Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (
More info?)
"Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23Nim9uyiFHA.1416@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> code_wrong wrote:
>> While browsing for the cheapest XP OS disk I find this:
>>
>> --quote--
>> Microsoft OEM Operating system software MUST be purchased with a
>> non-peripheral hardware component or fully assembled computer system.
>> Non-peripheral hardware consists of a motherboard, graphics card,
>> memory module, hard disk, keyboard or mouse. Full retail boxed
>> products must be ordered if no hardware/PC system is to accompany the
>> sale. --end quote--
>> here:
>>
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=8959293079&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=66489
>
> Yes - that is true.
>
> Technically an OEM copy must be purchased with a piece of hardware -
> although I have seen it sold with the audio cable that goes from your CD
> drive to your sound card.
>
> OEMs can only be installed clean - wiping the machine of everything
> previous. There is no "upgrade" with a true OEM copy of Windows XP.
> OEMs come with no support from Microsoft, your only drop-back point is the
> OEM you buy it from.
> OEM copies can be modified in almost anyway - personalized by the OEM to
> their specifications - even as far as to make it depend on something on
> the machine. Generally the OEM copies bought online without a computer in
> the purchase are not done that way unless you get taken for a ride.
> In strict accordance with the EULA you click "I Agree" to when installing
> the product - once installed on Machine "A", if Machine "A" melts to slag
> in front of your very eyes - you have lost the license of Windows XP you
> had installed on it even if you were holding the pretty XP CD in your
> hands and it remained unharmed during the meltdown.
> You cannot purchase additional license with OEM copies, just additional
> OEM copies (which is cheaper anyway. heh)
>
> There are other limitations of OEM copies - but in general - they are the
> same as the Retail for someone who knows what they are doing and what they
> want.
>
> If you do get one of those cheap copies and are concerned about legalities
> as well:
> http://www.howtotell.com/
>
I have always been wary of trying out that site ...I have the impression
that if in fact the system does have a bootleg copy of XP .. some activex
component at that sitewill lock up the system and demand that you buy a
legitimate copy while at the same time adding your details to the FBI most
wanted list ... So it's not as bad as that then?