Cheapest and easiest way to buy genuine XP

Gib_Gib

You can sell pcs with a copy of xp on them, this is perfectly legal, its the licence that costs the money. Normally when you recieve a pc with a copy of xp on it, they ask you for a licence key and if you do not put in a valid one, it will stop working within a month (sometimes 7 days)

BertieMeldrew

redux wrote:

There were a couple of non-genuine volume licence keys around a while back but I assumed that Genuine Advantage was sorting that out.

If you can report the dealer to Microsoft for selling unauthorised copies, you may be able to receive either a free or reduced cost (about £90 for Pro) copy

Or buy a genuine OEM copy from a dealer for £90 to 100 for Pro; I think £60 for Home. They can sell this with an order for hardware, and most have a cheap fan or floppy disc power lead under a quid.

What are the implications of buying an OEM copy as opposed to a "full" distribution? E.g. on Misco "Windows XP Professional OEM Version" is £79.99 whereas " "MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL W/SP2 - STD CD WIN - 1 USER" is £199.99. (and is the OEM version not SP2 etc).

Also, what is the difference between "Upgrade" and "Full Version"?

esuhl

An upgrade version requires you to boot into Windows 98, NT4, ME or 2000 (I think) , and upgrade that version to Windows XP. A full version allows you to instll the software on a blank hard disk.

The full version is usually more expensive, but many people suggest that Windows is more reliable if installed afresh rather than upgrading.

OEM copies are intended to be sold to people who build PCs and sell them; whilst retail versions are intended to be sold to "Joe Public". There's usually not much difference between the versions, but according to the Windows XP licence, an OEM copy is tied to a particular PC - when the PC dies, you must buy a new copy of Windows (although Microsoft often overlook this). A retail version can be transferred onto as many different PCs as you like - as long as it's only one at a time. Also, OEM versions should (but often aren't) be sold with an item of hardware.

eBay is probably the cheapest place to buy a copy, but there are a LOT of dodgy dealers and pirates selling software on eBay, so be very wary of who you buy from.

Hope this helps...

esuhl

PS It doesn't really matter whether you get SP2 or the initial version of XP - all the Service Packs can be downloaded from the Microsoft Update website.

letsbehonest

What's WGA, not all readers are that readily familiar with these abbreviated letter's

BertieMeldrew

I just bought XP Professional on e-Bay for £75 all-in which I reckon is pretty reasona ble if you want to be legit.

Benjie_2

letsbehonest wrote:

What's WGA, not all readers are that readily familiar with these abbreviated letter's

Windows Genuine Advantage

tr3mor

Benjie wrote:

Windows Genuine Activation

Windows Genuine Advantage.

If you're gonna answer someone's question at least get it right!!

scorour

What I do for people who want to become legal is to buy OEM (which can only be purchased with a piece of hardware to upgrade your PC).

I buy from Microdirect who sell XP Home SP2 with free mouse, therefore not breaking any rules regarding selling OEM software..

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=9479&GroupID=0

currently £56.39 incl vat (not delivery, varies on area and speed)

For this price, I always urge people to go legal, saves more hassle than anything....

scorour

Mean't to say also, software wise, there is absoutely no difference between Retail and OEM (except a few numbers in a certain txt file on the CD, to say this CD/install should use an OEM license key OR this should use a Retail license key). Functionallity is identical.