branded, OEM unbranded, and Recovery)

What to buy? This is an important decision. You will first need to understand
WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) Activation and Validation.
http://www.infocellar.com/winxp/oem-recover-retail.htm (no spam)

 

[Pennywise]

This just about ends my connection with Amazon and E-Bay. Garbage is
garbage, after all.

I bought an item from Amazon, a mouse I think (G5) and they charged me tax.
Saying they were doing this in case they were taxed over it the future, they
were covered. I was ticked but paid - it made sense.

California recently told Amazon they had to start paying taxes (you know the tax
I had already paid to Amazon), Amazon closes down in California.
----

I do all my ordering through www.NewEgg.com my credit card is at one location as
well.

They have an excellent return policy, while I've never had to use it, you read
about it in the remarks all the time.

NewEgg is just easier to buy from as well. If your putting a computer system
together from scratch, NewEgg makes it so much easier just by having all
the details/info in one spot - very handy.

I just bought the P6X58D-E for my son, here's the two sites for it, honestly
which one is easier?

Amazon (Wear out your scroll wheel here - do remember to add tax to the price).
http://www.amazon.com/Socket-Intel-...5XGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312526441&sr=8-1

Newegg (just a bit over a page -you can also zoom in on the product)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641

I like to read the remarks, I start off at the worst (one egg) and work up so I
know the problems ahead of the praise. Amazon places their customer reviews
among their mass marketing.

I also noticed one can now purchased the i7-960 instead of the i7-950 for $4
extra.

----

Note: that free USB pen drive for the Motherboard (Newegg.com)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139594
it's just too tiny, it's just a matter of time before I lose it. Plus the case
hides the connections, open the cover and you've got 4 bare connection strips.

 

[Pennywise]

What to buy? This is an important decision. You will first need to understand
WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) Activation and Validation.
http://www.infocellar.com/winxp/oem-recover-retail.htm (no spam)

Lot of people don't follow links, so I'll just post one area of importance.

"What versions of Windows are Certain to be "Valid"

You would think that "any" version that you buy will be valid. However, OEM
CD's . . . believe it or not . . . will not validate !! The exception
is "unbranded OEM" CD's which will validate."
----
http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/operating-systems/windows-xp-professional-sp2-oem2/
Google search for: Windows XP Professional is not bounded on a label

"Windows XP Professional is not bounded on a label; Installable on any
XP-enabled PC or Notebook; The productkey (COA) is unregistered; 100% authorised
to ..."

--

Doom 3 Source Code To Be Released This Year
http://linux.slashdot.org/story/11/08/04/2129223/Doom-3-Source-Code-To-Be-
Released-This-Year
Where it sits on the Quake Tree http://i54.tinypic.com/167k1m0.jpg

 

[anotherpaul]

I tend to agree with John, it's the hardware part: "A piece of hardware is
included to meet the terms of the Microsoft OEM Sales Agreement".

I figured it would come with a power cord, but it could be a screw or face
plate. The OEM license says it must be sold with hardware to be considered OEM.
A computer power cord is considered hardware.

Interesting...if the harddrive crashes before the warranty ends & the
mfg sends you a new drive, would the "oem" still be satisfied? The new
drive isn't the same piece of equipment that was on the oem hardware.

It looks like one cannot replace any hardware on an oem license even
if it was defected!

The end of winxp support isn't that far away; what happens to the
activation then? Especially when winxp crashes & a reinstall is needed
or even a change in the network card which would trigger a requirement
for a re-activation. Has m$ stated their policy in what happens to
activation &/or "genuine windows"?

 

[Pennywise]

Interesting...if the harddrive crashes before the warranty ends & the
mfg sends you a new drive, would the "oem" still be satisfied? The new
drive isn't the same piece of equipment that was on the oem hardware.

The end of winxp support isn't that far away; what happens to the
activation then? Especially when winxp crashes & a reinstall is needed
or even a change in the network card which would trigger a requirement
for a re-activation. Has m$ stated their policy in what happens to
activation &/or "genuine windows"?

I don't really know what your getting at, but in the broad sense this thread
might answer everything, but then I didn't look that hard. You have the key
words it you wish to - this was also posted in 2004 (1/2005).

"theres an interesting thread on this very subject taking place on nz.tech
it _seems_ that a 2 dollar power cord is all that is needed to fulfil the
OEM requirements of Microsofts License
(ie buy a 2 dollar power cord and now entitled to buy an OEM version of
the software )
HTH"

and

"Yes while the Power cord maybe a qualifying product it is upto the
individual OEM Reseller if they do it. Not too many of them do, since
the margin on OEM is lower than retail packs and by MS Law they not MS
have to provide support for the OEM software."

http://www.velocityreviews.com/forums/t573921-buying-xp-os-need-advice.html
--

Doom 3 Source Code To Be Released This Year
http://linux.slashdot.org/story/11/08/04/2129223/Doom-3-Source-Code-To-Be-
Released-This-Year
Where it sits on the Quake Tree http://i54.tinypic.com/167k1m0.jpg

 

[Paul]

I don't really know what your getting at, but in the broad sense this thread
might answer everything, but then I didn't look that hard. You have the key
words it you wish to - this was also posted in 2004 (1/2005).

"theres an interesting thread on this very subject taking place on nz.tech
it _seems_ that a 2 dollar power cord is all that is needed to fulfil the
OEM requirements of Microsofts License
(ie buy a 2 dollar power cord and now entitled to buy an OEM version of
the software )
HTH"

and

"Yes while the Power cord maybe a qualifying product it is upto the
individual OEM Reseller if they do it. Not too many of them do, since
the margin on OEM is lower than retail packs and by MS Law they not MS
have to provide support for the OEM software."

http://www.velocityreviews.com/forums/t573921-buying-xp-os-need-advice.html
--

Doom 3 Source Code To Be Released This Year
http://linux.slashdot.org/story/11/08/04/2129223/Doom-3-Source-Code-To-Be-
Released-This-Year
Where it sits on the Quake Tree http://i54.tinypic.com/167k1m0.jpg

It is the "act of purchasing" which is involved.

The idea is, unbranded OEM installer CDs, are for sale for "system builders".
For example, when I bought my WinXP SP3 OEM disc, I was also buying a motherboard
at the same time, because I was building the computer myself.

It is Microsoft's intention, to sell the OEM disk so private builders can
build their own computers and include a Windows OS. Using the OEM
disc for upgrading some old Dell, wasn't what they had in mind. Otherwise,
there would be no point having the merchants agree to this bundling notion.

At least one site I tried, was quite adamant about having the hardware
purchase, and it would appear Microsoft "got on their case".

There is nothing that says the purchased item, has to go into that computer.
It's purely an attempt to associate the purchase of the OEM disc, with
the purchase of parts used to build a computer.

A power cord is a necessary part, and the last Sparkle power supply I bought,
didn't actually come with a cord, so that would be a perfectly legitimate
example for me to need an OEM disc and a power cord in the same purchase.
The very cheapest of supplies, treat the power cord as an "accessory"

Paul

 

[Pennywise]

It is Microsoft's intention, to sell the OEM disk so private builders can
build their own computers and include a Windows OS. Using the OEM
disc for upgrading some old Dell, wasn't what they had in mind. Otherwise,
there would be no point having the merchants agree to this bundling notion.

It was the wording "Hardware", something.exe wouldn't be hardware.
I remembered the power cable = OEM threads of younder years...

But still it caims hardware will be included. Maybe they'll ship a Power cord
just to turn the screws or as bit of humor, because the truth of the matter lies
within the site itself, under FAQ's.

"The Federal High Court of Justice decided that OEM-versions and DSP-versions
are allowed to be sold without the fitting hardware. This is why you may use the
licence on every computer. You may reread this information in detail in the
conviction "Bundesgerichtshof Urteil vom 06.07.2000 - I ZR 244/97"."
(Europe hates Microsoft) http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/info/faq/

Doing a seach for "Bundesgerichtshof Urteil vom 06.07.2000 - I ZR 244/97"
one finds a there's a wealth of cheap software available; Win7 Pro 64bit $65 US
(half price) and Multilingual. Seum did well.
http://hukd.mydealz.de/deals/window...tsch-oem-multilingual-tradoria-alle-weg/35448
Translation: use the code: C7TD68 to get it for $65 U.S.

What is DSP and OEM software?
http://www.resellerratings.com/foru...shopping-advice/16533-what-does-dsp-mean.html
Short story OEM will have a company name on it, DSP is lower than OEM and be
blank, still both are the full versions.
--

Doom 3 Source Code To Be Released This Year
http://linux.slashdot.org/story/11/08/04/2129223/Doom-3-Source-Code-To-Be-
Released-This-Year
Where it sits on the Quake Tree http://i54.tinypic.com/167k1m0.jpg

 

[Seum]

It was the wording "Hardware", something.exe wouldn't be hardware.
I remembered the power cable = OEM threads of younder years...

But still it caims hardware will be included. Maybe they'll ship a Power cord
just to turn the screws or as bit of humor, because the truth of the matter lies
within the site itself, under FAQ's.

"The Federal High Court of Justice decided that OEM-versions and DSP-versions
are allowed to be sold without the fitting hardware. This is why you may use the
licence on every computer. You may reread this information in detail in the
conviction "Bundesgerichtshof Urteil vom 06.07.2000 - I ZR 244/97"."
(Europe hates Microsoft) http://www.softwarebilliger.co.uk/info/faq/

Doing a seach for "Bundesgerichtshof Urteil vom 06.07.2000 - I ZR 244/97"
one finds a there's a wealth of cheap software available; Win7 Pro 64bit $65 US
(half price) and Multilingual. Seum did well.
http://hukd.mydealz.de/deals/window...tsch-oem-multilingual-tradoria-alle-weg/35448
Translation: use the code: C7TD68 to get it for $65 U.S.

Hello again P.W.

I am not sure that I got a good deal. I have the seen the same XP CDs in
German outlets that have them below €20. In any case I still have the CD
but I have not been able to install it. Ir runs ok until it hits the
..sif file and then it gives up. I'm still considering returning it.

A mini manual came with CD indicating "For distribution only with a new
PC." The CD I have has the mark: Fujitsu-Siemens and it seems that these
CDs were intended for Fujitsu-Siemens computers. Besides that, on the
back of the envelope the CD came in, it indicates that a Recovery-CD was
also needed, but not provided.

 

[Seum]

You are making this more difficult than it really is. If its past 90
days MS no longer keeps track of *your* COA, just replace the defective
drive and reinstall, activate online. If less than 90 days then you will
need to call MS to activate and explain that the hard drive failed and
needed replaced.

I have had to do both and have been using the same copy of XP pro oem
through building a new computer in early 2003 that the drive failed two
weeks into building it; to replacing literally every part of that
computer (in effect a brand new computer just this year) and am still
using the same XP pro oem that I originally purchased in 2003. I did
however slip stream the latest service packs and sata drivers as they
became available into the original sp1 copy. In fact before I had to
rebuild this year I had two XP installs on the same computer (the 2nd as
a backup) from that single purchase and neither ever failed to update.
Just don't accept MS's validation tool.

If you look at my posting info you will see that I now use and prefer
Linux but that same XP is still installed on and up to date on this new
computer although I seldom boot into it any more.

Now having said all that I don't advise *purchasing* XP at this late
date when Win7 works just fine and is much more likely to have drivers
available for newly purchased ancillary hardware. I am simply saying
that you don't have to replace something that you have already paid for
and are happy with just because a part (or the entire computer) needs
replaced.

John

Hello John,

I bought the internal computer components for an WinXP, or later, OS. I
have dabbled a bit with Linuxes a few years back and would now like to
know if the present Linux OSs would run on the following components:

1 ASUS M4A88TD-V-EVO -USB3
2 Corsair 2 GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10600 CL9 Value Select PC Memory
Module (VS2GB1333D3)
3 Corsair Memory 750W TX series ATX Power Supply
4 AMD Athlon II X2 255 - 3.1 GHz - AM3 Socket (ADX255OCGQBOX)
5 Seagate 750GB HD

TIA

 

[Pennywise]

I am not sure that I got a good deal. I have the seen the same XP CDs in
German outlets that have them below €20. In any case I still have the CD
but I have not been able to install it. Ir runs ok until it hits the
.sif file and then it gives up. I'm still considering returning it.

Ya, I figure you got screwed on that deal. On purpose, a bad CD.
If you did a scan like Paul mentioned you should find a bad spot or many bad
spots. if you couldn't read the .SIF file in notepad that's pretty much a good
clue it's bad.

BTW that post from "Steve" was a reply to me (I posted) that they had added
a .SIF file could be opened by Notepad or any text editor. While I sent you
to that link it never did say it was a text file so I posted a note to them
(it's a good site) http://www.fileinfo.com/extension/sif

While there are many products out to check for errors and recovery of CD's.
I've just always used Isobuster http://www.isobuster.com/ There's a free
version that should at least tell you if it's good or not.

When I did the searh for "Bundesgerichtshof Urteil vom 06.07.2000 - I ZR 244/97"
I wanted to read the decision, but all I got at the time were deals on software,
so yes there would be price wars.

I only linked to Win7 to show a huge price difference. XP could be very
cheap and a price wouldn't mean much.

I would certianly return the XP CD from reading your post.

Good luck