08-10-2007, 07:04 PM

If I buy an OEM version of XP and use it via bootcamp, can I later decide to use it via Parallels and will I need/be able to reinstall the OEM version of Windows (still on the same computer)? Wasn't sure if OEM was a one-time install or can install it as many times as needed, just on the same computer. Thanks!

08-10-2007, 07:27 PM

There are a few things going on here.

Firstly, an OEM version of windows can only be legally sold with new hardware. Unless you bought it with your Mac, you should not be using it. However, it is a bit of a grey area and some re-sellers will sell it with a motherboard, CPU or even a RAM stick - I am not clear of the legalities here.

Secondly, installing any version of Windows on both Bootcamp and Parallels, technically means you have it on two machines, which breaks the EULA for most versions of Windows. Parallels is a virtual machine and so requires it's own license. OEM versions of Windows NEVER allow for multiple installs - you would need an enterprise version. You might find activating XP an issue on "two" machines at the same time.

08-10-2007, 08:51 PM

Thank you for explaining that to me.

Would I be able to order an OEM version and a RAM stick from newegg.com, for example?

08-11-2007, 02:02 AM

Originally Posted by kuklachica

Thank you for explaining that to me.

Would I be able to order an OEM version and a RAM stick from newegg.com, for example?

They recently changed the rules around this...

Originally Posted by newegg

Disclaimer: Qualifying proof of purchase must be recent receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.

Your Mac may count as a recent hardware purchase. You should check.

08-11-2007, 05:20 PM

Well if you can get it off Amazon then how is it illegal?

08-11-2007, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by smurfy

Well if you can get it off Amazon then how is it illegal?

You're able to purchase lots of things that are supposed to be used one way and if used another is not legal or is breaking the EULA. Just because you can purchase it, doesn't mean you can do whatever you want with it.

The OEM version comes with a very specific license.

08-11-2007, 09:22 PM

I thought You needed a audio cable or something, not a motherboard etc...

Some of these licensing laws are pretty vague.
But its the same hardware so technically it is the same machine, as both operating systems are installed onto one hard disk and although they will appear as two installs, its the same pc or in this case... mac

08-12-2007, 12:28 PM

It's not that complicated, but the EULA for OEM software from MS did change recently.

Basically, the EULA did not come into effect until you had installed the software on a machine, and it was permitted to buy the software with a single component of the machine you were building. At the point you installed XP, it became 'married' to that hardware and at that point becomes non-transferable.

All of this changed on 2006...

n this new Agreement (which you can see at: http://oem.microsoft.com/script/cont...PageID=553068), you will notice a few changes to address these actions by these people:

Under the Software Distribution section of the Agreement, you will notice it now states:

"4.1 We grant you a nonexclusive right to distribute an individual software license only with a fully assembled computer system. A "fully assembled computer system" means a computer system consisting of at least a central processing unit, a motherboard, a hard drive, a power supply, and a case."

You will notice the loophole that people have been exploiting (the former language which stated that an OEM desktop Operating System license could be sold with "non-peripheral hardware,") is no longer in place. It is now very simple and straightforward: an OEM license must be sold "only with a fully assembled computer system." Loophole closed.

The important bit is that it is not down to the reseller to ensure this is adhered to, because until the software is installed, the agreement does not come into effect.

The same applies to Student Teacher versions of Office etc.

End of story.

08-12-2007, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by Zoolook

It's not that complicated, but the EULA for OEM software from MS did change recently.

Basically, the EULA did not come into effect until you had installed the software on a machine, and it was permitted to buy the software with a single component of the machine you were building. At the point you installed XP, it became 'married' to that hardware and at that point becomes non-transferable.

All of this changed on 2006...



The important bit is that it is not down to the reseller to ensure this is adhered to, because until the software is installed, the agreement does not come into effect.

The same applies to Student Teacher versions of Office etc.

End of story.

THAT SUCKS! i am not paying full price for that flintstones OS.

08-13-2007, 10:24 AM

I think the price they charge for Xp / Vista in the UK they make up for a few illegal installs here and there many times over