Greetings all,
I am a system builder/repairer based in the UK.
In March of this year, I purchased an OEM version of Windows XP Professional, together with hardware, the intention being to build myself a new PC. I did not build the PC straight away, but I had removed the Windows CD from the packaging and left the packaging together with the product key in a "safe" (well, I knew where it was) place. Shortly after, I flew to the USA for a vacation, on my return, a family member had kindly thrown away the packaging together with the product key. My first thought, and indeed words, were "Thank you, you have just cost me £105"
So, I bought another copy, and installed that.
Wondering if there was a way to recoup my loss, I called Microsoft and explained what had happened. A cheerful customer service representative (CSR) cheerily told me there was no problem and they would give me a new key, which they did.
A client calls wanting a new PC, I buy the parts, thinking that I have a genuine copy of Windows to supply with it, I assemble everything, install Windows, but get "Incorrect Product Key". As Microsoft provided me with the new key, I call them back. The first CSR apologises and after asking me several questions "Do I have proof of purchase? Did I buy the software with hardware etc etc" he asks me to hold while he again provides a valid product key. He asks me to hold, I wait, and on his return, I can hear him, but he cannot hear me, after several "Yes, I can hear you, I am here"'s I hang up. It is now 6pm and Microsoft's support lines close at 6 in the UK so I leave it and decide to call the next day.
The following day I call again, only this time to be told by the CSR "Microsoft provided you with a new key, the key did not work, therefore you need to contact your manufacturer, we cannot help", "but I am the manufacturer" I reply. The CSR then goes on to say "You have an illegal copy of Windows, OEM versions are only for large manufacturers, like Dell"
OK, so I did not expect any joy as I lost the original product key, but the CSR saying I have an illegal copy kinda chilled me to the bone.
Have they changed their rules so that only large manufacturers can sell computers?
So far as I know, I have done nothing illegal, indeed, with my repair work, if I believe the best way to proceed is to reinstall Windows and the client does not have their product key, I insist they purchase a new copy of Windows and all PC's I have built for clients have a genuine copy of Windows.
To cut a long story short, was their CSR correct in saying a system builder cannot buy OEM Windows?
Kev
