Ah, but in the eyes of Microsoft, using an OEM copy of Windows that was sold with one computer on a different computer is stealing.
Here is a quote from a Microsoft license FAQ:
"One main difference is that an OEM operating system license (such as the license for Windows) cannot be transferred from its original PC to another PC. However, the FPP version of Windows may be transferred to another PC as long as the EULA, manual and media (such as the backup CD) accompany the transfer to the other PC. Also, when a customer purchases an OEM product, the OEM license requires the OEM to provide support for the product."
Here is the link:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/e/3/4e3eace0-4c6d-4123-9d0c-c80436181742/OSLicQA.doc
or http://tinyurl.com/nzamn
This is from a XP document on piracy:
"License Misuse: Software distributed under special discount licenses, either to high-volume customers, computer manufacturers, or academic institutions, that is then redistributed to others who do not hold or qualify for these licenses.
?
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) stand-alone product. This form of license misuse occurs when OEM version software has been unbundled from its designated computer system and distributed as a separate (or stand-alone) product. The Microsoft agreement with computer manufacturers prohibits them from distributing Microsoft products in this fashion, that is, without accompanying computer hardware. Microsoft products on the retail shelf should never include a line on the front cover of the User's Guide that states, "For Distribution Only With New Computer Hardware."
And, for your information, the Dell recovery CD is hard coded for Dell equipment. The same with HP, Compaq, Gateway and all other "major" OEM computer manufactures. While Dell does get a "deal" on the cost of Windows and other Microsoft products, the price Dell can charge for upgrades to the OS is controlled by their agreement with Microsoft.
Microsoft treats it's products much like the owner of an all you can eat buffet. You can use Windows as much as you want on your PC. But, you can't have another person load up their PC from your plate. Nor can you come back another day with a new plate and not pay again.
As another way to think about this, if system builders like Dell did provide full retail versions of Microsoft software the price you pay for a new computer would go up at least $100, and perhaps more than $500 for a business configured computer with Office.
Here is another "fun" thought, at one time, (and it might still be this way) the Microsoft OEM license was only to the original purchaser / user. Technically, if you sold the computer you were required to remove all Microsoft software. The person you sold the computer to would need to buy their own copy of Windows in order to use the computer!
Aren't functional monopolies wonderful!
If you don't like Microsoft's rules, I suggest you switch over to Linux.
Chas
