Re: No reinstall disk/files for refurb pc

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tmd0309 wrote:
"Bruce Chambers" wrote:

tmd0309 wrote:
Hi, all:

(I asked a version of this question on another forum yesterday, so pls forgive the doublepost if you read it, but it seems it wasn't reaching experts, so I'm trying again here, more concisely)

I just bought a refurbished laptop from a little, local shop. The guy at the shop put a fresh installation of windows XP Pro, SP2 on it.

I believe that I have a legal copy of the OS

Based on what you've said below, I'd have to conclude that you most definitely do not have a legitimate license.

Even though the MS.com "is my software legal" process told me it is?



Even so. It may test as legitimate, but if you cannot repair or re-install it, you still haven't received a fully legitimate license from the vendor.


To determine what kind of license was used to install WinXP on the laptop, simply look at the Product ID (on the My Computer > Properties > General Tab). If it contains the letters "OEM," he used an OEM CD to perform the installation.

My Computer > Properties > General shows:

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version 2002 Service Pack 2

So... what does this mean?



It means that you have WinXP Pro SP2, which you'd already told us. What does the Product ID read? The Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer icon. It is a 20-character number in the format of 99999-999-99999999-99999. If you have an installation created by using an OEM CD, the Product ID will be alphanumeric, in the format of 99999-OEM-9999999-99999.





I expect you don't mean to suggest that it didn't?


On the contrary....


I mean, I have an OS, and he claims it's legit, so yes, it was included in the price, right?



What does your receipt or invoice say? Does the receipt/invoice specifically state that an operating system, and/or any other software, is included in the purchase? If not, you don't have a leg to stand on, legally.





You'd need either an unbranded, generic OEM CD, or the laptop manufacturer's Recovery CD for that specific make and model.

Would a Mfr's recovery disk even work, after he's done the clean install?



It depends upon the specific recovery method originally provied by the computer manufacturer. Some rely upon a hidden partition on the hard drive, while others are entirely CD-based.




Can you tell me where to find the MS policies regarding this?

You main problem lies in having a CoA for an OEM license. That means that support for the OS lies *entirely* with the computer manufacturer. Further complicating matters, you've purchased a second-hand machine from a third party who very probably is not an authorized agent/reseller for the laptop's manufacturer, so the computer maker isn't going to be particularly willing to help you, either.


I've already demanded a disk or the files, and he's flat-out refused: "I can't give you what I don't have, and I can't just copy the files to your computer because that would be a copyright violation"


He's lying still. Is he a licensed Microsoft System Builder? If not, he can't be selling you OEM licenses. If he is, everything he's told you is in breach of his contract with Microsoft.

Microsoft Authorized Distributors List
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/authdist/default.mspx


I can't demand my money back (or my disk) on the strength of "a helpful guy in a forum said..."? Is there somewhere online that I can find the re-sale policy? (I've looked and I've googled, but, well, you know how the MS site is...) Should I phone MS? Like, their activation-support folks, maybe?



Piracy and Your New PC Do and Don't - Software Piracy Protection
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/YourPC_do.mspx

How to Tell
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

Reporting Piracy
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/


--

Bruce Chambers

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Relevant Pages

  • Re: How should I buy XP Pro?
    ... Is license code the same as the COA? ... COA is a sticker on the system itself - it is an OEM version - which means ... Used and if you did not get a receipt saying 'this laptop ... media they sold or have the end-user make is not actually installation media ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers)
  • Re: OEM license
    ... installation files are retained by the original owner. ... The original Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be ... original hardware accompanying it, then installed on another computer, ... The End User License Agreement (EULA) for OEM software, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Re-Acticatining Windows XP
    ... Is the shop-keeper imposing "idiocy" upon his honest customers ... > Retail Home, Full Retail Home Upgrade, OEM Pro, OEM Home, OEM Pro ... Microsoft, by providing different versions and licensing ... obliged to provide a true installation CD as part of the sale. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Use different CD to install Win XP
    ... purchase the OEM version and do just what you did. ... SP3 level, ... installation CD for XP Home at the SP3 level would suit your needs. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: XP OEM recovery disk
    ... You can buy Windows XP OEM with just a power cord although that might ... of the hardware at installation time since EVERYONE upgrades over time. ... the SOFTWARE is an upgrade, any transfer must also include all prior ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)