Licensing for Expats in Europe

[Wez]

Scenario: An Englishman leaves the UK to take up residence in Spain but
cannot speak the language. Buying a new pc from the local store he now has
Windows XP OEM or Retail in Spanish.
I 'm planning to start a pc repair service in the near future and this
scenario will be common. I know I will be visiting machines that have a copy
or corporate version installed by a 'friend of a friend', along with the
people that have been forced to buy an English version. If I were to buy an
English version of their original OS and install it, would the Spanish
Product Key work and would that be legal seeing as the Spanish version will
never be used. If this is possible then will I need to buy separate versions
for Windows XP Home & Pro, Retail and OEM. Obviously in mind is that I could
then use those cd's over and over again. Thanks.

[Bruce Chambers]

Wez wrote:
> Scenario: An Englishman leaves the UK to take up residence in Spain but
> cannot speak the language. Buying a new pc from the local store he now has
> Windows XP OEM or Retail in Spanish.
> I 'm planning to start a pc repair service in the near future and this
> scenario will be common. I know I will be visiting machines that have a copy
> or corporate version installed by a 'friend of a friend', along with the
> people that have been forced to buy an English version. If I were to buy an
> English version of their original OS and install it, would the Spanish
> Product Key work .....


No. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.


> and would that be legal seeing as the Spanish version will
> never be used.


Ask a Spanish lawyer. In countries that honor the intellectual
property laws of other countries, it probably wouldn't be legal (Your
"client" will own a Spanish license, but this wouldn't normally allow
him/her to use another license.), but in the EU, all bets are off.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

[Wez]

I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
buy the full priced retail version?

Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120€ for XP on top of the repair!
I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?

"Bruce Chambers" wrote:

> Wez wrote:
> > Scenario: An Englishman leaves the UK to take up residence in Spain but
> > cannot speak the language. Buying a new pc from the local store he now has
> > Windows XP OEM or Retail in Spanish.
> > I 'm planning to start a pc repair service in the near future and this
> > scenario will be common. I know I will be visiting machines that have a copy
> > or corporate version installed by a 'friend of a friend', along with the
> > people that have been forced to buy an English version. If I were to buy an
> > English version of their original OS and install it, would the Spanish
> > Product Key work .....
>
>
> No. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
> CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
> purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
> retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
> versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
> and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
> product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
> Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.
>
>
> > and would that be legal seeing as the Spanish version will
> > never be used.
>
>
> Ask a Spanish lawyer. In countries that honor the intellectual
> property laws of other countries, it probably wouldn't be legal (Your
> "client" will own a Spanish license, but this wouldn't normally allow
> him/her to use another license.), but in the EU, all bets are off.
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
>
> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell
>

[Bruce Chambers]

Wez wrote:
> I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
> legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
> buy the full priced retail version?
>

Again, legalities depend heavily upon the specific jurisdiction; you
really should check with a local attorney who specializes in both
copyright and contract law for a more definitive (nothing seems be ever
be "final" regarding the law).

As for your unlucky customers, they can probably get by with purchasing
a generic OEM license and CD, if they absolutely cannot obtain
replacement media from their respective computers' manufacturers.
Another point to consider is that, if they still retain their original
Product Keys, they still have a license for the OS; all you need do is
use a CD of the same type (OEM CD for OEM Key, for example) to reinstall
the OS using your CD and their Product Key.


> Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
> retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
> feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
> man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120€ for XP on top of the repair!


You may have to try explaining the EULA and copyright rules to them,
but that will certainly be an up-hill struggle. You could preempt many
such complaints by making it known up-front that you'll only install
legitimately licensed software, if necessary.


> I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?
>

If you keep on hand CDs for each of the diverse editions and licenses,
you'll be able to help your customers by using their Product Keys. In
cases where the customer has lost both the CD and the Product Key, and
where the Key cannot be retrieved from the hard drive, you may need to
insist that they purchase a replacement license; help them find a good
deal. What I say in such cases is: "If you forgot where you parked your
car, would you seriously expect Ford to give you a new one?" Of course,
I try to make it clear that I'm using that as an example, not to be
facetious.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

[ANONYMOUS]

It is not your responsibility to install the legal version of OS! As a
gesture of goodwill, you should only warn them but do not install or
meddle with their system. You are not a policeman nor are you employed
by Microsoft. In any case, if you are only repairing the system, why
are you wasting your time checking whether they have a legal or illegal
version of any software? If they ask you to re-install the OS then
always ask them to bring their original CD with its serial # on the
sleeve if it is not on the system. I think, this the best cost
effective way of providing a service and o make profit from it!!

Alias keeps talking about [generic - his word] OEM versions avaiable in
Spain. Have you invesigated this route?

hth

Wez wrote:
>
> I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
> legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
> buy the full priced retail version?
>
> Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
> retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
> feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
> man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120€ for XP on top of the repair!
> I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?
>

[Wez]

Sorry Bruce I'm a little confused. In reply to my original post you said
''Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license
(OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are purchased.'' but
in your last reply ''if they still retain their original Product Keys, they
still have a license for the OS; all you need do is use a CD of the same type
(OEM CD for OEM Key, for example) to reinstall the OS using your CD and their
Product Key.'' Are you still referring to changing from Spanish to English?

"Bruce Chambers" wrote:

> Wez wrote:
> > I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
> > legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
> > buy the full priced retail version?
> >
>
> Again, legalities depend heavily upon the specific jurisdiction; you
> really should check with a local attorney who specializes in both
> copyright and contract law for a more definitive (nothing seems be ever
> be "final" regarding the law).
>
> As for your unlucky customers, they can probably get by with purchasing
> a generic OEM license and CD, if they absolutely cannot obtain
> replacement media from their respective computers' manufacturers.
> Another point to consider is that, if they still retain their original
> Product Keys, they still have a license for the OS; all you need do is
> use a CD of the same type (OEM CD for OEM Key, for example) to reinstall
> the OS using your CD and their Product Key.
>
>
> > Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
> > retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
> > feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
> > man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120€ for XP on top of the repair!
>
>
> You may have to try explaining the EULA and copyright rules to them,
> but that will certainly be an up-hill struggle. You could preempt many
> such complaints by making it known up-front that you'll only install
> legitimately licensed software, if necessary.
>
>
> > I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?
> >
>
> If you keep on hand CDs for each of the diverse editions and licenses,
> you'll be able to help your customers by using their Product Keys. In
> cases where the customer has lost both the CD and the Product Key, and
> where the Key cannot be retrieved from the hard drive, you may need to
> insist that they purchase a replacement license; help them find a good
> deal. What I say in such cases is: "If you forgot where you parked your
> car, would you seriously expect Ford to give you a new one?" Of course,
> I try to make it clear that I'm using that as an example, not to be
> facetious.
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
>
> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell
>

[Wez]

I guess I'm looking more from the angle of a re-install being needed and
being presented with a 'copy' to do it with. I can do the repair with that
copy but would like to have given the option of installing with a genuine
version I would carry, using their own Spanish product key for English. This
would of course allow them to get product updates and downloads like Windows
Defender via the Microsoft Validation Tool. As you rightly say it's not my
responsibility to make sure they're legal but it would benficial to both of
us to offer this as a service rather than paying full price for a new English
version and effectively throwing away the Spanish one.

"ANONYMOUS" wrote:

>
> It is not your responsibility to install the legal version of OS! As a
> gesture of goodwill, you should only warn them but do not install or
> meddle with their system. You are not a policeman nor are you employed
> by Microsoft. In any case, if you are only repairing the system, why
> are you wasting your time checking whether they have a legal or illegal
> version of any software? If they ask you to re-install the OS then
> always ask them to bring their original CD with its serial # on the
> sleeve if it is not on the system. I think, this the best cost
> effective way of providing a service and o make profit from it!!
>
> Alias keeps talking about [generic - his word] OEM versions avaiable in
> Spain. Have you invesigated this route?
>
> hth
>
> Wez wrote:
> >
> > I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
> > legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
> > buy the full priced retail version?
> >
> > Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
> > retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
> > feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
> > man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120€ for XP on top of the repair!
> > I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?
> >
>

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Windows XP Products Keys are only valid with the installation CD that came
with it.
The biggest mistake one can make is to try to use a Product Key with a
different CD, then never give the customer the CD you used. Windows XP
licensing requirement rules state that if you use a different CD, then you
must give the customer the actual original CD you used, and not a copy of the
CD. So in order to give the customer the original holographic CD, then you
must also give the customer the Certificate of Authenticity, Product Key, and
licensing documentation that came with the CD.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User


"Wez" wrote:

> Scenario: An Englishman leaves the UK to take up residence in Spain but
> cannot speak the language. Buying a new pc from the local store he now has
> Windows XP OEM or Retail in Spanish.
> I 'm planning to start a pc repair service in the near future and this
> scenario will be common. I know I will be visiting machines that have a copy
> or corporate version installed by a 'friend of a friend', along with the
> people that have been forced to buy an English version. If I were to buy an
> English version of their original OS and install it, would the Spanish
> Product Key work and would that be legal seeing as the Spanish version will
> never be used. If this is possible then will I need to buy separate versions
> for Windows XP Home & Pro, Retail and OEM. Obviously in mind is that I could
> then use those cd's over and over again. Thanks.
>
>

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

"ANONYMOUS" wrote:

"It is not your responsibility to install the legal version of OS!"

Ya know, you couldn't be any more wrong making that
stupid and idiotic statement! Poor advice!

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------*---------------------------------

"ANONYMOUS" wrote:

| It is not your responsibility to install the legal version of OS! As a
| gesture of goodwill, you should only warn them but do not install or
| meddle with their system. You are not a policeman nor are you employed
| by Microsoft. In any case, if you are only repairing the system, why
| are you wasting your time checking whether they have a legal or illegal
| version of any software? If they ask you to re-install the OS then
| always ask them to bring their original CD with its serial # on the
| sleeve if it is not on the system. I think, this the best cost
| effective way of providing a service and o make profit from it!!
|
| Alias keeps talking about [generic - his word] OEM versions avaiable in
| Spain. Have you invesigated this route?
|
| hth
|
| Wez wrote:
| >
| > I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
| > legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
| > buy the full priced retail version?
| >
| > Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
| > retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
| > feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
| > man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120â,¬ for XP on top of the repair!
| > I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?
| >

[Bruce Chambers]

Wez wrote:
> Sorry Bruce I'm a little confused. In reply to my original post you said
> ''Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license
> (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are purchased.'' but
> in your last reply ''if they still retain their original Product Keys, they
> still have a license for the OS; all you need do is use a CD of the same type
> (OEM CD for OEM Key, for example) to reinstall the OS using your CD and their
> Product Key.'' Are you still referring to changing from Spanish to English?
>

No, "Spanish" and "English" are not of the same type; they are
different languages.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If you are "planning to start a pc repair service", I would strongly suggest
joining the OEM System Builders web site and seek expert answers in
their newsgroup: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/default.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------Â*---------------------------------

"Wez" wrote:

| Scenario: An Englishman leaves the UK to take up residence in Spain but
| cannot speak the language. Buying a new pc from the local store he now has
| Windows XP OEM or Retail in Spanish.
| I 'm planning to start a pc repair service in the near future and this
| scenario will be common. I know I will be visiting machines that have a copy
| or corporate version installed by a 'friend of a friend', along with the
| people that have been forced to buy an English version. If I were to buy an
| English version of their original OS and install it, would the Spanish
| Product Key work and would that be legal seeing as the Spanish version will
| never be used. If this is possible then will I need to buy separate versions
| for Windows XP Home & Pro, Retail and OEM. Obviously in mind is that I could
| then use those cd's over and over again. Thanks.

[--Alias--]

Wez wrote:
> I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
> legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
> buy the full priced retail version?

Not available in Spain. In Spain, only generic OEM versions are sold.
The exception is El Corte Ingles where they sell XP Home upgrades for
over 300 euros (not an option). You can pick them up at this nation wide
chain:

http://www.pcbox.com/inicio/default.asp?lan=es&cnt=es

>
> Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
> retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
> feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
> man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120€ for XP on top of the repair!
> I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?

XP Home goes for 82.14 euros and Pro goes for 136.48 euros, both prices
include VAT.

If you should need help setting up the business legal-wise, I know a
good lawyer/gestor that can help you. My email is iamalias arroba gmail
punto com. I live and have my own business in Spain.

Alias
>
> "Bruce Chambers" wrote:
>
>> Wez wrote:
>>> Scenario: An Englishman leaves the UK to take up residence in Spain but
>>> cannot speak the language. Buying a new pc from the local store he now has
>>> Windows XP OEM or Retail in Spanish.
>>> I 'm planning to start a pc repair service in the near future and this
>>> scenario will be common. I know I will be visiting machines that have a copy
>>> or corporate version installed by a 'friend of a friend', along with the
>>> people that have been forced to buy an English version. If I were to buy an
>>> English version of their original OS and install it, would the Spanish
>>> Product Key work .....
>>
>> No. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
>> CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
>> purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
>> retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
>> versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
>> and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
>> product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
>> Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.
>>
>>
>>> and would that be legal seeing as the Spanish version will
>>> never be used.
>>
>> Ask a Spanish lawyer. In countries that honor the intellectual
>> property laws of other countries, it probably wouldn't be legal (Your
>> "client" will own a Spanish license, but this wouldn't normally allow
>> him/her to use another license.), but in the EU, all bets are off.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Bruce Chambers
>>
>> Help us help you:
>> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>>
>> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
>> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
>>
>> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell
>>

[--Alias--]

Wez wrote:
> I guess I'm looking more from the angle of a re-install being needed and
> being presented with a 'copy' to do it with. I can do the repair with that
> copy but would like to have given the option of installing with a genuine
> version I would carry, using their own Spanish product key for English. This
> would of course allow them to get product updates and downloads like Windows
> Defender via the Microsoft Validation Tool. As you rightly say it's not my
> responsibility to make sure they're legal but it would benficial to both of
> us to offer this as a service rather than paying full price for a new English
> version and effectively throwing away the Spanish one.

Are you planning to only fix computers for people who speak English who
have a Spanish OS on their computer and want to change it to English? If
so, I know a place in Spain where you can get generic OEM versions of XP
in English.

Alias
>
> "ANONYMOUS" wrote:
>
>> It is not your responsibility to install the legal version of OS! As a
>> gesture of goodwill, you should only warn them but do not install or
>> meddle with their system. You are not a policeman nor are you employed
>> by Microsoft. In any case, if you are only repairing the system, why
>> are you wasting your time checking whether they have a legal or illegal
>> version of any software? If they ask you to re-install the OS then
>> always ask them to bring their original CD with its serial # on the
>> sleeve if it is not on the system. I think, this the best cost
>> effective way of providing a service and o make profit from it!!
>>
>> Alias keeps talking about [generic - his word] OEM versions avaiable in
>> Spain. Have you invesigated this route?
>>
>> hth
>>
>> Wez wrote:
>>> I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
>>> legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
>>> buy the full priced retail version?
>>>
>>> Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
>>> retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
>>> feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
>>> man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120€ for XP on top of the repair!
>>> I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?
>>>

[ANONYMOUS]

Considering the fact that you know very little about computing apart
from copying and pasting, no one in their right mind should come to you
for advice.

Users are not responsible to enforce MS' unenforceable EULAs. Can you
copy and paste where it says that users are responsible! If you can't
then shut up and don't ever challenge me again unless you can back up
what you write on these newsgroups!.

hth


"Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:
>
> "ANONYMOUS" wrote:
>
> "It is not your responsibility to install the legal version of OS!"
>
> Ya know, you couldn't be any more wrong making that
> stupid and idiotic statement! Poor advice!
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows - Shell/User
>
> Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
> http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------*---------------------------------
>
> "ANONYMOUS" wrote:
>
> | It is not your responsibility to install the legal version of OS! As a
> | gesture of goodwill, you should only warn them but do not install or
> | meddle with their system. You are not a policeman nor are you employed
> | by Microsoft. In any case, if you are only repairing the system, why
> | are you wasting your time checking whether they have a legal or illegal
> | version of any software? If they ask you to re-install the OS then
> | always ask them to bring their original CD with its serial # on the
> | sleeve if it is not on the system. I think, this the best cost
> | effective way of providing a service and o make profit from it!!
> |
> | Alias keeps talking about [generic - his word] OEM versions avaiable in
> | Spain. Have you invesigated this route?
> |
> | hth
> |
> | Wez wrote:
> | >
> | > I guessed that might be the case. Is there any kind of work around that can
> | > legally be used or is it just tough luck for the customer, their forced to
> | > buy the full priced retail version?
> | >
> | > Whilst this could have been a lucrative angle for me the costing for the
> | > retail version will put my new business in a negative light. Customers would
> | > feel that they've been using copied software up to now and now this pc repair
> | > man is trying to rip them off for an extra 120â,¬ for XP on top of the repair!
> | > I wonder if theres a cheaper option available to me to make them 100% legal?
> | >

[ANONYMOUS]

Now this is the most stupid advice one can give. He is only "repairing
the system". What made you say that he becomes an original Equipment
Manufacturer? Don't you think you need to use less bleach but more fish
oils to refine your rusted brain.

hh


"Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:
>
> If you are "planning to start a pc repair service", I would strongly suggest
> joining the OEM System Builders web site and seek expert answers in
> their newsgroup: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/default.mspx
>

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

I fully expected you to reply in a condescending and infantile manner....

[Wez]

Yes at first I am only planning to work for the English in Spain as I don't
yet speak the language. Thanks for the link

"--Alias--" wrote:

> Are you planning to only fix computers for people who speak English who
> have a Spanish OS on their computer and want to change it to English? If
> so, I know a place in Spain where you can get generic OEM versions of XP
> in English.
>
> Alias

[Wez]

Thanks for that, I hope that the business will expand to a point where that
will be very useful.

I have been a little confused by this discussion maybe because I have been
referring to the licence instead of product key. I wonder if you might
clarify the earlier statement by Bruce:
''Another point to consider is that, if they still retain their original
Product Keys, they still have a license for the OS; all you need do is
use a CD of the same type (OEM CD for OEM Key, for example) to reinstall
the OS using your CD and their Product Key.''

I am thinking that if I have an original cd with a product key then I have a
license to have that version of Windows on my pc. Given that the original
product was in Spanish and I now have changed for English, apart from the
language, the version is the same therefore the product key aside, I still
have a license for running windows on that pc.

To be honest my mind is already made up that the licensing issue is
something I don't want to get involved in with repairs. Enough to advise a
customer that to get the full support of security updates and microsoft
downloads, a version seen to be legal by the verification tool will need to
be on the pc. If needed I will source a genuine copy for them.

Thanks
Wez


Wez

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:

> If you are "planning to start a pc repair service", I would strongly suggest
> joining the OEM System Builders web site and seek expert answers in
> their newsgroup: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/default.mspx
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows - Shell/User
>
> Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
> http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Â*---------------------------------
>
> "Wez" wrote:
>
> | Scenario: An Englishman leaves the UK to take up residence in Spain but
> | cannot speak the language. Buying a new pc from the local store he now has
> | Windows XP OEM or Retail in Spanish.
> | I 'm planning to start a pc repair service in the near future and this
> | scenario will be common. I know I will be visiting machines that have a copy
> | or corporate version installed by a 'friend of a friend', along with the
> | people that have been forced to buy an English version. If I were to buy an
> | English version of their original OS and install it, would the Spanish
> | Product Key work and would that be legal seeing as the Spanish version will
> | never be used. If this is possible then will I need to buy separate versions
> | for Windows XP Home & Pro, Retail and OEM. Obviously in mind is that I could
> | then use those cd's over and over again. Thanks.
>
>