I might build about 5 computers for people... HOW DO I GET WINXP CHEAP???

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bobsaget

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Ok, so here is the deal... I am going to build about 5-6 computers for people. I want to put WinXP on all of them... Is there a perfectly legal/legit way to accomplish this?

BTW: Aren't you also supposed to give the original XP disc with the computer?



Thank you!
 
bobsaget said:
Ok, so here is the deal... I am going to build about 5-6 computers for people. I want to put WinXP on all of them... Is there a perfectly legal/legit way to accomplish this?

BTW: Aren't you also supposed to give the original XP disc with the computer?
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Um, you can buy them retail, buy them OEM, buy them Volume License, Software Assurance... you have some choices here that you have to make.

No matter how you do it, though, the only legit way is to purchase them. And yes, I would suggest giving the CD and the key to whomever you build the computer for.
 
Well I would ask them if they want winxp and if so tell them to go buy there copy and that you will install and config. it for free :p
 
correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not illegal to copy the disk, and just buy the license?

if this is true, I would purchase, borrow, download the disk and legitimately purchase the licenses direct, it would be far cheaper than going to the store and buying 5 boxes off the shelf.

If I am incorrect, then by all means, please tell me.
 
Unless these 5 to 6 people are all in the same family or company, your going to have to buy separate licenses for each person.
 
Get OEM licenses for all, give them original disks and paper licenses. VLA will not work unless they are the same entity (company) or have a single owner (family/small business).
 
Your best bet is to up-front tell the people involved that - if they want Windows XP installed on their computers - they need to fork over the full cost of buying the off-the-shell version of XP. In fact, they can even go buy it and bring it to you to install and configure.

If you're planning on making any kind of a business (even a small scale one) out of building and selling PCs for people, you want to make very sure that the operating systems you provide to your customers are 100% legal, and they have the documentation that accompanies said operating systems.
 
Phoenix86 said:
Get OEM licenses for all, give them original disks and paper licenses. VLA will not work unless they are the same entity (company) or have a single owner (family/small business).
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Very good point.
 
why not give them the option of linux?

and no... i don't use linux...


i say because you say you want to put xp on all of them.. let them choose
 
Why not just buy a Dell? Much cheaper and you will not get the phone calls when an end-user messes up the computer. I used to build computers for firends and fam. Now I just look for a good deal at Dell and point them over there.
 
Doc Holiday said:
Why not just buy a Dell? Much cheaper and you will not get the phone calls when an end-user messes up the computer. I used to build computers for firends and fam. Now I just look for a good deal at Dell and point them over there.
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I do the same now, except I point them to HP. Better hardware, better support.
 
If you know someone in the buisness with contacts of a big distributor you can get them in 5packs for cheaper than buying them sepratley. You have to have a copy for each computer. The other way would be to buy OEM Upgrades, not quite legal but it works.
 
djnes said:
I do the same now, except I point them to HP. Better hardware, better support.
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That can be a matter of contention. :)

I love dell for the place I work. Nice quiet and reliable systems.
 
here's some advice:

don't do it - it will be a pain in the ass and it won't be worth it
 
Amen. Once you build someone a computer, they assume you are free customer support 24/7,for life, been there done that. Help them configure one online, research the company a bit, and offer customer support services for a reduced fee if you must. Many small builders can cut you a pretty good deal, if you know what you are looking for.

Remember if you build it, and through no fault of you're own, it locks up, or encounters even a minor error, they want to blame you first. They'll surf porn sites for hours, system will slow down, and it's you're fault.

Just some things to consider, before making this move. Customer service is far more lucrative, and you are doing them a favor,by only charging 50 bucks for a housecall. Shops here in town charge 75 bucks just to format a HD, and install windows. All charge at least $50 just to look at it, then $60+/hr to do anything to it.

Once they've made a half dozen calls to India for help, you're offer is gonna sound really good. One of my customers spent $350 on calls for customer service, and still had problems. Paid me $50 once, and hasn't had a problem since. Still thanks me for it.

If you are one of those old softies( I used to be), and still wanna build these rigs, order an OEM copy of windows with the parts, for each one. I ordered OEM copy with my current rig, and MS doesn't even question a few reinstalls, may have to call em, but with RAID configs, they just read off a really long number for me to key in. Last call was in the middle of the night, and the guys Indian accent was really bad, took awhile for me to underestand him, but he did confirm he was in New Dehli.
 
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