[lola2001]

My sister recently bought a laptop on Ebay. It stated that the OS (xp) was INCLUDED. When she got it she realized there was no keycode. When she emailed the seller and asked about this she was told that the keycode would be another $85 and that other sellers sell them for over $130.

Is that legal? I thought only microsoft could sell the keycodes? Can someone fill me in on this please?

Thanks.

 

[DoubleHelix]

Many resellers sell licenses for Windows. That includes a key and a certificate of authenticity. You need to be specific as to exactly what the seller said was included with this purchase. If Windows XP is installed on the computer, then the OS was included as advertised. If the install is not activated, then, again, you need to look at the text of the ad.

There's a chance this was an improper sale. However, without knowing exactly what was received and what was advertised, no one can draw any conclusions. Until you've determined what happened, I wouldn't recommend giving the seller any more money.

 

[lola2001]

In the description it said OS - INCLUDED. That is all it said so my sister assumed it would come with a key. I guess if that is normally how it is done then she cannot say anything. I think it should say KEY CODE - EXTRA.

The seller also mentioned "xp was loaded by our supplier with his corporate key". Does that sound right to you?

Thanks for the info.

 

[Augie65]

Have you received a message that your product key is invalid? You can use this utility to find and copy the product key if you just need a copy of the key.
Magic Jelly Bean.

 

[Rastor9]

If they are "claiming" the OS was installed with their corporate key, then most likely the OS is installed, but you don't have a license for your personal use.

There should actually be a Microsoft OS Label with a proper serial key written on it. I don't know any company that sells any laptops without the OS license key on the case, even the volume buyers.

eBay is always a buyer beware when it comes to software licenses and legal copies. If you don't get what you paid for, make sure to leave a derogotory comment in your purchase review of that vendor.

 

[lola2001]

I'm not sure if it has a OS label, I will get her to check that.

In order to activate it she will have to purchase a license? Is that suppose to come with a CD? Can you just buy that from Microsoft when you call to activate it?

Thanks.

 

[JohnWill]

I'd simply contact eBay and dispute the sale. If they said the O/S was included, clearly you need the CD-Key as well.

 

[DoubleHelix]

You don't buy a Windows CD or license from Microsoft. You buy them from a reseller. Since she didn't get a CD or a valid license, I suggest she purchase both. I don't know many places that sell just a license. The ones I've seen cost just as much as if you had just bought the CD as well. She'll need the CD if she needs to repair or reinstall the OS.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116056

 

[Jack Hackett]

You may want to get intouch with MS and report possible software piracy
Is Windows Genuine?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx
Report PIracy
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ReportingUs.mspx

 

[JohnWill]

If the advertisement said it came with Windows, I'd hold the seller's feet to the fire to provide the licensed Windows copy. Why should she have to buy a Windows license when she already bought what was supposed to be a licensed copy?

 

[lola2001]

She is looking into it with the seller. He has 100% positive feedback and claims this is normal. They are going to work something out.

Thanks everyone for all your help in solving this problem.