Anyone know where one can purchase Windows XP Professional 64-bit *Retail* box?

[Threepwood]

I want to get a non DSP version for various reasons.

I have only been able to find it on international on-line retailers, none on local sites.

It seems like you can only get DSP versions here now?

ANyone know where I can find one and for how much?

Thanks.

Edit:

Also does anyone have any details on the whole Vista Downgrade rights thing?

 

[howardb]

I can only find the DSP version - Sybaritic

Maybe try contacting Microsoft SA directly?

 

[ld13]

http://www.e-3.co.za/index.php?manufacturers_id=2&sort=4a&filter_id=749 ?

Edit: Retail, but not 64bit as far as I can see

 

[medicnick83]

My next step would be Microsoft directly... they'll know who is selling their stuff, they are like vultures, MS knows everything

 

[LazyLion]

I want to get a non DSP version for various reasons.

I have only been able to find it on international on-line retailers, none on local sites.

It seems like you can only get DSP versions here now?

ANyone know where I can find one and for how much?

Thanks.

Edit:

Also does anyone have any details on the whole Vista Downgrade rights thing?

It is no longer officially available. M$ pulled Retail versions of XP at the end of 2007. DSP Versions will be phased out by June 2008, except for those sold with UPC Devices which will still be available for two more years.

 

[MrWireless]

Why do you want Retail in particular? They are in essense - identical. The extra cost just for the box, is it worth it?

 

[LazyLion]

Why do you want Retail in particular? They are in essense - identical. The extra cost just for the box, is it worth it?

The "Box" comes with official support from Microsoft (although I don't know how much longer that is going to last either). The DSP version is only supported by your hardware vendor.

 

[Threepwood]

I want retail because it does not thave the limitation of only being allowed on one PC like DSP versions.

i.e. When getting a new PC I can remove it from my old PC and install it on the new one. DSP is intended only for one installation, legally according to their licence you must buy a new DSP version whenever you get a new PC or upgrade certain components.

Their Internet update watches out for this and if trying to use a DSP version on another PC later, it would be deactivated.

Does anyone think it might be "dangerous" to get second hand? Like the person may have copied it a million times and it may be cancelled by the time I get it?

Thanks for the link ld13.

 

[LazyLion]

I want retail because it does not thave the limitation of only being allowed on one PC like DSP versions.

i.e. When getting a new PC I can remove it from my old PC and install it on the new one. DSP is intended only for one installation, legally according to their licence you must buy a new DSP version whenever you get a new PC or upgrade certain components.

Their Internet update watches out for this and if trying to use a DSP version on another PC later, it would be deactivated.

Does anyone think it might be "dangerous" to get second hand? Like the person may have copied it a million times and it may be cancelled by the time I get it?

Thanks for the link ld13.

I have used DSP versions on more than one computer. When one computer dies I feel I am fully entitled to install it on a different computer. Never caused me a problem. I just had to answer the question in the affirmative that it was only ever used on one computer.

 

[Threepwood]

I have used DSP versions on more than one computer. When one computer dies I feel I am fully entitled to install it on a different computer. Never caused me a problem. I just had to answer the question in the affirmative that it was only ever used on one computer.

Good to know. I agree that we should be entitled to use it on other machines, as long as it's removed from the old one of course.

When you say you had to "answer the question in the affirmative that it was only ever used on one computer", I'm assuming you mean on MS's call centre right? Did you actually mention to them that it was being installed on a PC other than the first one, or were they aware of that for any other reason?

About how long do you have to stay on the phone to get it authorised? Also is it an overseas number? How much does the call cost to get it activated?

 

[ld13]

Also is it an overseas number? How much does the call cost to get it activated?

You call the M$ Activation Line for free on 0800 99 56 37

 

[Threepwood]

You call the M$ Activation Line for free on 0800 99 56 37

That's good, is it really totally free though? You don't get transferred to an international number and then have to pay anything?

 

[LazyLion]

Good to know. I agree that we should be entitled to use it on other machines, as long as it's removed from the old one of course.

When you say you had to "answer the question in the affirmative that it was only ever used on one computer", I'm assuming you mean on MS's call centre right? Did you actually mention to them that it was being installed on a PC other than the first one, or were they aware of that for any other reason?

About how long do you have to stay on the phone to get it authorised? Also is it an overseas number? How much does the call cost to get it activated?

None of the calls were International, if you do get transferred to a service rep, then MS pays the cost of the transfer.

The first call was automated. I answered that I had installed it on one more computer. That's when the automated voice told me it was only allowed to be used on the original PC and then hung up on me.

So i called back and this time asked to speak to a rep. This time I answered yes, that it had only been used on one computer, and she said are you sure and I said yes. She obviously knew I was lying, but she approved it anyway. It is not in Microsoft's best interests to argue with their customers.

Anyway, the computer that I originally got the license key from broke and is in pieces, so I am not going to buy another license when I still have a perfectly valid inactive license lying around. I do not see why I should have to fork out more money for another DSP license when this one is not being used.

 

[ld13]

That's good, is it really totally free though? You don't get transferred to an international number and then have to pay anything?

Short answer: Yes. Totally Free – All the way.

Long answer: If you call 021 888 1234 (me) and I transfer you to 082 888 1234 (my cellphone), who will be paying for that cellphone call? Me of course.

The 0800 is a free call. No matter what - it will stay a Free call to you. If M$ decides to route your call to a South-East Alaskan satellite phone, its their problem, not yours.

 

[.Froot.]

You call the M$ Activation Line for free on 0800 99 56 37

This number is anything but free. It is TOLL-FREE meaning that you pay for a local call only. It is a computer server that reads the phone input and activates the key or routes you to a customer care representative in Johannesburg. But it is not free. 10111 and 10177 is free but not 0800. Anyone that says 0800 is free (except in selected emergency numbers) needs to wake up and realise that he is in South Africa where the only thing that is free is to get robbed or attacked or something vicious.

 

[Threepwood]

This number is anything but free. It is TOLL-FREE meaning that you pay for a local call only. It is a computer server that reads the phone input and activates the key or routes you to a customer care representative in Johannesburg. But it is not free. 10111 and 10177 is free but not 0800. Anyone that says 0800 is free (except in selected emergency numbers) needs to wake up and realise that he is in South Africa where the only thing that is free is to get robbed or attacked or something vicious.

Okay, I actually thought 0800 numbers were "toll-free" meaning you don't pay anything, guess I was wrong, but at least it's not some insane charge.

 

[ld13]

This number is anything but free. It is TOLL-FREE meaning that you pay for a local call only. It is a computer server that reads the phone input and activates the key or routes you to a customer care representative in Johannesburg. But it is not free. 10111 and 10177 is free but not 0800. Anyone that says 0800 is free (except in selected emergency numbers) needs to wake up and realise that he is in South Africa where the only thing that is free is to get robbed or attacked or something vicious.

You need to wake up mate. 0800 numbers are free/toll-free. I think you got your numbers mixed up with 0860 numbers. 0860 numbers you only pay for the local call. The owner of said number pays for the rest. With 0800 there is NO cost to you, and the owner picks up the bill for that call.

I'm telling you, "0800 is free".
So there. I said it. Ok, I woke up. Nope, it's still free.
https://secure1.telkom.co.za/app/calculators
I could give you proof - but I'm not feeling like it - I know I'm 100% Correct with this one.