Comments on: One more time: You CAN legally buy a copy of Media Center Edition

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 21:42:34 +0000

Actually, Mike, this guy's analysis misses a crucial point. It used to be a stupid requirement that you had to buy an OEM copy of software with a fully assembled PC or with a nonperipheral hardware component. The second option is no longer available. HOWEVER... You can legitimately purchase an unopened OEM copy from a reseller as long as you intend to build your own PC. You can read more here.

By: Mike Barker

Mike Barker — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 21:29:03 +0000

Ed,

My understanding of the System Builder licensing as it relates to MCE was the same as yours. However I recently came across this post:

>
In this new Agreement (which you can see at link), you will notice a few changes to address these actions by these people:

Under the Software Distribution section of the Agreement, you will notice it now states:

“4.1 We grant you a nonexclusive right to distribute an individual software license only with a fully assembled computer system. A “fully assembled computer system” means a computer system consisting of at least a central processing unit, a motherboard, a hard drive, a power supply, and a case.”

You will notice the loophole that people have been exploiting (the former language which stated that an OEM desktop Operating System license could be sold with “non-peripheral hardware,”) is no longer in place. It is now very simple and straightforward: an OEM license must be sold “only with a fully assembled computer system.” Loophole closed.
>

It would appear that this does infact stop people from purchasing MCE without purchasing a full system. I would be interested to know your thoughts.

I find this interesting since MCE has purportedly selling like hotcakes.

By: Carlos

Carlos — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Ed, you’re full of crap. Why should I have to buy some piece of hardware just because Microsoft said so? Either make it retail or don’t. Microsoft chose not to. Therefore, if they decided to change the license at a whim (which if you read it again, they have all the rights to do), then they can decide your OEM copy was obtained illegally and fine you some ungodly amount. As it stands, it is illegal to buy a copy of MCE 2005 standalone.

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

My my, such a mouth on you, “Carlos.”

Why should you have to buy some piece of hardware? Because Microsoft made that a condition of the license. They’ve had OEM licenses for as long as there is Windows. And no, they can’t arbitrarily change the terms of the license after you’ve purchased it and “fine you some ungodly amount.” Where do you come up with this stuff?

For what it’s worth, I’ve spent a lot of time with the Media Center team over the past few months. They’re thrilled that enthusiasts and white box system builders are getting excited about Media Center. It’s part of their strategy. The official, legal one.

PS: When you post a comment here, your IP address gets recorded, and it’s trivially easy to trace it. I’m just sayin’…

By: BenN

BenN — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

“I have really not heard of one person who would want to go through the trouble of obtaining MCE through this process”
I dont know what Ed Oswald is going on about there. The majority of people I know who see Media Center say “How do I get it?” and “Can I upgrade my PC?”. These people have a PC, but want Media Center. There’s no reason why they should have to buy a Media Center PC for �800 when they can upgrade thier PC for under �200.

By: DavidE

DavidE — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Just a side note. When you add the software to your cart at NewEgg, they also add a $5 power cable splitter which happens to be discounted by $5… MCE2005 and a free power cable…

By: willy

willy — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

do they sell MCE in the employee store? i have heard they do not. strange strategy…

By: Ed Bott

Ed Bott — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

The last time I was in the employee store was in March, and no they weren’t selling MCE. The only products sold in the employee store are retail packages.

That actually does make sense, because OEM products are designed to be sold by vendors who (at least in theory) sell a full range of hardware to system builders.

By: gregmcg

gregmcg — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

I've done this through NewEgg and bought the very cool OEM Microsoft MCE remote for $38. It's the perfect addition to buying the OEM MCE 2005. http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/FeedBack/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16880100851

By: Chris Lanier's Blog

Chris Lanier's Blog — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Yes, You Can Purchase MCE 2005: Legally

By: Chris Lanier's Blog

Chris Lanier's Blog — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Yes, You Can Purchase MCE 2005: Legally

By: Randy Holloway Unfiltered

Randy Holloway Unfiltered — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:00:00 +0000

Buying Windows MCE

Ed Bott: “One more time: You CAN legally buy a copy of Media Center Edition”…