WinXP Pro OEMs on ebay - real deal?

[tai4ji2x]

do these things really work? even if it was originally for a dell?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3612894381&category=41888

[ACE]

I'd say it's a restore disk originally bundled with a computer. Seeing as how the seller has no sales nor rating, I'd avoid it like the plague. It's no doubt, also tied to the bios of the computer and will not work on your machine, but I could be wrong. He's also throwing in an old hard drive to try to comply with the microsoft oem rules, which state that the oem version may be purchased along with a hardware purchase. He's not selling hardware tho'.
Just got this off another ebay auction selling the same thing: Buyer Beware. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3612362016&category=11229

This auction is for a new Dell Windows XP Home Reinstallation CD. This software package consists of a new SEALED Dell reinstallation CD for Windows XP Home Edition. This is the CD that is issued with new Dell PCs. This is for use with a Dell PC only and DOES NOT include the activation code/product key. This CD contains the complete version of Windows XP Home Edition but requires a valid Windows XP product key which is found on your Dell PC if it came with XP. To comply with eBay's policy this is being sold with a piece of used computer hardware

[baggio248]

If you are looking for an sure OEM WinXP Pro you can get it from googlegear.com for just around 140 bucks. I got mine there.

[tai4ji2x]

Originally posted by ACE
I'd say it's a restore disk originally bundled with a computer. Seeing as how the seller has no sales nor rating, I'd avoid it like the plague. It's no doubt, also tied to the bios of the computer and will not work on your machine, but I could be wrong. He's also throwing in an old hard drive to try to comply with the microsoft oem rules, which state that the oem version may be purchased along with a hardware purchase. He's not selling hardware tho'.
Just got this off another ebay auction selling the same thing: Buyer Beware. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3612362016&category=11229

my bad, i wasn't actually trying to ask about that auction or seller in particular. just wondering if folks have managed to buy these allegedly "brand-specific" OEM versions on ebay and get them to work on their machines.

[tai4ji2x]

Originally posted by baggio248
If you are looking for an sure OEM WinXP Pro you can get it from googlegear.com for just around 140 bucks. I got mine there.

but $140 is more than what i could probably get for an official non-OEM upgrade version on ebay, often around $100, sometimes less.

[shock32638]

If you (or a family member) qualify for a Student discount you can order win xp pro upgrade for 99.98 at
http://www.journeyed.com

[ramazank2]

My OEM dell cds do not work on other branded machines.

[tai4ji2x]

Originally posted by ramazank2
My OEM dell cds do not work on other branded machines.

are most of the "branded" OEM versions on ebay like this? ie, unusable except on specified machines?

[sandman69]

All you need is the serial # from one of those you can download a copy of winxp from bearshare and install xp on your system media and serial #'s are 2 diffrent things i can buy a serial for $110 tho from a legit company or get it with a cd for about $130.

[tai4ji2x]

Originally posted by sandman69
All you need is the serial # from one of those you can download a copy of winxp from bearshare and install xp on your system media and serial #'s are 2 diffrent things i can buy a serial for $110 tho from a legit company or get it with a cd for about $130.

yeah, but in order to even use the OS, you'll need the serial# and call-in to M$, right?

[tai4ji2x]

just a quick bump. hope it's not too intrusive :D

[halfmoon]

Originally posted by tai4ji2x
just a quick bump. hope it's not too intrusive :D

If you go back to your link on ebay now you'll see it has been removed. I think that answers your question about it being a scam, or illegal.

[tai4ji2x]

ok, ok, i'm sorry about putting up THAT particular ebay auction. :( i never meant to single that one out to be representative of them all. some of the OEM sales of XP do seem to go through as long as an old hard drive or some memory is sold in conjunction with it. just wondering if people have been able to successfully use one of these auctioned XP-OEM's.

[Jeffbx]

It's a hit and miss kind of thing... OEM CDs aren't supposed to be sold without a complete system, but many people bundle the CD with a crap piece of hardware to try and get around this.

Bottom line is that you would be buying a license that may or may not work with your system. If you happen to have a Dell, Gateway, IBM, etc. then you can probably find an OEM license for your particular machine. Otherwise, I'd stay away from this & find a more legitimate source for your software. OR, look for a full version or upgrade package on ebay rather than an OEM.

[tai4ji2x]

ok. thanks.

[sandman69]

Originally posted by tai4ji2x


yeah, but in order to even use the OS, you'll need the serial# and call-in to M$, right?

You can activate over the net as long as you buy the lic from a legit company and the lic has not bee used before you will be fine.