coa question

[charlescpc]

I recently was able to build a computer from spare parts.
I need an operating system for it though.
I have a chance to get a windows coa number OEM without the windows xp cd.
I have seen the package and everything looks ok. It has a sticker with the coa number to put on the back of the pc.

My question is, can I buy the coa and install windows xp with a retail upgrade cd and just put in the coa numbers. Or does this have to be a brand new computer never been regestered with a special cd.

The system I'm thinking about installing the operating system in has been registered before and its windows XP operating system is in another computer and has been activated by Microsoft. I just want to know if I have to buy a retail version or I can just get a coa number and put it in.

thanks

[silencio]

Well, I've tried using my MSDN XP CD for an install when I couldn't find the OEM CD and it wouldn't take it. This was on my Dad's machine which I bought an OEM copy of XP for. My MSDN XP images are all retail (they take retail keys, or so it says on the MSDN site).

So, XP retail CD, OEM key, didn't work. Used the original OEM CD that came with the key and it worked.

This might not hold true for everyone as the "retail" CD I was using was from my MSDN kit.

Hope this helps..

[charlescpc]

Well, I've tried using my MSDN XP CD for an install when I couldn't find the OEM CD and it wouldn't take it. This was on my Dad's machine which I bought an OEM copy of XP for. My MSDN XP images are all retail (they take retail keys, or so it says on the MSDN site).

So, XP retail CD, OEM key, didn't work. Used the original OEM CD that came with the key and it worked.

This might not hold true for everyone as the "retail" CD I was using was from my MSDN kit.

Hope this helps..

I think you are right. The retail and oem cd and coa don't mix.
I thought I would give it a try. My friend has the coa number in question that hasn't been used yet. I formated my drive and tried to install XP. I didn't like the coa number when installing from a retail cd. I thought I typed in the numbers wrong but it doesn't appear so.

Good news is that I got to try it witout buying it first...
Bad news is that it looks like i will have to buy a retail version..
Thanks for the info......

[Ya_know]

You want answers, call 1800-RULEGIT, and speak with Microsoft about what you have found, including the store name, and Internet URL. I have seen this COA only purchase for Office, XP, 2k, you name it. You know what MS says, that they are all "fishy" to quote someone right off of their line.

What happens is a lot of these companies split the OEM packaging, sell the CD's with a product key, then sell the COA only, expecting you to use your own media. It works like a charm, but per Microsoft, " 90% of the time" it is not a legitimate purchase.

Save yourself the hassle, either go to a store and buy a retail copy, or get a full OEM from a reputable dealer (with hardware). Wholesale prices range, but anything around $140 is a typical going price.

Otherwise, I would suggest getting a number for free...it is still pirating, but at least you are not putting money into someone else’s pocket to do it...

[silencio]

Save yourself the hassle, either go to a store and buy a retail copy, or get a full OEM from a reputable dealer (with hardware). Wholesale prices range, but anything around $140 is a typical going price.

I buy all of mine here. Comes with the COA, CD and shrink wrapped. You have to purchase it with hardware though.

[charlescpc]

I buy all of mine here. Comes with the COA, CD and shrink wrapped. You have to purchase it with hardware though.

thanks.
I will probably just buy the retail version. Less headaches and I know I will be legal, besides I don't need any hardware at the moment.

Every time I look for a cheap way I usually pay more in the long run.
I was thinking if I had a legal coa then it wouldn't matter about the cd I used to install the software..

But I will be safe and get a retail version of XP. I still wish Linux was further along where I could drop microsoft completely and go with the penguin...
Thanks for the info

[techs]

What happens is a lot of these companies split the OEM packaging, sell the CD's with a product key, then sell the COA only, expecting you to use your own media. It works like a charm, but per Microsoft, " 90% of the time" it is not a legitimate purchase.

Seems to me that this wouldn't work on software that required activation

[NooNoo]

thanks.
I will probably just buy the retail version. Less headaches and I know I will be legal, besides I don't need any hardware at the moment.

Every time I look for a cheap way I usually pay more in the long run.
I was thinking if I had a legal coa then it wouldn't matter about the cd I used to install the software..

But I will be safe and get a retail version of XP. I still wish Linux was further along where I could drop microsoft completely and go with the penguin...
Thanks for the info

Every tech ALWAYS needs some piece of hardware or another!!

[Ya_know]

What happens is a lot of these companies split the OEM packaging, sell the CD's with a product key, then sell the COA only, expecting you to use your own media. It works like a charm, but per Microsoft, " 90% of the time" it is not a legitimate purchase.

Seems to me that this wouldn't work on software that required activation

Valid point, I buy a lot of windows and office 2k, I forget about activation on the newer versions. Either way, MS doesn't distribute their software in this manor, so when a retailer/wholesaler does, something isn't right...