Started my own computer business

[Smartmike]

I started my own computer business and I need to know where I could get a Xp pro serial for at least ten computers. Can anyone help.

 

[M0R0NI]

First off Congrats ont the new business and Good Luck! I think if you have one copy of XP Pro you can call Microsoft and request a licence for the other computers.

 

[Smartmike]

Cool

Will they give a me a discount or even for free?

 

[SNGX1275]

Not sure if you can buy 10...

You can buy a 30pack of XP Home Retail for $2,729.99 which comes out to roughly $91 each.

You can buy a 3 pack of XP Home OEM for $264.99 which comes out to about $88 each.

XP Home OEM is $89.99 while retail is $191.49

Microsoft's site doesn't seem to be selling XP directly, so you may have to call Microsoft and see. Because based on what I have above, it doesn't look like you get rewarded for buying in bulk at all, except for the 30 pack of Retail, which is stupid if you are building computers to sell and need to put an OS on.

 

[Smartmike]

Wow, thats no deal.I was hoping to pay around 50 dollars per computer. All I really need is the product keys does that make a difference?

 

[tgreaves]

Well there are other ways.. **cough CORP cough** but thats not going to be an option if your selling machines to customers..

 

[monton]

Keep it legal

Skip XP and use Ubuntu 7.10

Much nicer!

And way less than $50

Download and install

 

[Smartmike]

Well there are other ways.. **cough CORP cough** but thats not going to be an option if your selling machines to customers..

What do you mean?

 

[Frostmonkey]

Windows XP Corporate is what was meant I think. It's not an actual version - instead it's the nickname for any illegally obtained copy of Windows XP which activates fully. The corporate part was used because the key used in these versions are supposedly from larger corporations with either limitless activations or at least a very large amount or from a keygen which is referred to as bluelist which created "valid" keys. <-- Can be viewed if you google Windows XP Corporate

 

[kimsland]

ie Don't use Corporate !

Ebay sell COA, they haven't been banned, so it must be OK (to at least sell)

 

[Smartmike]

i found it cheap!!!!

I've been doing a lot of research and I found what I want for around fifty. Check it out:
http://edirectbuy.net/index.php?categoryID=87

 

[kimsland]

You will receive the Full version on CD & a volume license key number only

from their site.

Well, I don't know. The COA key should be attached (as a sticker) to the side of the PC.
You will not legally be able to sell this (including Windows) without it.

Seems a tad fishy to me.
I would prefer the sticker and not the CD, at least.
This is the CD and Not the sticker - which I wouldn't do

My thoughts - NO !

Here's a better link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Windows-MCE-200...ryZ11229QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Smartmike]

How many computers could I put the same key on?

 

[kimsland]

1 legally !

1 key for 1 computer, that is MS law

And they only make 1 sticker, ie if you call them to replace yours (lets say it's damaged or missing !!) they will sell you a new one - that is different again.

Don't buy Windows without the C.O.A. sticker !

Very important !

 

[Smartmike]

I guess I'll keep searching then, 100 dollars is a ridiculous price to pay for a software product key and a sticker. You think I can raise the price of my computers if I include the CD.

 

[kimsland]

Including the CD yes

Actually why not create a Restore CD

Please report back when you find the cheapest again, because I'm interested too ! (in the info ! to help you ! well lets just say I'll give you my verdict)

 

[AlbertLionheart]

I guess I'll keep searching then, 100 dollars is a ridiculous price to pay for a software product key and a sticker. You think I can raise the price of my computers if I include the CD.

Don't know about you in FLA, but here in the UK there is no margin in selling new systems unless they are custom. I also run my own computer business and stopped building stock machines some time ago.
As everything is down to price, and the big manufacturers now have a system restore partition I don't think that you can charge a premium for supplying a CD. If in doubt, check what your local box shifters are selling and match the specs.
Sorry

 

[Smartmike]

Well no luck. I cant find XP for the price I was looking for.

 

[AlbertLionheart]

If MS can be trusted to have a pricing policy which keeps things about the same everywhere, US$ 100 is about right for an OEM copy of XP Home.

 

[M0R0NI]

I also heard that as of June 2008 Microsoft would no longer support Windows XP so you may want to keep that in mind. (I will try to find the article again.)

 

[AlbertLionheart]

As they have just released a beta version of Service Pack 3 I would perhaps question that - I had heard towards the last year that XP had a forecast life of a further 4 years.

 

[M0R0NI]

I will look for the article and provide the link when I find it.

 

[kimsland]

Life Cycle of all MS products
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];lifesupsps

Support ends after 24 months of release of service pack

As XpSP3 has not even been released, I would say that you have minimum 2 Years