Cheapest way to get Windows for Boot Camp.

[Schmittroth]

Does Boot Camp require a retail copy of Windows or will and OEM version suffice? What's the cheapest way to get a legitimate copy of Windows that will run under Boot Camp? What's the best version to run? Any reason to select one variety over another. The primary purpose is gaming.

[e²Studios]

Ar

check priceline.com, some of those places have retail copies cheaper than CompUSA and other retail outlets. Using OEM versions is against M$ licensing agreements so i wouldnt talk about it here unless you want your post to get deleted.

Ed

[balamw]

check priceline.com, some of those places have retail copies cheaper than CompUSA and other retail outlets. Using OEM versions is against M$ licensing agreements so i wouldnt talk about it here unless you want your post to get deleted.

Ed
XP OEM is covered by the System Builder License (http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/sbLicense2004/English_SB_License.pdf#search=%22microsoft%20system%20builder%20license%22), which does seem to extend to installers, so I don't know why you think it's against the EULA.

By accepting this license, you agree that you are a system builder. “System builder” means an original equipment manufacturer, or an assembler, reassembler, or installer of software
on computer systems. If you choose not to accept this license, promptly return the unopened package to your distributor.

Read the license and come to understand it before making sweeping statements.

B

[bousozoku]

XP OEM is covered by the System Builder License (http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/sbLicense2004/English_SB_License.pdf#search=%22microsoft%20system%20builder%20license%22), which does seem to extend to installers, so I don't know why you think it's against the EULA.



Read the license and come to understand it before making sweeping statements.

B

It's obviously not specific enough to be considered a business only. It looks as though anyone can install an OEM version on anything, as long as they pay for it.

[balamw]

It's obviously not specific enough to be considered a business only. It looks as though anyone can install an OEM version on anything, as long as they pay for it.

... and only want to do a clean install (no upgrade installs) and don't expect any support from Microsoft and don't expect to transfer the license ....

B

[epiphany]

You can buy XP (of various ilk), from newegg, with free or cheap upgrade to Vista.
http://promotions.newegg.com/Microsoft/Vista/TechGuarn.html?CMP=BAC-dealmac

Some CAD programs like Pro-E require XP Pro minimum to run, so it depends what you will be running on your Mac, what you will need.

[balamw]

You can buy XP (of various ilk), from newegg, with free or cheap upgrade to Vista.
http://promotions.newegg.com/Microsoft/Vista/TechGuarn.html?CMP=BAC-dealmac

Some CAD programs like Pro-E require XP Pro minimum to run, so it depends what you will be running on your Mac, what you will need.

FWIW, my guess is that some of these deals will evaporate shortly after Vista officially debuts next week, so you might want to get your order in ASAP.

B

[askohen]

I got an OEM version from New Egg, and it is not working properly. I can't get it to install. It might not be because it is OEM though, but other people have had similar problems with OEM. Some though have been able to install it. Be forewarned though, you might have a coaster on your hands.

[djray77]

Would the XP pro 64 bit work with bootcamp? and vista 64?

[balamw]

Would the XP pro 64 bit work with bootcamp? and vista 64?

The drivers Boot Camp provides are currently only for 32 bit versions of XP. People have run other OSes with their own drivers with varying levels of success.

B

[New Mac User]

Windows XP 64 bit isn't worth it. Don't waste your money on it.

[shecky]

my OEM XP Home worked just fine on my macbook pro.

[macman2790]

Does Boot Camp require a retail copy of Windows or will and OEM version suffice? What's the cheapest way to get a legitimate copy of Windows that will run under Boot Camp? What's the best version to run? Any reason to select one variety over another. The primary purpose is gaming.

do you go to a university? most universities offer it for free or 15-30$ if they have a contract with msdn.

[dunawaydk]

do you go to a university? most universities offer it for free or 15-30$ if they have a contract with msdn.

MSDN licenses only extend to the individual who is registered as the owner of the MSDN agreement. Software use under MSDN licenses is for development and testing ONLY (i.e. not to be used in production).

XP OEM is covered by the System Builder License (http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/sbLicense2004/English_SB_License.pdf#search=%22microsoft%20system%20builder%20license%22), which does seem to extend to installers, so I don't know why you think it's against the EULA.



Read the license and come to understand it before making sweeping statements.

B

Apple is neither an OEM or System Builder in the eyes of MSFT and the verbiage within the EULA - they don't sell computers with Windows pre-installed.

The only legal means of running Windows on a Mac is to have purchased a retail copy of Windows. Either a full retail license of Windows XP itself, Windows Vista or through some form of approved upgrade (Windows 98 (or later) along with a Windows XP Upgrade as an example).

[erikistired]

... and only want to do a clean install (no upgrade installs) and don't expect any support from Microsoft and don't expect to transfer the license ....

B

good luck calling up MS and saying "hey i'm putting xp on my macbook, can you guys help me out?" oem retail or otherwise.

[dunawaydk]

good luck calling up MS and saying "hey i'm putting xp on my macbook, can you guys help me out?" oem retail or otherwise.

OEM Licenses are supported by the OEM, not MSFT. Retail licenses are supported by MSFT, although with Apple having unsigned drivers, you might run into the "commerically reasonable efforts" tagline in how far MSFT will go in assisting...

[balamw]

Apple is neither an OEM or System Builder in the eyes of MSFT and the verbiage within the EULA - they don't sell computers with Windows pre-installed.

The only legal means of running Windows on a Mac is to have purchased a retail copy of Windows.
Have you actually read the System Builder License lately?

It extends to installers of software on a PC, which would allow (for example) someone like Geek Squad to reinstall your OS using an OEM license as long as they will support it. Apple is not the one installing XP (or Vista) via Boot Camp on your Mac. You are, and you can do so legally as long as you don't expect support from MS or to be able to perform an upgrade license or to transfer the license to another computer or anything else that is restricted in the OEM EULA.

B

[Father Jack]

I am running Parallels on my Intel CD Mac Mini and a copy of Windows XP bought as part of M.S. Office Pro (Virtual PC) for my G5 ...... I think !! :confused:


FJ

[dunawaydk]

Have you actually read the System Builder License lately?

It extends to installers of software on a PC, which would allow (for example) someone like Geek Squad to reinstall your OS using an OEM license as long as they will support it. Apple is not the one installing XP (or Vista) via Boot Camp on your Mac. You are, and you can do so legally as long as you don't expect support from MS or to be able to perform an upgrade license or to transfer the license to another computer or anything else that is restricted in the OEM EULA.

B

Maybe...

In reading the entire License, there are certain requirements that have to be met - here's the URL:
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/default.mspx

You have to abide by ALL of the terms in the license agreement. You can't pick and choose the parts that fit your situation. In your scenario, just because the Geek Squad @ Best Buy is the "installer", does NOT mean the following terms can be met:


6. PREINSTALLATION REQUIREMENT. When you distribute an individual software license for a desktop operating
system or application software, you must preinstall it on the fully assembled computer system’s hard drive
using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (“OPK”) provided in this package or otherwise made available by us. This preinstallation
requirement does not apply to server software. For a list of available OPKs, information about using
OEM preinstallation tools, OPK support and how to obtain OPKs, see www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/OPK.
Preinstallation is limited to one copy of each individual software license. You may not copy or modify the OPK or
OPK instructions. You may not distribute the OPK or OPK instructions to an end user.
7. CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) LABEL/PROOF OF LICENSE (POL) LABEL. If the individual software
license includes a COA or POL label, the system builder who installs the individual software license must attach
the COA or POL label, as applicable, to the outside of the fully assembled computer system case in an easily
accessible location.
8. END-USER SUPPORT. The system builder who installs the individual software license and distributes hardware
units must provide end-user support on terms at least as favorable as the terms under which the system
builder provides end-user support for any fully assembled computer system. The system builder must place its
support phone number in a noticeable location in the fully assembled computer system help files or end-user
documentation.


I just picked out the three most obvious issues where your scenario can fail to meet the terms of the license.



Best Buy cannot meet the terms required to PREINSTALL the OS (i.e. via the OPK) - it requires an Authorized OEM System Builder of MSFT's to follow the terms and use the OPK (at a minimum, sell a "power cord" and the legal OEM OS - which is the COA, CD & Manual).
Best Buy cannot supply the COA/POL (AFAIK, they are not an Authorized OEM System Builder, they are a reseller only).
Best Buy is not in the business of doing END-USER SUPPORT (i.e. they don't support Windows via a support phone number - they redirect you to the OEM of the computer or MSFT (retail software package)).


The requirements to be an Authorized OEM System Builder with MSFT are not trivial.

If you can find an authorized Microsoft OEM System Builder that will use their customized OPK to PREINSTALL Windows on a Macintosh using a legitimate OEM license, and finally, take on the full requirement of supporting the end user, please let us all know.

It appears as though MacMall might be setup to do this on new Mac sales based on their pricing (and the fact that they sell PCs via the sister company, PCMall). I have a contact that works there, I'll check with him to verify that they're using an OEM license and are setup to use the OPK.

[balamw]

Maybe...

The Geek Squad was only an example. It does apply to mom & pop white box operations though as long as they want to support the license.

As an individual, if I buy an OEM license from NewEgg I get a COA label (while I haven't personally bought on, many friends have) and I don't HAVE to use the OPK.

I don't expect support, from anyone by myself. If I sell the Mac, I might be in a bit of a pinch though since I'm expected to continue to support it.

B

[jeremy.king]

For what its worth, ArsTechnica has an article (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130-8730.html) on the using Windows OEM licenses.

Bottom line, as already pointed out, YOU CAN USE OEM, but you are your own support!

[dunawaydk]

For what its worth, ArsTechnica has an article (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130-8730.html) on the using Windows OEM licenses.

Bottom line, as already pointed out, YOU CAN USE OEM, but you are your own support!

Inside the article you link above, its an "off the record" quote that makes it "permissible". I'm sure that would stand up to scrutiny in a legal proceeding (LOL-NOT).

An "off the record" quote does not change the requirements of the licensing agreement as its written. Microsoft is NOT a software company. They are an Intellectual Property company and are run by lawyers as much as they are by sales/marketing.

In any event, as long as you buy the OEM with a cable of some type (ex. power) and receive the label, you're on your own (though the seller of the license to the end user is still in violation of the terms of the System Builder licensing agreement since the specifics outlined in the agreement relative to OPK and Support are not being met).

[iW00t]

Inside the article you link above, its an "off the record" quote that makes it "permissible". I'm sure that would stand up to scrutiny in a legal proceeding (LOL-NOT).

An "off the record" quote does not change the requirements of the licensing agreement as its written. Microsoft is NOT a software company. They are an Intellectual Property company and are run by lawyers as much as they are by sales/marketing.

In any event, as long as you buy the OEM with a cable of some type (ex. power) and receive the label, you're on your own (though the seller of the license to the end user is still in violation of the terms of the System Builder licensing agreement since the specifics outlined in the agreement relative to OPK and Support are not being met).

Blah blah blah...

TPB...

Google to find out what those 3 letters mean.

[ex-hp]

Blah blah blah...

TPB...

Google to find out what those 3 letters mean.

apparently "trailer park boys". ;)

[jeremy.king]

Inside the article you link above, its an "off the record" quote that makes it "permissible". I'm sure that would stand up to scrutiny in a legal proceeding (LOL-NOT).

An "off the record" quote does not change the requirements of the licensing agreement as its written. Microsoft is NOT a software company. They are an Intellectual Property company and are run by lawyers as much as they are by sales/marketing.

In any event, as long as you buy the OEM with a cable of some type (ex. power) and receive the label, you're on your own (though the seller of the license to the end user is still in violation of the terms of the System Builder licensing agreement since the specifics outlined in the agreement relative to OPK and Support are not being met).

Keep it in context :rolleyes: He's talking about how Microsoft is concerned with newbies...

"Off the record, Microsoft spokespeople have told me that the big concern in Redmond is for Joe Newbie. They don't want inexperienced users buying OEM software, but the fact of the matter is that anyone can buy OEM versions of Windows."

The fact you dispute ArsTechnica, one of the most repected tech sites on the internet, just goes to show your thickheadedness when it comes to making your own interpretation of the license - the seller is not on the line nor is the buyer...Give it up and stop telling people it is not okay to install OEM, when you know the opposite is actually the truth.