[Ham-Computers] RE: Looking for XP Operating System

Thu Apr 12 12:55:32 EDT 2007

Aaron,

Thanks for the info. I will admit I have used some "evaluation copy" 
software before but want to go at this the right way. If it were not for 
needing a better sound card I would probably stay with 98SE.

I may have to buy a new XP operating system and do not plan on going to 
Vista because I need flexibility for hardware and software. I do not plan on 
getting trapped into eventually having to have the Anti-Christs software on 
my computer in order to surf the net.

I'm not saying its Microsoft but one that will use computers in order to 
gain control over buying and selling. So much for that. Thanks again.

Loren

----Original Message Follows----
From: "Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)" <aaron.hsu at nbcuni.com>
Reply-To: "Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications,  or 
experimenting" <ham-computers at mailman.qth.net>
To: "I>Ham-Computers" <Ham-Computers at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Ham-Computers] RE: Looking for XP Operating System
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:40:25 -0700

Since I deal with licensing issues on a regular basis, perhaps I can offer 
some info I've learned over the years with Microsoft (and Adobe plus a few 
other companies).

Microsoft's End-User License Agreements (EULAs) vary depending on the type 
of product and whether or not the purchase is covered under a volume 
contract of some sort (the volume contract terms may override standard EULA 
terms).

Generally, all "retail" Microsoft products - products that come in a pretty 
box purchased "off-the-shelf" (and often includes a manual) - are considered 
"retail" products.  This includes operating systems.  MS's EULA allows you 
to "transfer" all rights and ownership of that license to another computer 
as long as the product is un-installed (or destryoed in some way) from the 
old computer.  So, if you have a "retail" boxed version of Windows and want 
to transfer it to another PC, you can as long as you un-install it from the 
old PC first.  Same goes with applications (such as Microsoft Office).

Microsoft also sells "OEM", "Volume License", and "System Builder" versions 
of software.  When it comes to Operating Systems, once one of these versions 
is installed on a computer, it it forever married to that PC and can never 
be transferred to another PC.  These versions of MS products cost less than 
the "retail" product and the "marriage" is the price paid for the lower cost 
up front.  These versions are also not be sold at "retail", meaning you're 
not supposed to be able to buy an "OEM"/"System Builder" copy of Windows 
from a store.  Only the "OEM" or an authorized "System Builder" can buy/use 
these versions of software.  An example of an "OEM" would be a brand name 
vendor such as HP, Dell, IBM, Acer, etc.  An example of a "System Builder" 
is your local mom-and-pop computer shop or possibly a PC consultant that 
builds systems.  So if you purchased a computer with the Windows 
pre-installed, it's most likely an "OEM" or "System Builder" license that's 
forever married to that computer - can't be transferred.

One last thing...if you buy an "upgrade" version of software, you still need 
to retain the original copy in order for the upgrade to be considered a 
valid license.  In other words, you can't buy an "upgrade" version of 
Windows and then transfer the older license to another computer - the old 
license plus the "upgrade" license constitute a new, "complete" license (the 
"upgrade" license by itself is invalid).  The "upgrades" cost less as you're 
adding value to the existing license, not replacing it.

I won't get into the details of "selling" an old license...that's a very 
gray area and each vendor's EULA handles this differently.

Note: I'm not trying to be the license police nor am I a lawyer...just 
passing along knowledge gained over the years.  It's up to you how you wish 
to use this information.  =)

73,

   - Aaron Hsu, NN6O

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:26 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Looking for XP Operating System

Hello,

I am looking for an unused XP operating system. I bought a sound card and
need XP in order to user it.

According to Microsoft you can transfer ownership of an operating system to
someone else as long as you do not retain and use copies of it. Maybe
someone has upgraded to Vista and is no longer using XP.

This must be an older version of XP in which it is not tied to your
hardware. If it is impossible for me to use it please let me know. Thanks!

Loren

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