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I bought a copy of XP Pro from a show, Packaging was shrink wrap with a product key on the outside! (XXXXX-OEM-XXXXX-XXXXX) NO box!
I have activated it a month or so ago, I need to buy an additonal License to make my second install "legal"!
I see many on Pricewatch.com for sale for 95.00 or so dollars, Is this what I need? I dont need a CD I have one already!
Tick
Sterling_Aug
12-02-2002, 03:29 PM
Even though you already have the CD, I would get one anyway as a spare.
An OEM copy will make you legal because it includes the activation key.
Bigjakkstaffa
12-02-2002, 03:44 PM
I thought you didnt need to activate XP Pro - thats what a friend was saying -- and if you look about perfectly legit tweak sites there are workarounds for this activation malarkey ;)
--Jakk:t
Optimus Prime
12-02-2002, 03:47 PM
i bought OEM win XP home, there should be a sticky serial number thing that you should put on your pc that comes with the plastic shrink wrapping...
i dont see any problems.
Originally posted by Tick
I see many on Pricewatch.com for sale for 95.00 or so dollars, Is this what I need? I dont need a CD I have one already!
Tick
That's all you need. There's no need to purchase the media again. Just make sure that you buy a license copy that matches the copy you have on media. Meaning, since you have an OEM copy on media, make sure that you get an OEM additional license.
Other than that, that's all you need.
Well I got my copy of the license! Came in a box so no one could see the ##"s. Put in my new # activated and works great! Its worth 106.00 USD shipped to get an aditional license for XP. No need to buy a new CD when I can burn copies all day long. M$ is not getting 299.00 of my money, when i spent 139.00 for the first copy and 106.00 on the second license.
Tick
Thanks to all for your input!
Eric Legge
12-15-2002, 11:10 AM
If you buy an OEM version from a show, surely Microsoft will want to know the make and model of PC that it is being installed on to make sure that the license covers that computer and not just any computer before it issues an activation key?
OEM versions are sold with a PC, because the PC manufacturer is responsible for the support.
Eric,
http://www.legge40.freeserve.co.uk/BuyerBeware.htm
The First Comp I put XP on is a Gateway machine my first! I had no problems registering it! I have the key and M$ authorized it over the net without so much as phone call!
The second machine I put XP on I built myself from a show, I had purchased a paper license from an online dealer for 106.00 as stated above! It also registered online without so much as a phone call to M$.
I do not belive this is the case as you state! Both machines were registered (after) I had done all nessisary updates ie: SP1 and associated misc updates.
Again thanks for all your input!
Tick
In another thought. Most dealers use many models and different manufactures of hardware to custom build a unit! So I ask how could M$ need to know my specs of a particular machine to see if I fall under a particular hardware config?
Also If I use a key that has never been used then I have a valid key! To my understanding M$ uses a tagging system to tag all hardware in a machine when licsensed which make the 25 digit key some 50 numerals long. this in turn when re-registered some time down the road is comparred to the original registration if a close match is determened then it allows you to use the product!
If by chance you have changed out some hardware the the 50 numeral digit would then not match the original and you would then have to contact M$ to explain the reason why you changed so much on your machine!
This inturn would for the common user be as simple "Well I had a hard drive crash and got a new one! While I was at the store I upgraded my Vid card and got a new Network card"! Simple!
To the hardcore OCer who changes his mobo,ram,vid card, and misc other devices once or twice a year to keep up with times. This could present a problem to re-register many times a year and would become to M$ as a "suspicous user" who might be putting the OS on more than one machine!
In all reality I can reuse my original copy of the OS as long as I have a new key for each machine regaurdless of the hardware contained!
In M$'s words "They would rather see you buy a 299.00 copy of and OS and have a CD for each machine!" But with a licsensed reseller of an OS selling a legit Key to a consumer at a discount I think the liability lies in the hands of M$ who does business with its resellers.
The next machine I build I will reuse my original copy of XP and just buy another legit licsense, COA and Key for 106.00!
With the introduction of XP Pro and Home, THe way M$ controls the way each Key is Tagged to the hardware is an invention of M$ to increase there profits. I have no objections to anyone making money! I am able to control how much of my money they get!
You just have to do some research and use the loopholes that M$ didnt cover! I belive I have found one that has saved me alot of money and will continue to exploit it legaly!
Merry Christmas
Tick
They're not loopholes...Microsoft intended for you to be able to buy additional licenses when you need them.
AltatemTC
12-16-2002, 01:09 PM
Don't forget there is a difference between registration and activation.
Both licenses are registered and activated to me on two diff machines! I did not forget just ommitted from the post.
mpc2.... This might not be a loophole in sorts, But I do know if you call M$ they will tell you you can only get one from them or one of there licsensed resellers. They will also tell you the cost is 25 to 30 dollors less than the hard copy!
If you want a copy of XP buy it from NEWEGG.com or some other reseller at a discount when you buy it with hardware!
Tick
Ankun
12-16-2002, 04:12 PM
erm yes when you install windows xp pro it asks you if you want to register your copy online or whatever, just say no, and not to ask again, and they never complain..it works fine for me :\ (been using it for 8+ months)
Johnny Fist
12-22-2002, 04:24 PM
Next time you're at a computer show look for one of those XP cds with "FULL VERSION" written on it and forget about activating or registering anything. Think of it as doing your part to perpetuate the cycles of class warfare.
"Full Version" copies require activation too.
Bigjakkstaffa
12-23-2002, 06:20 AM
Corporate versions dont though
--Jakk:t
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