[C_Paul]

I have a macbook pro on the way. I needed to have bootcamp to allow the use of Access within the windows version of Microsoft Office Professional 2007. So I contacted a reputable On-Line business to seek there advise in purchasing Windows XP Pro for the bootcamp application. They recommended " OEM 1 PK Microsoft Windows XP prof with Service Pack 3 ( 32 bit)--they advised that this is waht they seel for the bootcamp, as well as along with "Fusion"--so I ordered it.

Last nite I read the bootcamp Install Manual from apple--page 22 " If Windows didn't install properly, verify that you are using an original, full version of windows prof w/ sp 2 or later, or windows Vista home,basic, premium, business or ultimate.. Media Center, OEM and upgrade versions of Windows X are not recommended

The reputable on-line supplier refuses to accept the software back even--by the way, it is still in transit to me.

So I am a newbie--do I take the loss and try to find a full retail version ( the reputable on-line buiness didn't have ), or take the fight thru my creadit card co---or will this really work ie " not recommended" is a legal cover for an OEM version ?

Maybe I was fooled also by the color picture from the on-line co--package showed real Microsoft packaging !

Please help--thx

[smax013]

OEM will work fine...it is what I used. I suspect that Apple recommends that because you get ZERO support from Microsoft with an OEM license...with an OEM license, the "system builder" (which in this case is YOU) is required to support the Windows OS.

[C_Paul]

Thanks for responding !

[fgod]

I also have a Mac book pro. The same happened to me and I notified my card company which took the charge off the bill.

Then I bought a legitimat copie and I am fine now.

Fred

[smax013]

An OEM license can be a legitmate copy...or an illegitmate copy. Individuals can definitely purchase OEM Windows licenses...this is what most people who build their own PCs do. You just have to realize that you get ZIPPOLA in terms of support from Microsoft (and technically, the OEM license is supposed to stay with that one computer). The key is to make sure that you are buying a VALID, REAL OEM license, not a pirated one. If you buy from the likes of NewEgg or some other reputible, well know online retailer, then you will be fine. You need to be careful of buying from some eBay sellers or less well know online retailers...some are selling pirated copies. Basically, if the price seems too good to be true, then there is a good chance it is pirated.

[C_Paul]

Thanks to all that responded--the reputable supplier did refund my purchase price--now i have to decide whether to purchase a full retail version of XP ( microsoft support is now on a charge basis only) or a vista version--thx

[smax013]

C_Paul said:

Thanks to all that responded--the reputable supplier did refund my purchase price--now i have to decide whether to purchase a full retail version of XP ( microsoft support is now on a charge basis only) or a vista version--thx

As I said, OEM would have been fine...but if you want to use retail, then that is OK too (you will just pay more for it).

As to which, if you are only doing Bootcamp, then either is a good choice. Vista is perfectly fine...don't listen to all the bad things you hear...it is not nearly as bad a people make it out to be.

If, OTOH, you are also going to run it in a virtual machine in Parallels or Fusion, then I would tend to suggest XP. Vista will work, but it will be a little slower as the extra "pretty stuff" (aka Aero) of the interface will bog down the virtual machines a bit more.

[DSilda]

Call your credit card company and cancel. Yes you got stung!