WinXP Pro for Sale - Legit?

[Win2Kuser]

Hey y'all,

I was looking on Ebay for Windows XP Pro, and there are loads of what appear to be oem versions for sale.

They all typically say the following;


This is a 100% genuine sealed brand new Microsoft Windows XP Professional
INCLUDING Service pack 2 (integrated).

This CD comes sealed in the original Package and complete with a "Start Here User Guide Booklet". A Product Key is not required to install this disc on your hard drive, but a Certificate of Authenticity with product key (not supplied) is required for registration and to conform with Microsoft's legal requirements.

THIS IS NOT AN UPGRADE

The pack is branded with the words "For distribution with a new DELL PC only" but it will install almost on any pc system, including home built PC systems that meet the required minimum spec.


The bit I don't like is the bit about not supplied with a certificate of authenticity or product key.

Would this mean that it is probably stuck onto their computers?

I think it would also mean that it was not legal for me to buy it, or them to sell it?

Where would I stand if I bought one of these, would I be able to install and use XP, or would I infact NEED a product key to continue to use and patch XP?

Thanks for your comments :)

[ThRoNkA]

you need a product key to install it... because that sticker is your license.. as OEM is concerned.

[Fagin]

There was an Asian guy sent to prison a short while ago for selling iffy software on e-bay, he had been prosecuted three times before for the same offence, he was advertising them as legitimate originals, so i would be very careful if i was you.

The first thing is, is the price way, way too cheap? if it is its, probably bent.

[Win2Kuser]

These all sound like originals, but oem versions. They sound like the sort of thing you get bundled with a new PC with the sticker and COA stuck to the machine and hense not available with the CD.

What use is it selling them if the buyer can't use them without the product key?

My question really is, is it legal to buy or sell oem versions?

The sellers btw (same company under 2 names) have a 100% positive feedback rating, so they must be doing something right.

[Cowboybooter]

You're not alone in wondering, Win2k!

Thread from earlier (http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15546)

:)

Bob

[Win2Kuser]

From what I can gather reading through all the shite at MS, it is illegal to buy/sell oem software without the COA. The oem software is to be provided with a new PC only, and the COA must be firmly stuck to the machine.

It looks like these disks on Ebay (and there are hundreds of them), are either a stollen job lot or something, or are from sales of PC's where the buyer wants a different os than XP and the store has kept the oem for themselves to sell. If there is no COA then there is something dodgy going on...

Thanks for the comments anyway - looks like I'll buy mine from a reputable company.