i only signed up to yahgoo answers for my school teacher to find out were to get firefox. but i see that yahoo answers may help me with some other things. is it illegal to buy vista from ebay with a CD key on the box what is not been copied from another disc?
2007-10-21 00:49:38 · 10 answers · asked by Ben N 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
i know terrum i see you like vista too, my pc can handle vista guys, just saying.. i did the vista compatabily test and it says my pc can handle it, every bit had a tick.
2007-10-21 03:00:07 · update #1
Hey Ben, It's me, Terrum! from your friends list! Got this email saying that you posted this question.
It's very hard to tell if it's illegal or not by buying on stuff on the internet. If the picture is just a normal box of vista, Then its a risk. If it's a photograph they took themselves, And its a vista box, Then it's not much of a risk. There's nothing much we can do, Just buy it at your own risk.
To tell if its illegal:
. It won't activate
. The key is being used more than once
. The CD has been copied from an original
Glad to see someone who doesn't hate vista.
Good luck and i hope this helps.
2007-10-21 02:36:07 · answer #1 · answered by Terrum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With any operating system disk it will have an activation key on either the packaging material or in the case of a new computer it will be placed on the bottom,(in the case of a laptop computer) or on the back,(in the case of a desktop). Anytime you reinstall or perform a new install of your operating system you will have to enter that key in order for it to install on your hard drive or it will fail to work. That key is unique to that particular disk, and once registered it simply cannot be copied or burned onto another disk unless it has been hacked. In that case if you do get an illegal copy of Windows XP or Vista it may work but you will not get important service packs and updates, because Microsoft adds a feature to whether or not you have a legal copy of their operating system, it is called Microsoft Genuine Advantage that downloads and if you have a legal copy it will give you a code if not it won't. Now with that said it really doesn't matter where you get the disk as long as it is in the original packaging and has the activation key with it that matches what is burned onto the disk itself. That is how they verify it is legal. It is about copyright and patent rights that Microsoft has for their products just like any other manufacture, and they do have the right to protect it from forgery and illegal copies. If you are buying it from E Bay I would be cautious who I buy it from. If you install it and do not see an activation page during instillation then I would be very wary of it, it could very well be an illegal copy and you will not be able to use it.
2007-10-21 01:13:41 · answer #2 · answered by Erica B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it is legal, you might discover that it won't install. You see, if you got a USED version, that CD Key might already be USED, so it won't work.
But some sellers at eBay are good and reliable. You might be buying from a reliable seller. Look for one that has very high feedback.
Here's the thing. If you buy Vista from a store, it's $200. If you buy a new Tower only desktop; that is probably $400. Does it make sense that HALF of the cost of a computer is $200? Obviously, computer manufacturers are getting it much cheaper.
So let's say that you have a 2 year old computer with XP and you want to upgrade. You would need 2GB of RAM. You might need a faster processor. You would have to CHECK OUT every component that you have to be sure that the drivers are available for Vista. You have a choise... spend the $400 for a new computer with Vista pre-loaded; or buy vista for $200 and spend another $100 for RAM and another $100 for a new video card.
Do the math, a new computer is worth it.
Good luck and Happy Computing!
2007-10-21 00:57:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you should probably wait on Vista. It is nothing special. When a new version of Windows comes out, you should at least always wait until Microsoft comes out with whats called a service pack. This is a large group of Windows Updates that Windows needs because of vulnerabilities. It is scheduled to be released by the end of the year so at least wait until that is released to make sure that Vista installations do not have a "breakdown" because it is very possible.
But if you do decide to buy Vista off of EBay I always suggest only buying products from companies (they usually have well over 1,000 votes and ones that give you a real pic of the product and specify "new", "never opened" or "shrinked wrapped" in the description to give you something to go on if you get screwed later.
2007-10-21 04:21:56 · answer #4 · answered by Sundi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need an original product key to use windows vista. What will happen is you will put the disc in the computer, select which version to install, and finally enter the product key. If the product key has been used once before on another computer it will be rendered invalid and you will have to purchase another copy of windows vista. You will be able to use windows vista for 30-days in a trial mode. At the end of that period you will not have access to your desktop or explorer until you enter a valid activation code. You can call microsoft in the event that you lose your disc or would like a windows disc and they will send you one for $9.99. The activation code is what costs $99.99+ depending on what version of vista you desire. All in all, it is not illegal to sell the disc without the key. If say he states the key is unused and included but when you get it the key does not work. He is then liable for buyer protection if you use paypal to complete the transaction.
2016-05-23 23:50:48 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you install ANY copy of Vista, you will have to put the product key in, which will then be verified by Microsoft. If it is not a legal copy, Microftsoft will not activate it and it won't run!!!!
2007-10-21 00:58:00 · answer #6 · answered by Richard F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as its not copied its good to go , i bought a brandnew windows 3.1 2 yrs ago wheni installed new drives , i did this so i can get the upgrade xp and not havey to pony up the big bucks for the full version , saved several hundread and the windows was sealed and legit , check the records of the guys your are buying from look at all there ratings and history and how long they have been around
2007-10-21 01:00:15 · answer #7 · answered by weslaf0313 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dotn know the answer...but i am an Internet gamer...and i know for a fact that Vista sucks ***....it takes so much space up! and alot of power to run...not worth it bro wait couple years for them to nock all the bugs out
2007-10-21 00:52:48 · answer #8 · answered by Ispeakfreely 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
its illegal to buy a cd thats been used or registered. if its unregistered from a licensed dealer it shouldnt be a problem.
2007-10-21 00:53:21 · answer #9 · answered by koalatcomics 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is not the real McCoy, then it is a pirated item.
2007-10-21 00:53:08 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋