Windows XP massively overpriced

marms

You can get oem copies of any version of Windows XP for under £100 at Komplett
http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/kl.aspx?mfr=&bn=10339&sortBy=p&minprice=&maxPrice=

SandLake

Just for general knowledge, If I was to buy a key off for example Ebay, is there any quick way to check it is legitimate, i.e could I temporarily use Magic Jelly Bean to change my current key and access the Windows Update site or try and download Microsoft Defender both of which I don't think you can access unless you have a validated copy of Windows?


Thanks

withabix

£50 for OEM Windows XP Home typically.
£75 for PRO or MCE

Both prices are media + COA

robt_2

SandLake wrote: »

Just for general knowledge, If I was to buy a key off for example Ebay, is there any quick way to check it is legitimate, i.e could I temporarily use Magic Jelly Bean to change my current key and access the Windows Update site or try and download Microsoft Defender both of which I don't think you can access unless you have a validated copy of Windows?


Thanks

You can't just 'buy a key' on eBay and conform to the license.

TRANSFER—Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you
must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial
user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include
all component parts, media, printed materials, this EULA, and if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity. The
transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the
transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide
commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product

JOel_2

SandLake wrote: »

Just for general knowledge, If I was to buy a key off for example Ebay, is there any quick way to check it is legitimate, i.e could I temporarily use Magic Jelly Bean to change my current key and access the Windows Update site or try and download Microsoft Defender both of which I don't think you can access unless you have a validated copy of Windows?

Thanks

I'd be warey about buying keys off of ebay, quite a few of them claim to be genuine, but at lot are not, usually Corporate VLK's being flogged. However there are some reputable companies on there. However, in theory it will work, you will have to re-activate once you have changed your key, and do the same to put it back again.

Remember, OEM copies of XP are supposed to be sold with hardware. This hardware can be anything from a mouse to a motherboard, although some companies will not let you buy it unless you buy hardware (as apposed to peripherals such as mice).

I'd use the keyfinder to grab your key (unless its on a sticker on the side of your case), and then get a copy (Retail or OEM) off a someone to use to reinstall.

Joel

superscaper

bigfreddyuk wrote: »

This is money saving - not Bill lining

It's not about breaking the law either. You really do need to read the forum rules.

robt_2

bigfreddyuk wrote: »

This is money saving - not Bill lining
Its available at piratebay.org

That is theft.

Could you post me your car keys so I can steal your car please, seeing as you think theft is ok.

GreenNotM

Reading the OP first's post she does not seem to have an installation of XP to get a key or COA from - hence my first post hoping to get the missing XP back with out cost - but some great info here.

Sandlake - what is sent to MS when you validate (amongst other things) is a hashing of the license number using details of your pc's hardware - that is why you can only change so many hardware items, so often and then have to re-validate by phone. If you try out the Licence number you will invalidate it for when you do want to use it - see below why ...

Once upon a time MS could only stop (non-validate) the license numbers that had been used 1000's of time but they have improved their database since then and can spot individual cases..

Maysie

i can see it a £1.44 cheaper than overlockers all in including the postage
overlockers £62.56 mystery other place do not want to get told off for advertsing as its boyfriends site £61.16 lol I think they are all much of a muchness. loving firefox myself recently converted though still have my IE

Debt_Free_Chick

You can display the XP key by right-clicking on My Computer (on the desktop) and selecting properties.

You can even select the key, copy it and then paste it into notepad or any other text application.

As others have said - if you want to reinstall an OEM version of XP, you need an OEM disk. There are fewer characters to an OEM key - so if you use a non-OEM disk, you cannot complete the product key presented to you by set up as there are insufficient characters to fill the dialogue box.

Found this out at the weekend, having reformatted and installed XP Pro on three different laptops :mad:

Amanda - you just need the XP key and to borrow an XP disc. If your XP key has OEM in it, then you need an OEM version of the disk. But I agree with others ... if this is a new PC, what was supplied when you bought it? Where did you get it from?