New OEM Software Restrictions

[Mac Medic]

Just a heads up, dont want to see anyone get into trouble, they kinda slipped this one in.

Did you know? Effective July 12, 2002 Microsoft has modified the restrictions on the purchase of OEM software.

In order to purchase a copy of Microsoft OEM software, you order must meet the following guidelines :

For Desktop Operating Systems : If the order includes a Microsoft desktop operating system program, Microsoft allows this purchase provided it is distributed accompanied with either a fully assembled computer system or non-peripheral computer hardware component. A non-peripheral hardware component is defined as either a motherboard, processor, memory module or hard drive. These units must be present in a 1-to-1 ratio (one OEM software unit per non-peripheral hardware component). A fully assembled computer system shall consist of at least a central processing unit, a motherboard, a hard drive, a power supply and a case.

For Server Operating Systems or Application Programs : If the order includes a Microsoft application or server program, Microsoft allows this purchase provided it is distributed to the end user accompanied only with a fully assembled computer system. A fully assembled computer system shall consist of at least a central processing unit, a motherboard, a hard drive, a power supply and a case.

All orders containing Microsoft OEM software are held for review. Those orders not in compliance with the above restrictions will be canceled.

[glc]

Not bad actually - a memory module didn't qualify before. I always had to buy at least a processor.

[ktkendall]

Yea but aren't some of these places sending you and IDE cable or something like that to justify the hardware purchase requirement??

[Mac Medic]

for about a year there up until the 12th the rule was any piece of hardware, ever hear of the 10c case screw, well this now does away with that and goes back to a policy of specifying which hardware.

[Confused]

One vendor who travels to all the computer shows locally has been selling his operating systems with a screw taped to the sleeve.
Chas

[morriswindgate]

www.buysell101.com for all your OEM software needs. Thats where I get mine.

[cqdx73]

Ok

So I went to www.buysell101.com & I see

Windows XP Home OEM-DP &
Windows XP Home Retail Box

Is this the same software for 2 different prices and if so, what
does Retail Box have to offer for the extra money.

[glc]

OEM is to be sold with hardware and does not qualify for any support from Micro$oft. Otherwise, it's the same thing.

[Mac Medic]

It's true that you can buy OEM software form places like buysell101, but unfortunately these companies do not follow the rules of the OEM licence Agreement, which is different to the EULA that end users agree to, and therefore are selling the software illegally, which puts the end user in violation of the EULA in regard to how they aquired the software. Vicious circle im afraid.

[Christoph]

Saw this thread today and wonder - how would Microsoft be able to verify if you bought with the right piece of hardware. You as the user usually get the EULA presented when you install the software - not when you buy it.

Christoph

[lil Jimmie]

Well, it looks as if I will have to place multiple orders instead of a bulk orders.