Using OEM software

Question

Hi, I recently purchased a copy of Office XP which is an OEM copy.  This is the first piece of additional software I have every purchased, and I have a question about whether I can use this software, and the licensing agreement.   Under the End-User License Agreement, it states that the software can only be used if accompanied by a new computer system.  Above the product key, it states Compaq, so I am assuming the person I bought it from on Ebay received this software with her Compaq computer, but never used it.  Can I now legally install it on my Dell laptop, as this was not the computer it came with?  Thank you.

Rebel9 · Answer

Amy, Usually OEM branded Operating System software (eg. Dell, Compaq, HP, etc.) is tied to the BIOS of the particular supplier. A Dell version will NOT work with a Compaq machine, an HP version won't work with a Dell machine, etc. I'm afraid you may be out of luck with this purchase.

kjharris · Answer

Since you have the program, I suggest that you try to install it. If it works, great--you have what you paid for. If it doesn't install, since you have already paid for it you're no worse off than before. My suggestion: use Ebay with caution.

Ken

Amy H · Answer

Hi Ken, Hope this reply gets to you, and I am using this message board correctly!  Thank you for the reply.  I should have mentioned that I had already downloaded the software on my computer, and it worked fine and registered to my computer.  The thing I was most concerned about was that it was a software that I should not legally use, because it was not installed on the computer that it originally came with, and the license states it can only be installed on the original.  I have since consulted a computer consulting company, and they said it should be okay to use it, as long as it is an authentic original, I am the first user, and I paid for it in good faith.  Do you agree?, but technically I guess you are not supposed to.  I think it is just something they don't worry about too much.   Thanks.

Amy H · Answer

Hi Rebel9, Thank you for the response.  Please see my answer to Ken below.  It installed fine on my computer, so I am not sure what the deal is there.

85rx-7se · Answer

As Rebel said, if it is the OS that was an OEM version it is usually
tied to the BIOS of a particular maker, such as Dell , HP, Compaq, Acer, etc.

However, in this case, it appears you bought Microsoft Office XP OEM
version on EBAY .. that should be ok to use and will usually install just fine.
The only problem would be if the License Key was already used by the Seller.
Then you might have problems activating the software. OEM copies of most
applications, like Office are not tied to the computer they are sold with. They
are intended for system builders and large corporations and you do not get a manual
or support help from Microsoft.

Message Edited by 85rx-7se on 12-15-2007 03:15 PM

Rebel9 · Answer

Hi Amy, It looks like you're fine. If activation was successful, then the software you bought was NOT tied to a particular manufacturer's machines. You had mentioned in your original post that the word 'Compaq' was printed on the sleeve. That's why I mentioned that 'branded' OEM software is usually tied to the BIOS of a particular brand of computer. In your case, obviously that's not the case.   As another user has noted, there are two types of OEM software (in particular operating system software) - that which will only work on a particular brand of machine, and that which will work on any machine. Normally the latter is supposed to be sold with a piece of hardware (usually a new disk drive, motherboard, etc.) but this 'regulation' is not really enforceable and OEM software is readily available from many retailers, especially on-line dealers.   In any case, your software installation seems to be perfectly legal. Enjoy.

Amy H · Answer

Hi, Thank you for your response.  I did not have any trouble with the activation, so all is well, and as you said, this software must not be tied to any particular computer brand.  As I said in my previous messages, I was concerned more about the legality  of using it, since mine is not the original computer it was sold with.  You know, you see a lot of offers even with software companies for OEM software, so  it must be legal to do this??? So you think it is okay to use it on my computer?  Thanks much.

kjharris · Answer

Happy to see that all is well and your questions answered. Ken

Amy H · Answer

Hi Rebel9, Thank you for this additional information.  It is good to know for future use, but I will certainly be careful when I buy software other than retail from now on.  I appreciate this forum so much, to be able to get advice from people like you who know so much more than I!!  Happy holidays!

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Using OEM software

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