WinXP License Re-usability...

[DragonMasterAlex]

Originally posted by: mparr1708
You are allowed to use your windows license on any computer that you want. You can just only use it on one at a time. Example: You have a desktop with windows xp on it and you decide you want to build your own pc and save some cash by not purchasing an os. You can uninstall the OS from your old system and legally you are allowed to install it on your new system. The license is not bound to the hardware.

Where this gets tricky is when you reach your activation limit. MS only lets you activate a WXP license so many times and then you end up calling them. I typically use a coporate version of xp so there is no activation involved. This is how corps can roll out 100 xp stations at a time. Build one pc and with a corporate key, run sysprep, blow the image up with ghost. You can then use that image on any amount of pcs you want without dealing with MS and there silly activation policies.

Oh, but don't use *sysprep* Imaging is *bad* news! Instead use nLite (Http://nuhi.msfn.org) and the Unattended guide (http://unattended.msfn.org) to create your auto-installing CD image, including all your favorite apps!

Jason

 

[CU]

I bought the OEM version of XP Home about two years ago. It came with an IDE cable for the hardware requirement. MS has no clue if I use that cable or not. I would only by a OEM version why pay more for the box.

 

[pxc]

I do. My justification is that the OEM license is cheap because the computer manufacturer is responsible for the support, which is only free for 1 year anyways. There is no free phone support directly from MS with the OEM version. As long as the original computer is no longer going to use the license, i don't feel guilty at all using it again for my own use on another system.

Selling an OEM bundled version of the OS (key + install CD) separately is a completely different story, whether it was used or not. That's unlike the personal use I described above. Unbundling is shady, but is kind of nice for the buyer since the price is usually very cheap.

 

[tcsenter]

So if I take the case fan I bought to satisfy OEM (must be purchased with hardware) requirements and move it with the OS to another system...

lol! You may be on to something there...

Unfortunately, the EULA is invoked once the software is installed on a computer system, at which point the software becomes married to that computer. Of course, you may always decline to accept the terms of the EULA during installation.

Should have scrolled down a bit more I guess. This is crazy. I've been around PCs for a long time and this has never come up. Also, if this is the case my company is in deep caca. My feeling is this is a rule that was put into place so that MS avoids having a grey area but is very rarely enforced.

This has been Microsoft's policy on OEM software at least since 1996, probably forever.

Now I wonder why Dell did not give me a "new" license when they changed out my Motherboard.

Because replacement of a defective motherboard is expressly permitted as an exception to the rule. Replacing a working motherboard to get new or better features (i.e. upgrading) creates a new computer and therefore requires a new license.

 

[mparr1708]

Originally posted by: RVN
Seems like there's alot of non-hot deal threads in here lately.

This one stands out with the well-thought out disclaimer/topic summary "Delete me if it's not in the context of this forum". I bet you searched your topic in the hot deals forum before you posted and couldn't come up with any hits. :roll:

While I agree this does not belong in hot deals it is a great informational thread that a lot of people seem to be pulling good things from. I for one think we should cut this thread some slack. Just my 2 cents though and I undersatnd what you are saying.

 

[mparr1708]

Originally posted by: DragonMasterAlex

Originally posted by: mparr1708
You are allowed to use your windows license on any computer that you want. You can just only use it on one at a time. Example: You have a desktop with windows xp on it and you decide you want to build your own pc and save some cash by not purchasing an os. You can uninstall the OS from your old system and legally you are allowed to install it on your new system. The license is not bound to the hardware.

Where this gets tricky is when you reach your activation limit. MS only lets you activate a WXP license so many times and then you end up calling them. I typically use a coporate version of xp so there is no activation involved. This is how corps can roll out 100 xp stations at a time. Build one pc and with a corporate key, run sysprep, blow the image up with ghost. You can then use that image on any amount of pcs you want without dealing with MS and there silly activation policies.

Oh, but don't use *sysprep* Imaging is *bad* news! Instead use nLite (Http://nuhi.msfn.org) and the Unattended guide (http://unattended.msfn.org) to create your auto-installing CD image, including all your favorite apps!

Jason

Imust admit I've never used "nlite". I'm always looking for ways to make our roll outs go smoother though. I'll check into it. I am curious why you say imaging is bad though?

 

[buildingacomputer]

Originally posted by: pxc
Selling an OEM bundled version of the OS (key + install CD) separately is a completely different story, whether it was used or not. That's unlike the personal use I described above. Unbundling is shady, but is kind of nice for the buyer since the price is usually very cheap.

Is this what I see on e-bay, OEM version with key and CD? If so, will Microsoft activate it even though my name is obviously different from previous owner's? Or is name not a part of registration? Thanks for answering my questions.

 

[the Juice]

The most ridiculous thing is people selling Dell XP cd's without the COA and people buying them. You are not buying the software per say but rather the right to use it which means you own the COA and nobody else is using it.

 

[Armethius]

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm

 

[CyberTron]

Originally posted by: the Juice

Originally posted by: ILikeMagazines
why only call microsoft for permission to use your own bought hardware and software? crap i call microsoft when i have to #2 or when i want seconds, "please sir may i have more". its awesome, i gave up all control of my life and no longer make any decisions. it does suck sometimes when there call centers are backed up but its not like i'm asking permission to breathe, that would just be silly.

Because you have to call when it doesnt work, how else can you get it to work? Or are you someone that uses their little hacked ghetto versions of everything.

I cant speak for everyone, but I'll NEVER call MS for help... EVER. not even if i was on my death bed and it was the only way to stay alive. Their call center, nor anyone elses call center, has anything to offer me. You can find answers to all your questions at the following site. here Furthermore.... I would NEVER pay for a copy of software like windows that i have to activate... I have thought about buying xp just to say i'm doing the right thing and that i use xp all the time, but to pay for a headache (I reinstall all the time and am always doing such thing) is just crazy