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Windows XP Pro SP2 licensed to Asia-Pacific RRS feed

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    Greetings,
    I purchased a copy of Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 from a vendor on Buy.com to install in VMWare on my Mac. When I received the package it looks just like something I received with both of my previous Dell computers as the previously installed versions. The only difference is there is a sticker on this plastic-wrapped copy of XP that says "Licensed for distribution only to specific countries within Asia-Pacific."
    Before I open this and install it, how can I tell if it's legitimate? My 2 other DELL XP copies would not let me use those product codes and I'm afraid this one will do the same. I need to use XP Pro SP2 for some specific programs. Any advice?
    Monday, October 12, 2009 1:27 AM

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    Hello LindaPea,

    My advice to you would be to return the item to the seller for a full refund.  Assuming you are located in the USA, it would appear that the seller is selling you "gray market goods" that are intended by their manufacturer to be sold elsewhere besides the USA.  A very large percentage of software sold by independent sellers on internet auction and sales sites is counterfeit software.

    If you are buying from Buy.com, you want to purchase the correct retail licensed product from a trusted online vendor, such as this one:  http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=20361036

    An alternative would be to purchase an OEM licensed product, such as this one directly from buy.com:  http://www.buy.com/prod/microsoft-windows-xp-professional-with-service-pack-3-license-and/q/loc/105/208018286.html

    OEM licensed products come with significant restrictions on their use and support in return for the lower price.  OEM licenses are permanently tied to the computer onto which they are first installed and are not permitted by the End User Licensing Agreement to be moved to any other computer.  Further, OEM products do not come with any sort of technical support from Microsoft, so you are on your own.

    Regardless of what or where you buy, if you are in the USA, please purchase with a credit card in order to afford yourself the maximum consumer protections available to you.
    For great advice on all topics XP, visit http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp
    Monday, October 12, 2009 2:16 AM