Re: Windows, Full or OEM? legalities?

[Jeremiah]

Does the system I listed meet the legal requirements of
OEM?
Thanks again.

Jeremiah



>-----Original Message-----
>OEM is a Full install.
>
>Joe
>
>"Jeremiah" > wrote in message
...
>> Windows, Full or OEM?
>>
>> I have an old computer for home use that came from a
>> manufacturer and originally had Win 95. I was
>> considering formatting and installing WinXP. New
>> hardware has been added and I was wondering if I need
>> Windows XP full, or if OEM will work. Also, if OEM
>> wouldn't work, what are the requirements for using OEM
>> software? Thanks for your time.
>>
>> Jeremiah
>>
>.
>

[Joe727]

I am not a lawyer, so I can't answer your questions about the legal =
requirements.

I have read on these newsgroups that OEM versions of XP are "tied" to =
the specfic systems they are installed on and that you could have =
problems changing out a hard drive if it should fail.

You also need to determine if your computer is capable of handling XP. =
You said you made upgrades but you never stated what those upgrades are, =
nor did you list the specs for your computer. If the computer =
originally had Windows 95 installed, it's a good bet that just about =
everything in it needs to be upgraded.

Your best bet is to buy a Retail version of XP after you are certain =
your computer is capable of running XP. You can download and run the =
Upgrade Adviser to determine if it is.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp

If you have a Windows 98 CD, then you can install the XP upgrade and =
save $100.

Joe

"Jeremiah" > wrote in message =
...
> Does the system I listed meet the legal requirements of=20
> OEM?
> Thanks again.
>=20
> Jeremiah
>=20
>=20
>=20
> >-----Original Message-----
> >OEM is a Full install.
> >
> >Joe
> >
> >"Jeremiah" > wrote in message=20
> ...
> >> Windows, Full or OEM?
> >>=20
> >> I have an old computer for home use that came from a=20
> >> manufacturer and originally had Win 95. I was=20
> >> considering formatting and installing WinXP. New=20
> >> hardware has been added and I was wondering if I need=20
> >> Windows XP full, or if OEM will work. Also, if OEM=20
> >> wouldn't work, what are the requirements for using OEM=20
> >> software? Thanks for your time.
> >>=20
> >> Jeremiah
> >>=20
> >.
> >

[Graham]

"Joe727" > wrote in message
...
I am not a lawyer, so I can't answer your questions about the legal
requirements.

I have read on these newsgroups that OEM versions of XP are "tied" to the
specfic systems they are installed on and that you could have problems
changing out a hard drive if it should fail.

You also need to determine if your computer is capable of handling XP. You
said you made upgrades but you never stated what those upgrades are, nor did
you list the specs for your computer. If the computer originally had
Windows 95 installed, it's a good bet that just about everything in it needs
to be upgraded.

Your best bet is to buy a Retail version of XP after you are certain your
computer is capable of running XP. You can download and run the Upgrade
Adviser to determine if it is.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp

If you have a Windows 98 CD, then you can install the XP upgrade and save
$100.

Joe

There are many types of OEM disks/installs. Some are full versions the same
as a retail but comes with no Microsoft support available. It is about the
only difference in version types. But you are also correct that some are
tied to the machine as well.

[Joe727]

"Graham" > wrote in message =
...
>=20
> "Joe727" > wrote in message
> ...
> I am not a lawyer, so I can't answer your questions about the legal
> requirements.
>=20
> I have read on these newsgroups that OEM versions of XP are "tied" to =
the
> specfic systems they are installed on and that you could have problems
> changing out a hard drive if it should fail.
>=20
> You also need to determine if your computer is capable of handling XP. =
You
> said you made upgrades but you never stated what those upgrades are, =
nor did
> you list the specs for your computer. If the computer originally had
> Windows 95 installed, it's a good bet that just about everything in it =
needs
> to be upgraded.
>=20
> Your best bet is to buy a Retail version of XP after you are certain =
your
> computer is capable of running XP. You can download and run the =
Upgrade
> Adviser to determine if it is.
>=20
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
>=20
> If you have a Windows 98 CD, then you can install the XP upgrade and =
save
> $100.
>=20
> Joe
>=20
> There are many types of OEM disks/installs. Some are full versions the =
same
> as a retail but comes with no Microsoft support available. It is about =
the
> only difference in version types. But you are also correct that some =
are
> tied to the machine as well.
>=20

Then the question is - how do you tell which of OEM versions you are =
going to receive before you buy it?

Joe

[Jim Macklin]

Here is how NewEgg describes genuine MS OEM media...
**This item is NOT REFUNDABLE, exchange for same exact item
only!!** Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition CD - OEM Full
Version Microsoft Windows 98 makes your computer work better
and play better. It works better by making it simple to
access the Internet and by providing better system
performance along with easier system diagnostics and
maintenance. *Must be Purchased w/Hardware!!
Model#: A6600038
Click Here for FREE item that complies with Microsoft
Hardware Purchase Requirement.
-OEM Special FedEx Saver Shipping $4.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 1 ) -Price Alert
(N82E16837102004) Return to Service

ONLY 1 Combo Special Discounted per Order
Save $5 when you buy this item with Power Cable Spliter.
4-Pin. 8".Please See Image
Save $5 when you buy this item with CABLE Y|ADI POWER
SPLITTER 5-1/4
(avg rating out of 7 voters)
(5) Read the Wish Lists About the Item(16)
$93.00



YES


**This item is NOT REFUNDABLE, exchange for same exact
item only!!** ?On Sale!
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 1 - OEM
Full Version Designed exclusively for home computing. From
digital photos, music, and video to building a home network,
Windows XP Home Edition brings you into the digital age with
ease. Built on the solid foundation of Windows 2000, Windows
XP Home Edition also sets the new standard in efficient and
dependable computing. *Must be Purchased with Hardware!!*
Model#: N09-00558
Click Here for FREE item that complies with Microsoft
Hardware Purchase Requirement.
-OEM Special FedEx Saver Shipping $4.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 3 ) -Price Alert
(N82E16837102014) Return to Service

ONLY 1 Combo Special Discounted per Order
Save $5 when you buy this item with Power Cable Spliter.
4-Pin. 8".Please See Image
Save $5 when you buy this item with CABLE Y|ADI POWER
SPLITTER 5-1/4
(avg rating out of 26 voters)
(20) Read the Wish Lists About the Item(590)
$93.00



YES


**This item is NOT REFUNDABLE, exchange for same exact
item only!!** ?On Sale!
Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 - OEM
Full Version Designed for reliability, security and privacy,
high performance, and ease of use, the Windows XP operating
system provides a host of benefits for business and home
users. A clean and simple desktop, rock-solid reliability,
and easy-to-use features that take advantage of the digital
age all contribute to the value of Windows XP. *Must be
Purchased with Hardware!!*
Model#: E85-01702
Click Here for FREE item that complies with Microsoft
Hardware Purchase Requirement.
-OEM Special FedEx Saver Shipping $4.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 2 ) -Price Alert
(N82E16837102015) Return to Service

ONLY 1 Combo Special Discounted per Order
Save $5 when you buy this item with Power Cable Spliter.
4-Pin. 8".Please See Image
Save $5 when you buy this item with CABLE Y|ADI POWER
SPLITTER 5-1/4
(avg rating out of 33 voters)
(19) Read the Wish Lists About the Item(546)

www.newegg.com


"Joe727" > wrote in
message ...

"Graham" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Joe727" > wrote
in message
> ...
> I am not a lawyer, so I can't answer your questions about
the legal
> requirements.
>
> I have read on these newsgroups that OEM versions of XP
are "tied" to the
> specfic systems they are installed on and that you could
have problems
> changing out a hard drive if it should fail.
>
> You also need to determine if your computer is capable of
handling XP. You
> said you made upgrades but you never stated what those
upgrades are, nor did
> you list the specs for your computer. If the computer
originally had
> Windows 95 installed, it's a good bet that just about
everything in it needs
> to be upgraded.
>
> Your best bet is to buy a Retail version of XP after you
are certain your
> computer is capable of running XP. You can download and
run the Upgrade
> Adviser to determine if it is.
>
>
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
>
> If you have a Windows 98 CD, then you can install the XP
upgrade and save
> $100.
>
> Joe
>
> There are many types of OEM disks/installs. Some are full
versions the same
> as a retail but comes with no Microsoft support available.
It is about the
> only difference in version types. But you are also correct
that some are
> tied to the machine as well.
>

Then the question is - how do you tell which of OEM versions
you are going to receive before you buy it?

Joe

[Ken Blake]

"Joe727" > wrote in
message ...

>"Graham" > wrote in message
...
>>
>> There are many types of OEM disks/installs. Some are full
versions the same
>> as a retail but comes with no Microsoft support available. It
is about the
>> only difference in version types. But you are also correct
that some are
>> tied to the machine as well.


> Then the question is - how do you tell which of OEM versions
you are going to
> receive before you buy it?


If you get an OEM version that comes preinstalled on the
computer, you may be getting a version BIOS-locked to the
particular machine; ask your vendor to be sure.

If you are *buying* an OEM version, you are getting the first
type. However it is not exactly "the same as a retail but comes
with no Microsoft support available." That's only one of the
three differences between a the OEM and Full versions:


1. The OEM version can only do a clean installation, not an
upgrade over a previous version.

2. Microsoft doesn't support the OEM version. You have to get
support from your OEM (as Graham said).

3. The OEM version is tied to the first computer it's installed
on, and can not be transferred to another computer.

--
Ken Blake
Please reply to the newsgroup

[Joe727]

"Ken Blake" > wrote in message =
...
> "Joe727" > wrote in
> message ...
>=20
> >"Graham" > wrote in message
> ...
> >>
> >> There are many types of OEM disks/installs. Some are full
> versions the same
> >> as a retail but comes with no Microsoft support available. It
> is about the
> >> only difference in version types. But you are also correct
> that some are
> >> tied to the machine as well.
>=20
>=20
> > Then the question is - how do you tell which of OEM versions
> you are going to
> > receive before you buy it?
>=20
>=20
> If you get an OEM version that comes preinstalled on the
> computer, you may be getting a version BIOS-locked to the
> particular machine; ask your vendor to be sure.
>=20
> If you are *buying* an OEM version, you are getting the first
> type. However it is not exactly "the same as a retail but comes
> with no Microsoft support available." That's only one of the
> three differences between a the OEM and Full versions:
>=20
>=20
> 1. The OEM version can only do a clean installation, not an
> upgrade over a previous version.
>=20
> 2. Microsoft doesn't support the OEM version. You have to get
> support from your OEM (as Graham said).
>=20
> 3. The OEM version is tied to the first computer it's installed
> on, and can not be transferred to another computer.
>=20
> --=20
> Ken Blake
> Please reply to the newsgroup
>=20

Thanks for the explanation, but how do you know what the vendor is =
actually selling you unless you know to ask in the first place? The =
vendor the OP referred to might have purchased the OEM disk from =
Mircosoft to install it on a custom-built PC and simply sold it to the =
OP along with the parts the OP purchased.

All the more reason to go Retail. I purchased an unopened, legal, =
Retail XP Pro Upgrade CD from Amazon.com for $90 and that included free =
shipping. $50 rebate from Amazon.com, $50 rebate from Microsoft, and a =
$10 coupon for Amazon.com that I found online.

Joe

[Graham]

Thanks for the explanation, but how do you know what the vendor is actually
selling you unless you know to ask in the first place? The vendor the OP
referred to might have purchased the OEM disk from Mircosoft to install it
on a custom-built PC and simply sold it to the OP along with the parts the
OP purchased.

All the more reason to go Retail. I purchased an unopened, legal, Retail XP
Pro Upgrade CD from Amazon.com for $90 and that included free shipping. $50
rebate from Amazon.com, $50 rebate from Microsoft, and a $10 coupon for
Amazon.com that I found online.

Joe

You got yourself a good deal there, the OEM Home would not have been much
cheaper and the way you bought it gives you more options. I also purchased
XP Pro, upgrade retail to give me all options, but paid more than you : (.