Validation Failure

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bill Martin
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Bill Martin

My understanding is that it is Microsoft "legal" to install an OEM
copy of XP-Pro on a machine so long as it comes with CoA.

However, having just done so, whe I went to download the current
updates Microsoft tells me that this is not allowed. The key is not
to be used on a single user machine. For $150 they'll sell me Vista
instead. Such a deal...

Is their web site correct, or do I simply need to do something
different to make it through their validation process.

Thanks.

Bill
 
An OEM version of XP is supposed to be sold only with some "hardware" and
can be installed only once. "Hardware" can be anything form a whole PC to a
mouse.

If the copy was already used, you can not use it again on a different PC, or
technically, even on a different motherboard within the same PC. But, in
the latter case, a call to Microsoft may get a new activation code, if the
original motherboard failed, as opposed to simply being upgraded.

In contrast, a retail version of XP can be installed many times, on
different hardware, just not on more than one PC at a time. For example, it
can be "moved" to a new motherboard. This will usually trigger product
activation, and will usually require trading several sets of licesne
key-type numbers with Microsoft. But, in about 5 minutes the retail version
will be activated.
 
An OEM version of XP is supposed to be sold only with some "hardware"
Click to expand...


I haven't followed this closely, but I believe that that requirement
is no longer in effect.

and
can be installed only once.
Click to expand...


But that was never correct. You can reinstall it as often as you need
or want to, as long as it's on the original computer.

"Hardware" can be anything form a whole PC to a
mouse.

If the copy was already used, you can not use it again on a different PC, or
technically, even on a different motherboard within the same PC.
Click to expand...


Also not correct. The requirement is that it may not be moved to
another computer. The motherboard is not the issue.

Note what it says on the Windows Vista activation FAQ at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/quick-start/activation-faq.aspx
That page states

"Will I ever need to activate my current copy of Windows again?

You might have to activate Windows again in a number of instances,
such as:

....

You make a significant hardware change to your computer, such as
upgrading the hard disk drive and memory at the same time or replacing
the motherboard in your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
computer. If a major hardware change requires activating Windows
again, you will be notified and will have three days to activate your
copy of Windows."

That clearly states that if you replace the motherboard, you may have
to, and therefore *can*, reactivate an OEM copy of Vista. It's about
Vista, but the licensing rules for Vista and XP are essentially the
same, so the same rule should apply to XP.
 
I haven't followed this closely, but I believe that that requirement
is no longer in effect.




But that was never correct. You can reinstall it as often as you need
or want to, as long as it's on the original computer.




Also not correct. The requirement is that it may not be moved to
another computer. The motherboard is not the issue.

Note what it says on the Windows Vista activation FAQ at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/quick-start/activation-faq.aspx
That page states

"Will I ever need to activate my current copy of Windows again?

You might have to activate Windows again in a number of instances,
such as:

...

You make a significant hardware change to your computer, such as
upgrading the hard disk drive and memory at the same time or replacing
the motherboard in your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
computer. If a major hardware change requires activating Windows
again, you will be notified and will have three days to activate your
copy of Windows."

That clearly states that if you replace the motherboard, you may have
to, and therefore *can*, reactivate an OEM copy of Vista. It's about
Vista, but the licensing rules for Vista and XP are essentially the
same, so the same rule should apply to XP.
Click to expand...
-------------------------------------

Basically it's a new copy of XP-Pro with COA, never installed
anywhere. But during validation Microsoft complains that it's an OEM
product and therefore cannot be installed on an individual machine --
presumably they mean it can only be installed on 1,000 machines at a
corporation or some such.

I contacted the vendor who sold it to me. He's grumbled that
Microsoft has been taking a lot of contratictory stances on licensing
lately. However he's offered to either refund my money, or to go to
bat with Microsoft for me to make it work. So I can't really complain
about him - so far anyhow.

We'll see what develops.

Thanks for the info on how it's *supposed* to work.

Bill
 
Bill said:
Basically it's a new copy of XP-Pro with COA, never installed
anywhere. But during validation Microsoft complains that it's an OEM
product and therefore cannot be installed on an individual machine --
presumably they mean it can only be installed on 1,000 machines at a
corporation or some such.

I contacted the vendor who sold it to me. He's grumbled that
Microsoft has been taking a lot of contratictory stances on licensing
lately. However he's offered to either refund my money, or to go to
bat with Microsoft for me to make it work. So I can't really complain
about him - so far anyhow.
Click to expand...

It sounds like the vendor sold you a volume licensed OEM and not just a
generic single license OEM install disk. Return it to the vendor and get
your money back.

Personally, I always tell home users to buy a retail version. You don't save
that much money buying OEM and there are no restrictions on reinstallation.

You can still get XP - retail and the correct OEM (not the one with no media
for system builders) - on NewEgg.com.

Malke
 
It sounds like the vendor sold you a volume licensed OEM and not just a
generic single license OEM install disk. Return it to the vendor and get
your money back.

Personally, I always tell home users to buy a retail version. You don't save
that much money buying OEM and there are no restrictions on reinstallation.
Click to expand...


Bill, I'm with Malke on that entirely. The best value is a Retail
Upgrade version. I recommend the Upgrade (usually only slightly more
expensive than the OEM version) over the Full version, because it's
considerable less expensive, and despite what some people think, *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.

If the seller has offered to refund your money (as you said in a reply
to me), I would take him up on it and buy the Upgrade instead. You re
likely to be much better off in the long run.
 
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