Windows Xp

[rfisher]

If I buy a 'used' copy of XP on Ebay when the seller says the PC it was installed on is now broken up and no longer in use will it be OK or will Bill Gates gimp me?

(eg item number 300040368212)

[anonymous-user]

rfisher said:

If I buy a 'used' copy of XP on Ebay when the seller says the PC it was installed on is now broken up and no longer in use will it be OK or will Bill Gates gimp me?

(eg item number 300040368212)

OEM XP is only licensed for that PC so it will be illegal. The reason is that the cost to the OEM is sooo low so they do not allow it to be used on other kit!!!! You may also have probs in that the version istalls special drivers etc for that hardware.

[rfisher]

Thanks.

Item description says it's 'Genuine edition of Windows XP Home Upgrade'.

Still naughty?

I find the key business with XP very confusing and don't want to buy a copy that doesn't work fully.

[pdV6]

rfisher said:

Item description says it's 'Genuine edition of Windows XP Home Upgrade'.

Still naughty?

possibly

As an upgrade, its only valid with the original OS licence. Presumably this was an OEM version of Win95/98/Me/2000 and so is tied to the original hardware - therefore not transferrable.

If you have your own Windows licence for a previous version, though, you can probably use the upgrade ok.
As it will have been activated by the previous owner, you may have trouble activating it for yourself though.

[Podie]

If you want peace of mind, then buy an OEM CD from a retailer... a lot less hassle TBH, if a tad more expensive.