Microsoft licensing

[warnerpc]

My question is this If I buy 10 dell computers off of ebay and they all have a windows xp pro COA and Product key. They just don't come with the install disks. Now if I have a Dell windows xp pro install. LEGALLY am I aloud to install it on each of those computers. Yes I know I can but i'm looking into the legal part of it. Some people say yes because of the COA and Product key are given with each machine. However Microsoft says something different and is unclear. It comes down to the EULA. This is not about volume licensing. I'm looking forward to hear everyones responses.

 

[Grenage]

What those Dell machines have will be an OEM copy, so as long as the version you install back onto those machines is an OEM copy, you won't have any problems legally. Assuming you use the codes attached to the machines.

Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.

 

[warnerpc]

I'm aware of the whole OEM. My question is Legally do i need to have a cd for each machine. I'm not worried about if i physically install it on each machine. I'm worried about if it is actually legal.

 

[vacunita]

Legally you need to have a key for each machine. The amount of CD's is irrelevant. As you saw with dell you don't even need a CD to have a valid license.

You could have 50 CD's and only one CD key. As long as you only install it in one machine your o.k. you can also have the reverse 1 Cd and 50 machines, but 50 different Keys. still legal. The Keys are where the issues lie.

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Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[warnerpc]

See from my understanding Microsoft states and I have read this from microsoft. When it comes to oem computers. The media, documents, operating system, and etc can not be transfered to another pc. The only way they can be transfer is if all material is transfered to another person. I'm not trying to argue this with anyone, but I have not found any evidence that you are allowed to use 1 cd to install an os on 50 machines even if their product keys are different. If you were to call Dell or Gateway and say you lost your cd they make you buy a new CD and License for the full price. If you call you HP or Compaq you can get their restore CDs for like 40 bucks but you don't get a new license. I'm really hoping that someone can show me proof that you can use 1 cd to install on multiple computers as long as use different product key that came with the machine. Yes I am aware that most OEM system builders use the same generic product key when they preinstall an OS. That is different from what I am looking for

 

[Grenage]

but I have not found any evidence that you are allowed to use 1 cd to install an os on 50 machines even if their product keys are different

That's exactly how it is. The CD's mean nothing to Microsoft, or anyone else. They are just holding install data, the licence is the only thing that matters.

Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.

 

[warnerpc]

http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/e/3/4e3eace0-4c6d-4123-9d0c-c80436181742/OSLicQA.doc

Take a look at number 10.

Take a look at Operating system transferability

http://download.microsoft.com/downl...9-963A-F90D7200D223/G03009_MS4_Battle_CRD.pdf

Then technically if some has a computer with a license on it and they get a virus and go to a Computer store and ask for windows to be reinstalled they won't do it unless the person has their installion cds and product key. I just have found more information saying that everything you get with an OEM computer must stay with it. I just haven't found anything stating otherwise. Even if you upgrade from Operating system to another the orginal material must stay with the computer. Just because something is unspoken doesn't mean it is okay.

 

[NoCalAdmin]

you want evidence you only need a key..........sign up for a Select License agreement....... you get one disk......and issued as many licenses you buy via the MS Select subsription site..........

to restate what has been said...... the keys are what you need to have available, to install and for any audit....

Tom

 

[Davetoo]

If you're so worried about it, you're only recourse is to call Microsoft and ask them, it's their software.

Please be sure to stop back by and report what they say.

Myself, I don't care because I know as long as I have a legal license for all of my machines, then MS is not going to care one iota...you're welcome to feel otherwise.

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[vacunita]

Then technically if some has a computer with a license on it and they get a virus and go to a Computer store and ask for windows to be reinstalled they won't do it unless the person has their installion cds and product key. I just have found more information saying that everything you get with an OEM computer must stay with it.

They ask you for your CD's and key when you ask for a reinstall at a store, so they don't have to go looking for a type of install CD to match your PC and because they need proof that you actually own that license.

See OEM installation Cd's and Retail Installation Cd's are different.

OEM CD's will only work with OEM keys. Retail CD's will only work with retail Keys. If you Pc is OEM then you need an OEM installation CD. a Retail CD will not take the OEM key.

The point is as long as the CD is of the same type as the KEY, it works.

But you can have 1 OEM CD and 50 OEM keys and they will work and its legal to install them in 50 machines.

Do you actually think sys Admins in big companies have a room full of installation CD's for each machine???

No they have X amount of licenses purchased from Microsoft and only a few installation CD's.



----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.