WinXP Pro?

[steveh]

Looking for a good price for a *legal*, *non-OEM*, *non-education* copy of XP Pro. Anybody got any ideas? Technically, I suppose I just need the license, not media...

[RossMAN]

Hi Steve,

 

You might find some ideas in this previous thread.

[steveh]

Thanks... can't believe I didn't think of ebay... lol...

[cronos]

it's good to note that Newegg has Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 - OEM version for $131.00 with free shipping. you have to purchase 'hardware' with it though (the $1 mouse that they offered around BF was handy).

 

Windows XP MCE is really just regular Windows XP Professional with additional Media Center module for Media Center purposes (one of the uses is a TIVO type of thing, if you will). you don't have to use the MC capabilities if you don't want to and just need the Windows XP operating system.

 

Edit: I just saw that you specifically mentioned that you don't want OEM, is there any particular reason?

[steveh]

If it was for me, I'd go OEM... It's for my neighbor who trashed his computer and discovered that he has no OS disks at all... He called M$ for help and was told they'd help him but he needed to buy a license... What he's really after is a license... I can supply media... Am I correct in thinking the OEM doesn't have a keycode? (Is it necessary?)

[bockchow]

OEM does have a COA (cert of auth) thats what says you actualy own a copy of XP the disc doesn't matter and your better off makeing a slipstream cd anyway, what it doesn't have is a nice box and rarely does it have a booklet. sometimes it won'teven have the Media, it's just the key. from the sound of it what your friend had was pirated or he just lost the COA sticker. the guy i get these from charges...

 

2000 Pro - $20

XP Home - $25

XP Pro - $55

http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=2389

 

he's a great guy that i've dealt with a number of times.

[steveh]

Nah, he had a Toshiba laptop, and they didn't supply him with media... Just a recovery cd... When he called them to ask about it, they told him the very first thing it would do is format his HD, so he threw it away... lol...

 

sounds like OEM might be the way to go after all...