Windows 2000 Pricing

[ppark001]

I was wondering why the prices of Windows 2000 Professional varies so much. When I go on

http://www.dealtime.com

the price ranges from $57.00 - $324.00. How can such a price disparity exist? Is there such a thing as a legitimate sale of Windows 2000 professional for under $100.00.

Thanks,

P.Park

 

[CharlieJax]

The prices under 100 seem to be for just the software or just the license, so you would have to buy both the license and the software to get a legal copy.

CJ

Don't drink and post, save that for driving home!

 

[TheLumberingAdmin]

Non-retail copies (called OEM), are usually cheaper. Technically, they are supposed to be sold along with a computer, not just the software. The loophole: They can be sold along with any piece of computer HARDWARE. So most places that sell OEM copies throw in something like a junk used NIC or similar, or something even cheaper, just to make it "by the book". Its not in the "spirit" of the license, but it does fit the wording, and it makes it much cheaper. I think a retail copy of 2000 used to cost something like $169... OEM copies usually go for $99 to $119. I don't know what the guy who was selling it for $57 was smoking, but I'd like some of it (notice the page isn't there when you go to the store; I guess that price is NLA).

The more expensive listings were probably for multi-license packs.

BTW, OEM copies come with pretty much everything a retail copy would, just no pretty packaging on the outside. Just shrink-wrapped.

 

[ppark001]

Our company has about 20 workstations that are still on WIN98. What would be the most economical way to upgrade them all at once.

Would I buy one copy of Windows 2000 and then find the least expensive license pak?

Thanks all

P Park

 

[jrbarnett]

One point about OEM products: only get them if you feel confident in sorting out any technical problems, because the OEM copies don't include any free support incidents.
Microsoft would refer you to the company that you bought the computer from for any support issues if you were to call up.

John

 

[ppark001]

When you say support issues you mean Windows 2000 issues specfically? Because we have been using Win2000 Pro for awhile, I am just looking for the least expensive way to upgrade the rest of the 98 workstations.

Thanks so much

P.Park

 

[jrbarnett]

P.Park,

Its mainly if you need to phone Microsoft up for support. If you don't use their support services, it won't matter at all. If you do call Microsoft and quote an OEM product ID, they will refer you to the place you bought the PC from for support.

One other point: OEM products cannot be used for operating system upgrades, as they are designed for sale with new computer hardware. Therefore, if you want to use them to upgrade existing Windows 98 installations, you will need to wipe the hard disk before installing from an OEM CD.

John

 

[ppark001]

Thanks much,

P.Park

 

[dearingkr]

Your best bet to upgrade the rest of your computer legally is to look at Open License. If you need 5 or more, it is definitely cheaper.

 

[bcastner]

The issue is a moot one, as Microsoft stopped retail sales of Win2k Professional last month.

 

[JimInKS]

You can still get the OEM version of Win2K from

http://www.newegg.com

for $134. I think this is probably about the lowest "legitmate" price you can get. As stated above, you will need to do a clean install with this, not an upgrade.

 

[jrbarnett]

I have found some UK suppliers selling Win2K Pro OEM for £99, so it is still available.

John