Copies of Windows OS's

[jordanlc]

This was somewhat touched on in a former post (hxxp://technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5788), but I was wanted to know what everyone else here uses.

When faced with a re-installation of a Windows OS, what do YOU do when the customer no longer, or never had, their own copy of an OEM Windows disc, but an OEM license sticker on their pc?

I've known some people who have just made copies of OEM discs they've come across over time (Dell XP home, pro, MCE, HP home, etc). These are only OEM copies with no licenses, and they are used explicitly on the specified machines so that, he claims, there is no legal fallout since there is no monetary loss to Microsoft or the OEM with the use of original OEM CD-keys. What's the legal issue of just having copies of software and using real keys?

Another example I've come across is someone who has purchased several OEM system builders discs (XP, PRO, VISTA). These OEM discs are able to accept and activate using OEM sticker keys, but technically, the use of OEM discs are supposed to be limited to the pre-installation of new systems, and by using it, is it now YOUR responsibility to support the system vs the OEM's since you haven't used their branded disc?

The last example I know of is someone who has just happened to be lucky enough to get a hold of the original OEM discs from manufactures, all Dell and HP/Compaq from what I've seen. This seems to be the most legitimate way of maintaining business, but the how the discs are obtained, I have no idea.

Long post, I know. Tell me what you guys do in these situations!

 

[ithinkyou5.0]

when you buy a copy of windows what you are paying for is not really the program but the license key. While useing back up copys of OEMs or any version of an OS and using the customers own license key is not technicly illegal as fare as i know it is a bit of a grey area. since M$ arnt really loseing money i see nothing rong with it but i would never ever install a pirated version onto a customers PC. That can cause alot more problems than it solves

 

[jordanlc]

I'm clear on not using non-legit keys provided by the customer. Personally, I've got a few original OEM discs, and I have copies I've made of those discs. I only use the copies with customer keys just because I've read some stories of customer's cd drives destroying discs and as long as I have the original on hand, I feel I'm in the green. Of course, I would still like to hear what everyone else is actually using in shop or on the road!

 

[Arcadio]

x2. I want to know this too..

BTW, if I pay for the TechNet subscription, then is it safe to assume that, thanks to the downloads available, I will not run into ANY activation problems or other issues when activating Windows with the COA label on the side of the case of all my client's pc's?

 

[FooseSB]

x2. I want to know this too..

BTW, if I pay for the TechNet subscription, then is it safe to assume that, thanks to the downloads available, I will not run into ANY activation problems or other issues when activating Windows with the COA label on the side of the case of all my client's pc's?

I don't know if that's necessarily the case. I'm almost certain that Technet discs do NOT accept OEM keys. IIRC I've had mixed results changing the key after the fact and activating by phone. Your mileage may vary.

We've had enough new HP machines (and a few Dells) pass through our office that we've been able to make copies of those discs, and they usually take the OEM key regardless of manufacturer, and activation usually works, at least with normal brands.

 

[Jory]

You don't have to collect branded disks for XP Home OEM. A standard retail OEM disk will work pretty much all the time. Just make sure you backup their wpa.dbl file so you're not stuck calling Microsoft to activate.

 

[ProTech Support]

I have this extremely sexy disc for Windows XP that I "found" awhile back. It is called the 9-in-1 disc....Basically it has every version of Windows XP on it, from XP Home OEM to XP Pro Enterprise.

All you do is pop the disc in , select which one you want to install and your done. Of course it requires you to enter the CD Key (It's not one of those disc's with pirated copies and keys).

So basically when I get a computer in for a format, I determine which version it is by the COA, install the right type from the CD and enter the key on the side of the case. As long as the sticker is there, all is well. It really saves time rather then digging through 54 different XP Disc's