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Thread: Windows XP from ebay

  1. #1
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    Windows XP from ebay

    i want to put XP on my daughter's (older) IBM laptop. Ebay frequently has what appear to be good deals on XP (usually OEM), but with the notation "no CD key". Does this mean there's no way to activate the copy? Or is there something else that makes it usable.

  2. #2
    Platinum+ Member veronica's Avatar
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    I think OEM windows only works on the PC it came with.

    OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. JMO
    Last edited by veronica; April 29th, 2008 at 10:57 AM.

  3. #3
    The Beast Master TZ Veteran PIPER's Avatar
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    Mac............

  4. #4
    Platinum+ Member veronica's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PIPER View Post
    Mac............
    I misread. I saw IBM and saw Mac.

  5. #5
    Titanium Member efc's Avatar
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    The OEM disk from Ebay without the CD key is totally worthless.

    If you want a known legit version of XP go to TigerDirect or Newegg. The cost for just under $90.00 for XP Home.

    This would be a opportunity to load linux on that baby. Here are instructions for installing linux on older IBM notebook computers. http://tuxmobil.org/ibm.html
    Linux Mint Debian Edition

  6. #6
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    thanks, efc. You confirmed my take on that. As far as Linux, I may (likely) start "playing" with it on a "spare" system. The XP is for my 12 yo daughter. Since she's used to Windows (98, XP & Vista) I think I would stick with what's familiar.

    BTW, Veronica, OEM can be installed on another computer IF the original registration is vacated. I'm not sure how that would be accomplished -- probably through M-Soft Customer Disservice.
    Last edited by eaglestar3; April 29th, 2008 at 21:22 PM.

  7. #7
    She who must be obeyed Super Moderator piaqt's Avatar
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    I've installed OEM on pc's that had an earlier version of Windows on them, with no problems.

    Last night, I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I'll never know.
    love, piaqt

  8. #8
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    You can usually get an OEM version (with a legit reg no) of XP at most dealers if you buy some hardware with it - for instance a new hard disk, a memory chip or so. The OEM version of XP Pro retails for around $100-$120 here in Norway.

    Johan-Kr
    System1: iMac 27"
    System2: PowerMac dual 800 (mirrored drive doors), OsX 1.5 Leopard
    System3: EPoX 8KDA3+, 1Gb RAM, 4x1Tb - Raid5, CoolerMaster CM Stacker, FreeNAS.

  9. #9
    She who must be obeyed Super Moderator piaqt's Avatar
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    Or try amazon.com. I bought mine there, from a legit business. Came with a legit reg #, didn't have to purchase any hardware.

    Last night, I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I'll never know.
    love, piaqt

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