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General discussion

Cheap Windows XP-and others

by chuckieu Aug 25, 2004 3:45AM PDT

I frequently get spam offering various software for outrageous prices. Since I am still running 98se, the
Windows XP offers are interesting. Normally I exercize
the maxim "If they called me, there is something wrong with it" and "Never encourage spammers". I have gotten this type of deal on software before, but from recommended companies I contacted. While I understand there is no manual and or retail packaging, i.e.- these are OEM, I'm still leery. How can they sell even OEM
disks of XP Pro for $50-60US when it normally goes for $250? And, if legitimate, is it a COMPLETE program.
I can find a manual, but I wouldn't want an incomplete OS. Anyone have any actual experience or insight into this? TIA chuck

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

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Re: Cheap Windows XP-and others

by Yew Aug 25, 2004 3:58AM PDT

OEM copies of XP (legitimate) should go for around $100-$130 US for XP Home and Pro respectively. They also MUST be bought with hardware to be legal.

Chances are, these people are selling pirated copies with nuked CD keys. Meaning it will install and run, but you won't be able to apply any of the security patches via Windows Update.

If you're "lucky" they're flogging academic versions, which are full copies, but can only be legally purchased by certain groups of people because they're sold at such a deep discount.

But in all likihood, I would expect them to just take your money and run. Maybe try and clean out your bank account, or pull off an identity theft.

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Yewanchors prices are correct for

by Ray Harinec Aug 25, 2004 4:58AM PDT

legitimate OEM CD's. mwave requires buying with hardware BUT their checkout process doesn't bother to check to see if you only bought the CD.

newegg does not require buying hardware with the OEM CD. These two CD's have nothing added or revised in them to advertise or?? the source.

They'll probably have them with SP 2 on them shortly

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