Buying OS - Windows XP OEM version

Marty_J

anewhope wrote: »

Unfortunately, buying an OEM version no longer gives you a valid license unless you are a System Builder (registered with Microsoft, not just putting one together).

People keep saying this, but Microsoft's System Builder Licence doesn't.

Marty_J

Yes, that's the one.

There's nothing in there that says you have to be a "System Builder registered with Microsoft, not just putting one together".

[Deleted User]

Marty_J wrote: »

Yes, that's the one.

There's nothing in there that says you have to be a "System Builder registered with Microsoft, not just putting one together".

Forgive me, I didn't realise the OPK was freely distributed.

Marty_J

anewhope wrote: »

Forgive me, I didn't realise the OPK was freely distributed.

An Ovulation Predictor Kit?

gjchester

mrian wrote: »

a) oem is oem. It does not matter wether it is Dell, HP, Compaq or Joe Bloggs.

Correct, however some of the big companies put extra code on there disks so that you can only run in on their hardware. Are they full OEM disks not really as they are not universal but thats a differenet matter. OEM is not intended for sale to the end user. Part of the deal is you get to put the software on one PC only and also the installer is responsible for all hardware and software support. If you want to move the software to another PC you need a retail copy.

mrian wrote: »

b) Invalidates does not mean does not work and this does not apply in some other countries ie Germany.

Maybe but we are not in Germany. UK law applies, it may be illegal to do that in Germany, but your in the UK so thats irrelevent.

mrian wrote: »

c) Probably should read never. Pirate copies only work for a short time until Microsoft find out (by the amount of activations) Never ever buy Pirate copies of XP. Just stick to oem, It is that simple.

I wasn't avocating piracy, just if pointing out your throwing your money away so you may as throw away as little as possible. However given most people use windowsd every day it's only right that you pay for it. If you don't want to pay for the software use Ubuntu.

mrian_2

gjchester wrote: »

Correct, however some of the big companies put extra code on there disks so that you can only run in on their hardware.

Yes, they put the extra code on the disc, so if you load the software on different hardware the software does not ask for the key. When you have finally loaded XP it asks if you wish to activate and if you say yes then it comes up with a message saying "wrong code, please enter the correct code" (This is because it could not find the code from the motherboard) You then enter ANY oem code from your genuine COA and it happily activates.

I am not talking about things I have read on the internet, I am talking from buying, selling, upgrading PC's for a long time. I have NEVER EVER had a problem. You just need the correct disc to load the software. ie an XP retail disc will not accept an oem version of XP and VV.

oem is oem is oem.

mrian_2

Quote from Wiki:- There are two types of OEM when it comes to operating systems. The first is when a pre-built computer is purchased, there is an OEM disk that comes with the system, which can not be transferred to another one, because that disk is designed to run only with the specific system components. The second type of OEM operating system is one that can be transferred to any other system, without the dependence on the components.

Certainly not true for XP. If you buy a PC from dell etc and have a motherboard fault this would mean you could not re install your OS after replacing your motherboard.

You can load any oem on a Dell PC. You can use a Dell recovery CD and Dell COA on any PC (providing it is XP capable).

I have used Dell as an example but it is the same for all PC's

oem is oem is oem

knowledgepower1

anewhope wrote: »

Probably not legal?

but its working perfectly.

[Deleted User]

knowledgepower1 wrote: »

but its working perfectly.

So? It's still not legal.

The board has rules in place that cover the discussion of such topics, so why don't you stick to them? I'm sure Martin doesn't want any undue attention being brought to the forum from free loaders like yourself.

mrian_2

badoosh wrote: »

WTFudge

As the wiki explains there are two types of OEM, dont forget aswell the version of OS, i.e XPHome, XPHomeSP1, XPHomeSP2, and then Pro versions, as the wiki says and you are oddly enough agreeing, there are two types of OEM Parts dependant and parts non-dependant.

oem is oem is not correct as 2 Versions then OS versions.

There are 2 versions, XP home and Xp pro (which I assume we all know only too well).
SP1, 2 and 3 are completely irrelevant to the coa.
XP loads any service pack version and activates with the coa and then updates to the latest service pack (if you wish)

As I posted earlier the Wiki posting re O/S oem's is obviously not reffering to XP.
XP oem is NOT NOT NOT hardware dependant.

BTW please do not bother to start on about volume licensing, this is another story and irrelevant to the fact that oem is oem is oem.

Ignoring volume licensing.
To install XP Home with a retail COA you need a retail copy (CD) of XP Home(any SP)
To Install XP Pro with a retail COA you need a retail copy (CD) of XP Pro (any SP)
To install XP Home with an oem COA you need an oem copy (CD) of XP Home(any SP)
To Install XP Pro with an oem COA you need an oem copy (CD) of XP Pro (any SP)

For oem - It does not matter if the CD says oem, Dell, HP or Fred Blogs as long as it is round with a hole in the middle it will accept the oem Key.
If it is as you (or Wiki) would call "hardware dependant" :rotfl: then it cannot find the relevant hardware it will tell you that you have the wrong key and ask you for the correct one. You can then enter ANY genuine oem key from any genuine oem coa and it will activate and pass all Microsoft validations.

This is because oem is oem is oem!