OEM software, illegal to put it on a computer

[bjadams44]

When I built my computer I bought an OEM copy of Windows XP. The fine print said I had to buy it with a piece of qualifying hardware so I purchased my hard drive at the same time. Nonetheless, the vendor (newegg?) sent me along an unordered audio cable that connects sound card to motherboard. So I guessed the requirement to pruchase OEM software with hardware is flexible. I later bought a copy of Windows 2k without hardware and got another audio cable included with my shipment.

What bothers me about Windows XP is the activation system that allows me to install it on only one of my computers. But thats another subject.

An audio cable qualifies as a non-peripheral item. Many vendors use this trick when selling Microsoft OEM software. Another favorite is an IDE drive cable.

Robert Richmond

[pcdoctor77]

I am also a registered Microsoft OEM System Builder, as well as Certified Partner. To be completely honest, I was completely illegal until I attended an OEMSB seminar about a year ago. They explained the OEM licensing in one short sentence: The OEM License must be sold with a piece of "essential" hardware. Now, the "essential hardware" must be something that the computer cannot operate without - memory, mainboard, cpu, hard drive, IDE cable, or even a power cord. Now, this isn't the complete list, but it gets the picture across. I can sell OEM licensing with a power cord, seeing as the computer cannot run without it. Now, ask me if I truly do this... no. But, according to the gurus at M$, it is legal to do so.

Hope this clears it up a bit.

[marklar]

I noticed in the agreement posted by Shocker that 4.1 & 4.2 contradict eachother. I guess it means that if it is ONLY an OS then 4.1 applies, otherwise 4.2 applies. But is Windows XP ONLY an OS or do the bundled bits of software count as 'Microsoft applications or server program'?

4. SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION
4.1. If the enclosed Software Unit includes a Microsoft desktop operating system program, MS grants to you a non-exclusive right to distribute each Software Unit, provided it is distributed accompanied with either a fully assembled computer system or non-peripheral computer 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.
4.2. If the enclosed Software Unit includes a Microsoft application or server program, MS grants to you a non-exclusive right to distribute each Software Unit, provided it is distributed to the end user accompanied only with a fully assembled computer system.
4.3. Each Software Unit may only be distributed to an end user pursuant to the end user license agreement that accompanies the Software Unit.

[Skoold]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...102-104&depa=0


Seems that New Egg gets away with only an Audio cable. I figure they would know, because they move enough product that they would be on the scope of MS if they were violating rules.

[zingomamz]

Is it legal to buy (download thru the internet after paying) OEM software at all?
Is it a legal thing to do?

[nomaxim]

Welcome to RR.
Not sure about all OEM software. It would depend on what and from whom you are buying it.
Some scam sites will sell pirated copies and hacked keys and claim they are legit.

[zingomamz]

yeh its frustating. i dont wanna save up all my money and realise i downloaded sum illegal software! sheesh!