!! How do I LEGALLY do a N&P of Win XP? !!

[e2346437]

The above process is probably not legal but as I have said before, I dont think MS is coming after me for anything like this.

Agreed. This thread is giving me a headache

 

[studiot]

Couple of comments.

I find that many Techs (?) do not bother to change the key to the correct one on the COA that is on the side of the computer case.

Even manufacturers don't always do it.

However if you have a label finding the actual installed key becomes irrelevant. I use Microsoft's own key changer for this because it validates the installation at the same time.

go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409

Much has been made of some of the M$ conditions. Another one (not often mentioned is that the installed must affix the COA label to the pc case.

But some conditions are self contradictory.

Attached is a scan of a Dell XP disk.

Note it says 'install the operating system only on a Dell PC'. Any Dell pc not just the one it came with.
It also says for distribution only with a new Dell PC but you can obtain these quite legally from lots of sources.


A final parting shot.

I have said this before - never work form or take the original CDs on site - always work from a copy so if you damage or lose one you can easily replace it.

I have recently come across a Dell XP disk that doesn't work in older Dell systems.

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12915

 

[Alan22]

Couple of comments.

I find that many Techs (?) do not bother to change the key to the correct one on the COA that is on the side of the computer case.

Even manufacturers don't always do it.

If it's a branded pc such as dell, hp, acer, lenovo, gateway, etc. it is not necessary to use the key on the coa if the correct installation media is used. The OS is pre-activated and uses a volume license key provided by microsoft to the manufacturer. I have never had to enter a license key or perform an activation on these systems when the correct media is used. If using other media (obtained via technet, action pack, OEM system builder), then you'll be prompted to enter a license key. The one on the coa may or may not work.

 

[studiot]

PS

Andy, the Dell CD (pic) also warns you that you need the drivers to effect n&p and that these drivers are not on the Windows CD.

 

[dbdawn]

If I get time later, I will post instructions on changing the MSDN Retail Home or Pro from Retail to VLK or OEM and how to find out a key from the currently installed Windows.....

Is that the setupp.ini tweak?

 

[joydivision]

Just use a standard OEM CD . Its the sticker which is the licence, not the CD.

 

[studiot]

Just use a standard OEM CD

This works in most cases because most users have bought XP installed on the machine by the OEM; Hence an OEM disk will work fine.

However there are installations (retail, volume, MAR) for which the COA key won't work with an OEM disk.

And yes you need to edit setupp.ini.

I have already provided the links for anyone prepared to do a bit of research to make their own disk of any type.

Just beware of those whose promote the '270' routine. This is decidely illegal.

Read also this thread which is a history of what I was trying to describe earlier.

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12877

 

[activeits]

Is that the setupp.ini tweak?

Sorry for the delay, been doing back to back jobs. Yes that is the one, it has worked for me on every install I have done.

 

[activeits]

How to change XP CDs from OEM, Retail, VLk etc

So if I get the MSDN XP Retail from my school, I will be able to use it to reinstall XP on a customer's machine? How do I turn the disk into OEM?

They don't have to have the COA as long as I obtain the CD Key using a CD Key finder software?

Visit http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/08/16/how-to-change-windows-xp-version-between-retail-oem-and-volume-license-channel/ it gives you step by step instructions for changing the SETUPP.INI to change the version of Windows XP to Retail, OEM, VLK etc

If the hard drive is still spinning, then I recover the Licence Key and Windows XP Licence type from the current installed version, just encase the licence does not match the key on the sticker, or if there is no sticker on the case.

Also you will probably find http://www.tipandtrick.net/2008/windows-xp-sp3-with-service-pack-3-full-installation-cd-iso-image-relased-on-msdntechnet/ which shows you how to get the media with SP3 These two links should save you a lot of time.


Thanks

PS Sorry for the delay, just been a crazy busy day.

 

[Styxbound]

emachine xp

I'm trying to follow all you guys have said but it still leaves me a bit unsettled. For example I've lately seen several emachines which were out of warranty, in which case they will not sell the recovery disk. Exactly what is one to do to stay legal? There is a site which sells them but I have no idea if they are any good.

 

[studiot]

Exactly what is one to do to stay legal?

Do your best.
Take reasonable steps to prove the progeny of the Windows on the machine.

If it has a stuck-on COA use that and the appropriate disk.

If not either reject it or use the extracted key. Validate the re-installation with M$. Make a condition of the work that reinstallation validation is at the customer's risk. You are responsible for your work, but not for the customer's previous actions.

So what is the worst that can happen if you are wrong?

Either way you have done enough to prove there is no criminal intent so you cannot be successfully prosecuted.

What could M$ sue for? The loss of one single copy of Windows? Perhaps but I doubt their chance of success.
Are they really going to do that?

 

[Styxbound]

Legal

Thanks for the response. This whole business of system legality has been the single largest headache I've encountered and the prime reason I've gotten into it no deeper than I have. It's seemed to me a minefield with no really realistic guide out there. At least you've given me some practical approach.

 

[bsd13]

This is one of those things that virtually no one cares about. Following the letter of the law, would in this case at least, make doing business for many of us all but impossible.

 

[Andy]

.

I've decided:

If Windows XP needs to be reinstalled I will, if available, use the OEM partion (1st choice) or the OEM disc (2nd choice).

If neither are available, I will look into buying the OEM disks for it.



IF there is no recovery partition, no OEM disks, and I can't order the disks then I will reinstall XP by using my brand new VLK copes I just got from my school.

I will only install the version that they had (home/pro).

This would only be done as a last resort!


If they have OEM XP Home and the only way to reinstall is with my VLK XP Home then I believe it's ok because they have a license for XP HOME (to hell with whether or not it's retail or OEM, XP Home is XP Home). XP is 9 years old and two OSs ago so I'm pretty sure that as long as the system is fixed and the customer is happy with your work then all is well. I highly doubt MS would care enough to chew ur ass out. I'm not worried


Also, I'll make sure to backup all they're drivers JUST IN CASE (and, of course, as always, backup they're personal data).




iWant iPad

 

[MrUnknown]

I wouldn't recommend using your school's VLK, that is blatently wrong as you are using someone elses license to install it. There should also be no need for it as the key on the side should work perfectly fine.

 

[Andy]

I wouldn't recommend using your school's VLK, that is blatently wrong as you are using someone elses license to install it. There should also be no need for it as the key on the side should work perfectly fine.

If there is no other option then idc. If they paid for a system that has XP Home then I'm gonna do whatever I can to reinstall that exact OS they paid for. Idc if the license is the same or not. As long as it's the same edition they have then it does not matter to me.

If I could reinstall with the VLK disk I have AND use their product key instead, then I would do that because it would be legal considering I'd be using the license they paid for. Problem is that I hear this will NOT work. OEM goes with OEM, Retail with Retail, and VLK with VLK.

If their are other options to reinstall XP when you don't have the recovery partition or the disks and can't get the disks, let me know.

 

[Blues]

I would suggest finding a torrent of the branded OEM over using the VLK.

 

[atlanticjim]

Agreed. This thread is giving me a headache

Me too.

It is kind of like agonizing if putting an aftermarket aircleaner on my 1997 Chevy Venture van is going to void the warranty.

 

[activeits]

If there is no other option then idc. If they paid for a system that has XP Home then I'm gonna do whatever I can to reinstall that exact OS they paid for. Idc if the license is the same or not. As long as it's the same edition they have then it does not matter to me.

If I could reinstall with the VLK disk I have AND use their product key instead, then I would do that because it would be legal considering I'd be using the license they paid for. Problem is that I hear this will NOT work. OEM goes with OEM, Retail with Retail, and VLK with VLK.

If their are other options to reinstall XP when you don't have the recovery partition or the disks and can't get the disks, let me know.

See my previous post which has step by step instruction in turning a VLK into an OEM, then you will have an OEM disk and you can use the key that is with the PC.