Quick computer ?? for you tech's.

[JaKaAch]

I stoped by a garage sale today. This guy used to build computers and had some computer stuff. What caught my attention was about a dozen Windows XP Pro OEM disks. They are new and still sealed in the factory packaging.
He is asking $50.00 each for these. Seems like a fair deal to me but I wasn't sure.

Good deal or not?

[j6ppc]

Originally Posted by JaKaAch

I stoped by a garage sale today. This guy used to build computers and had some computer stuff. What caught my attention was about a dozen Windows XP Pro OEM disks. They are new and still sealed in the factory packaging.
He is asking $50.00 each for these. Seems like a fair deal to me but I wasn't sure.

Good deal or not?

Good deal if they are not counterfeit and have not already been installed.
OEM XP Pro generally can be had for around $140 legit.
Warning: Just because the disc is sealed and has the key on it does not mean he did not already use the license key for another install. If that is the case it would be useless for your purposes.

[JaKaAch]

Originally Posted by j6ppc

Good deal if they are not counterfeit and have not already been installed.
OEM XP Pro generally can be had for around $140 legit.
Warning: Just because the disc is sealed and has the key on it does not mean he did not already use the license key for another install. If that is the case it would be useless for your purposes.

I know where he lives. If he sold me junk I would sure as heck be knocking on his door...

[Nabinger16]

As long as the OS has not been installed before, you should be good to go! OEM programs are the same as retail programs but the retailer has a contract with Microsoft to only sell OEM operating systems with new hardware. I have purchased two OEM operating systems from a friend of mine, to fulfill his contract he sold me a $6 mouse as the "required hardware" OEM programs are less expensive so it's not a stellar deal but still pretty cheap. Also keep in mind XP is now an outdated OS so it will only be supported by Microsoft for a few more years.

Just my
Trent

[tedski]

It's a decent price. I purchased an OEM version of XP late last year for around $100. And XP is hardly outdated. Vista was only released 8 months ago and it will be at least a couple years before most mainstream businesses start upgrading from XP. The govenment will take even longer. Even then XP will probably be supported for another 5+ years. By then you can go for the neural implants ...

[DriftyGypsy]

Just a word of caution OEM software is considered by Microsoft as pirated software. OEM Software is supposed to be installed on machines, if it is not and you get caught, well Bil Gates will really own your soul. This being said... go for it.

[hova45]

Yeah I paid 50-75 for my copy of xp pro oem.

[Tidefan73]

Originally Posted by DriftyGypsy

Just a word of caution OEM software is considered by Microsoft as pirated software. OEM Software is supposed to be installed on machines, if it is not and you get caught, well Bil Gates will really own your soul. This being said... go for it.

OEM software from MS is to only be installed with OEM equipment from the manufactuer. Even if the key hasn't been used, its still considered pirated.

[JaKaAch]

Originally Posted by Tidefan73

OEM software from MS is to only be installed with OEM equipment from the manufacture. Even if the key hasn't been used, its still considered pirated.

I guess then the word manufacture needs to be defined. If you build your own computer are you then the manufacture?
It seems thats all that is required to be a manufacture is to buy some hardware along with the OEM disk. Thats all that Newegg and Micro Center require that you do to get the OEM disk.
Just checked Newegg:
Disclaimer: Qualifying proof of purchase must be recent receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.

Thats as clear as mud

Newegg used to sell a OEM disk and included a $2.99 Y-splitter power cord. I guess to meet the hardware rule. Now it looks like more is required.

[Tidefan73]

Originally Posted by JaKaAch

I guess then the word manufacture needs to be defined. If you build your own computer are you then the manufacture?
It seems thats all that is required to be a manufacture is to buy some hardware along with the OEM disk. Thats all that Newegg and Micro Center require that you do to get the OEM disk.
Just checked Newegg:
Disclaimer: Qualifying proof of purchase must be recent receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.

Thats as clear as mud

Newegg used to sell a OEM disk and included a $2.99 Y-splitter power cord. I guess to meet the hardware rule. Now it looks like more is required.

I can find out the 'official' answer if you want. Might take a couple of days, but I'll do it...if ya want.

[JaKaAch]

No big deal T.
I was just thinking of buying one for my next build. And maybe a few to Ebay.

[mosesbotbol]

Product Keys are assoicated to a specific manufacturer. As long as you are to pass the Validation Key, you're all set. If he'll give you your money back, then it's a good buy. Some Product Keys are for volume licenses, then it's no problem there either.

[drawfour]

Even if this guy was an OEM (and had an agreement with Microsoft that makes him an OEM for purposes of installing Windows), the question is: are you buying the OEM copy of XP standalone, or WITH the hardware that is required to make it an OEM sale?

It sounds like he has the copies of XP to be sold separately. If he's not fulfilling his obligations to Microsoft, then Microsoft does not recognize the licesnses as valid, and thus it's pirated software.

I'd be very careful about buying copies of any software from any garage sale.