Paying $200 for an OEM version in stead of a retail version is too much.
There's not much difference, however. The OEM version legally is bound to the original computer, and transfer to another one is not allowed; the retail version allows install on multiple computers (but one a time). And Microsoft doesn't support OEM versions. That should be done by the maker of the PC. And they have different keys. But there's nothing wrong in principle if an OEM (like HCL, as you state) installs an OEM version of the software. That's what it is meant for, in fact. There's nothing illegal here.
So the real problem is why your tech couldn't reinstall the fully legal OEM version. That should surely have been possible, given the CD and the key. But with the information given we can't even guess.
Kees
My computer mechanic purchased paying nearly $200 and installed in my assembled computer, original Windows XP professional software in February 2007 and Microsoft authenticated it several times, whenever I downloaded the updates. Subsequently, my hard disk had to be formatted, but my mechanic could not reinstall the Windows XP the second time and we discovered that the WIN XP installed was an OEM version. Obviously, an unscrupulous dealer of HCL Infosystems Ltd., an OEM Computer manufacturer, had passed on the OEM software to my mechanic. To enable me continue to use the computer, my mechanic installed another copy of WIN XP, but provided the original key. Microsoft detected the mismatch the next time I tried to download the updates, declared me a user of counterfeit software and introduced several glitches in my computer, making its use risky, frustrating and adversely affecting all my trading activities. I took up the matter with Microsoft and provided them all the documentation they needed to establish that I had purchased original software, but had to use the unofficial WIN XP only because the original XP failed to install and I had to use my computer to continue my trading activity. I also pointed out that they had authenticated the original WIN XP several times and new that my computer had original software and the root cause of my problem was because the OEM software illegally passed on to me by their dealer could not be reinstalled. Microsoft accepts these facts but insists that I am still guilty of using unofficial software and should order a back up copy of the original WIN XP with their principals and pay for its shipment. Their dealer does not respond. Thus even after paying and installing original software I am being punished, declared a culprit and harassed for the last 3 months. Who is at fault? Is not Microsoft being unfair to me, its genuine customer? How can I to solve this problem?
I.S.Rao (raois@hotmail.com)
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