how can you find out if computer has an OEM or retail version installed?

[phantomtres]

I bought a used computer on the internet it is an emachine M2105. The coa sticker says XP Home but XP Pro is installed in it. How do I find out if the XP pro is an OEM or a Retail version, thank you.

[glc]

It's most likely a pirated version. It does you no good the way it sits, you are only legal for XP Home unless you buy a legitimate copy of XP Pro and wipe it.

[phantomtres]

I don't think it's a pirated copy because last week I downloaded all the latest updates, service pack 3, windows 8 explorer, ect. and used magic Jelly bean keyfinder to get the product key no.'s. I just want to find out if it's an OEM or Retail version.

[rwest]

A license may have been purchased, but probably not. If you can, ask the person who sold it to you. You can also try going to windows update. It won't update beyond the validation tool if it's not activated. If it's activated it may be a legit install. If the OS is not activated then you most likely have a pirated version.

I'm pretty sure you can go to Microsft's Windows products page and purchase a licence for the installed OS, I don't think you have to do a reinstall. But if I was going to buy a license, I'd buy my own retail version too. Abd at that point I'd probably go for Win 7.

Sorry just read your post.

It is possible to have an activated OS and still be stolen.

I think the only difference between the OEM and the retail is the OEM is tied to the original MB.

[EzyStvy]

How to Determine the Version of Windows XP in Use

[glc]

It may not be pirated, but if you haven't been provided a certificate of authenticity with it, you technically are not licensed to use it. If you have read out the product key, more power to you, but have fun trying to find the correct media. Steve's link will tell you only if it's OEM or not - there's plenty of other variations kicking around - upgrade, retail, volume licensed, MSDN, etc.

[phantomtres]

I just bought a windows XP Home OEM edition CD and key. Can I use this CD with the OEM key that is on the emachine Laptop and use the key that came with this CD on another computer?

[glc]

Yes, if the eMachine key is accepted.

[rwest]

If it's not, you should still call Microsft for activation. If you explain your situation a live person may activate your OS when the program can't.

[glc]

I'm referring to being accepted by the installation, not activation.

[rwest]

I'm already pretty sure that it wont be accepted by the installation. It doesn't on my compaq. That's why I had to purchase another upgrade version of XP. The key on the sticker won't activate the install. Simce i have valid license I've never tried using the key on the side sticker to actually activate the OS.

But I regularly reformat and replace hdds and play with different sytems. I can load with the disk all day, but I can only have two active at once. i only own two licences. Everytimne I need to activate, I end up up calling MS. The computer program always says I've exceeded the # of times I can activate this version. Although; the last time the program ran it had a different prompts and activated without contacting a live person. i remember one of the prompts asked if there was a hardware change.

I'll have to call MS. I may be able to have four valid Licenses. I have two machines with stickers on them, I don't use. If I remember correctly you said it depended on the MB, right? Well that'd be three for me then, cuz only one has the original MB. Stlil worth asking.

[glc]

If it's not accepted by the installation, the installation will not complete, you are stuck right there.

I am referring to the point in the installation where you are prompted to enter the key. This is LONG before you get to the point where you need to activate it.

[rwest]

Well that makes sense. But if you used the key that came with the disk to install, will microsft allow you to activate with the license that's on the sticker? I've never tried it so I don't know. If it pertains to the mother board and the Mb hasn't been changed - is this a legal right to use the OS? I would suspect probably not, but in essence it may be. You actually have two license, and one disk. Although the one license is tied to the original MB, is it also tied to the install disk(or recovery program)? I'm not sure how the eula defines this difference.

I think its been addressed with Vista and 7 but maybe not XP. I think it may be the reason for the specifics on upgrading with 7. I'm just guessing though.

[glc]

The only way that will work is if you are able to change the key after the fact with the Magic Jellybean. The OEM license is for "the computer it was shipped with".

[rwest]

I've heard of that. I'm gonna google it. But I wonder if this is legal according to Microsoft. I think I'm gonna call them too.

I just googled, and this site gives instructions and states that it's legal:

http://www.shivaranjan.com/2006/09/1...n-information/

Although I'm still gonna check with microsoft before 'I' try to use it.

Thanks GLC for the input, I kmow this wasn't my post, but it seemed to pertain to the content. I think the OP gave up.