Re: XP Professional license - legal way to get one?
Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful replies. The reason I can't use an
upgrade license is that I'm installing Windows on a Mac (to dual boot with
Boot Camp), but I gather from your comments that an OEM license is OK plus a
non-OEM license can still be bought if I prefer. Again, thanks for the
replies.
"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:
> On Tue, 7 Oct 2008 20:45:02 -0700, Gregg
> <Gregg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> > I need Windows XP Pro to run a certain application, but I need to buy a
> > legitimate, full license (not upgrade) to get my machine ready to run it. I
> > see OEM licenses available for sale but doubt that I'm allowed to use them.
> > Is it too late to buy a valid license? Thanks for any thoughts.
>
>
> A few points:
>
> 1. Yes, you can use an OEM copy.
>
> 2. My view is that an OEM copy is the worst kind you can buy. It comes
> with several restrictions, and the worst restriction is that the
> license ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on.
> Even if the computer dies, you may not use your copy on another
> computer.
>
> 3. Why do you want a Full copy, not an Upgrade? Despite what some
> people think, an Upgrade copy *can* do a clean installation as long as
> you own a CD of a previous qualifying version to show it as proof of
> ownership when prompted. Most people have a Windows 98 CD around, but
> worst case, if you don't, you can buy one inexpensively someplace like
> eBay.
>
> A Full copy costs much more than an Upgrade or OEM copy, and the
> Upgrade costs only slightly more than an OEM copy. I strongly
> recommend that you buy an Upgrade.
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>