I guess I'm a bit confused on this oem policy. Basically, I just want to buy Win XP oem online (with some ram) and install it in a fresh system. I have read the Microsoft system builder license that states you can't distribute XP oem unless on a complete system. Is it illegal for me to buy it online with ram, even though I plan on placing it in a full system? Thanks!
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XP OEM licesing question 1
- Thread starter trs79
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Thanks for the info, but this computer will be retired in a few years and there won't be a need for an upgrade, so the OEM version will be just fine (and cost is my primary concern at this point). Does anyone know if I can still use a piece of qualifying hardware or can clarify the Microsoft system builder license? Thanks.
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- #4
The version of OEM license you are buying when you buy RAM from an online retailer like Newegg.com is an end user license which requires you to buy qualifying hardware (such as a mobo, memory, or CPU... NOT an damned power cord)! It is not the same as an OEM System Builder license which requires you to sell a fully assembled computer system.
If you are buying an OEM license and RAM from a reputable e-tailer, you should be fine.
If you are buying an OEM license and RAM from a reputable e-tailer, you should be fine.
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- #5
I bought a OEM license a couple of month ago and installed in on my computer. During x-mas I bought my self a new computer and thought I could transfer the liecens from the old to new computer. I should have read up a bit more..... as I now have to buy a new Windows XP.
jonas
jonas
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- #7
Just an FYI, I am grateful for everyone's input, but I was still a bit confused as to different oem licenses so I called Microsoft (got the run around of course), and then ended up calling one of the certified oem distributors. They told me that the only legal way to get an OEM licence is if you are an authorized system builder. As Frank4d mentioned, I guess this makes sense, however I could not seem to find anyone who could tell me about an end-user OEM license. The distributor basically said that for an end-user, buying the box retail version was the only legal way to go.
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- #8
This link is what started my questioning for anyone who is interested:
simple facts:
i purchased a motherboard, hard drive, ram, nic card (i already had a case) from a local retail store where i live. they had microsoft win-xp-pro retail box ($299) and microsoft oem win-xp-pro ($149). however, i purchased my oem cd which comes with c.o.a. (certificate of authenticity) and cd key from it doesn't require activation, and it's the latest version of xp-pro (build 2600) that includes sp-2. i get my updates regularly from microsoft automatically. i've had no problems. i have spoken to the retailer of hardware locally, and i've been told that my system is legal and approved by microsoft. give it a try. good luck.
i purchased a motherboard, hard drive, ram, nic card (i already had a case) from a local retail store where i live. they had microsoft win-xp-pro retail box ($299) and microsoft oem win-xp-pro ($149). however, i purchased my oem cd which comes with c.o.a. (certificate of authenticity) and cd key from it doesn't require activation, and it's the latest version of xp-pro (build 2600) that includes sp-2. i get my updates regularly from microsoft automatically. i've had no problems. i have spoken to the retailer of hardware locally, and i've been told that my system is legal and approved by microsoft. give it a try. good luck.
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