Ok to buy used Win XP?

[X0d1@k]

Im not sure if anyone will take the time to answer this, but i found some really cool deals on Win Xp on ebay. Anyhow, i was wondering if its a good idea to buy them there, im not sure if i can use the OS if its already been used? Any answers appreciated! :)

[USAPGAPRO]

Thats an awesome question. Being that you have to register it with MS everytime you install. I dont know the answer, but would really like to hear yalls opinions.

[Turd Furguson]

You will have to read the Microsoft EULA to find out. Or you can call them directly.

[CrashOveride]

I wouldn't do it, you don't really know that the other person is gonna stop using it (and it may be against the EULA).

[powerme]

you can buy it. Your seller has to transfer his *ownership* of winxp to you. How does he do that ? I don't know.

with the activation, it is not a good idea to do that. When you install it, you call MS and ask for activation. The problem will occur right here.

I remember there was 1 time i call 1800 number and there was no person on the phone. Everything is done automatically . I received my activation code INSTANTLY without talking to ANY person.

if you want that phone number, sorry I don't remember any more.

no need to hire person to seat and ACTIVATE. Let the phone DO the work

i guess MS figured the way to save $$$, heh?

[roYal]

personally, i wouldn't buy it. This is because, when he had to activate it, Microsoft's activation servers took information about the hardware in the computer that was being activated. Once you attempt to active it, it's going to see all this new hardware, and you might have to call Microsoft to discuss the situation with them. Now lets say he decided to keep a copy of the cd, and use the same product id number. Microsofts servers are going to be like, wtf is going on, and both of you most likely will have to keep contacting Microsoft, and they'll get mad because a violation of their EULA is in motion. I would buy a new copy if I were you.

[stool]

You can legally buy and activate it as long as you have the correct CD key, but as roYal said, if you aren't dealing with someone legit, you could have a problem. However, MS can correct the situation in your favor as long as you have the legit product(the holographed CD and key). Kind of a matter of you wanting to go through the aggravation.

[Mr. Fri]

I agree, it's a matter of price vs aggravation.

[X0d1@k]

Thanks for the info guys! I dont think ill be buying it then, i would like to also know how do you buy multiple licenses for WIN XP, but i guess that would be another thread... laters!

[roYal]

Originally posted by X0d1@k
Thanks for the info guys! I dont think ill be buying it then, i would like to also know how do you buy multiple licenses for WIN XP, but i guess that would be another thread... laters!

Here is an article i've been looking for and just found it.

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/overview.asp

This explains all the licensing packages you can buy, whether you're an individual, small business, big business, etc..

If you want to know how to automate product activation while rolling out, this is the article for you.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/WPADepl.asp

There is also a Windows XP edition for Corporations, where the WPA (Windows Product Activation) code isn't built into XP, allowing an easy smooth rollout of XP in corporate enviornments. Sorry, but i couldnt' find an article/or where to buy this version.

[pik4chu]

Note: stated in the EULA and partnership agreements with microsoft it is against thier EULA to resell a "used" OS as there is no verification to its validity and the buyer has no proof that you have the rights to it to begin with (such as like Dells. you know how the CDkey is printed on a sticker on the side? If you were to resell it and INCLUDE the original OS, you must include the sticker, the matching CD and all licenses/manuals that it came with dictating what was installed on it and the ability to reinstall. Now I know dell doesnt ship the original disks, but this is an example. I would not buy it, even though its the other person who\'s breaking laws and such. The blame can be easily shifted to you. and the fines for "pirating" M$ products is quite painful (It can go as far as sending US Marshals to your door and asking for a several grand check :) )

*edit* for corp licensing you must email M$ directly I beleive. otherwise license packs for standard stuff is avaliable in the product catalogue

[drshivas]

FYI: I successfully sold a full retail copy of win2k workstation on ebay. I sold it with all the original contents including the the license, etc. Having not registered it at all and fully uninstalling it (went to XP), it was ok to sell.

Along the lines of everyone's comments in this thread, it would be more difficult to sell a copy if XP due to the activation requirement.

At the very least, if you buy a used OS on ebay, it should be a full retail with all the contents. While researching my item description (looking at other win2ks for sale at the time) I saw a lot of ebayers trying to pass OEMs as well as other shady things off as legit copies. Checking the seller's feedback (as always) and recent auctions will reveal if they are running a shady operation of selling OSs. Although, ebay usually intercepts such auctions.

HTH

[BigRed]

Originally posted by X0d1@k
Thanks for the info guys!
:D

http://www.bigredwa.com/Forums/thanksfortheinfo.jpg

[drshivas]

LOL, nice.