Thinkpads Forum

I have win98 SE OEM Certificate Of Authenticity stickers on a bunch of laptops donated to my wifes foundation, stevenbanefoundation.org but no win98 oem media, except for my own copy. I think the win98 oem CD needs to be provided to the buyer with the COA on the laptop in order for me to legally install windows 98 on the laptops before I sell the laptops.

If anyone has win98 OEM cd's they could send my way, I would appreciate it. You might be asking what is the reason for wanting to put 98 on the machines. It is so the new laptop owner can pay for the xp upgrade instead of having to buy the full version, about an $80 savings.

Also If anyone has a thinkpad a2x series (win98) restore CDs, I would appreciate it!

I can paypal the cost of shipping.

Thanks in advance!
send replys to
thejacks3 at hotmail.com

I don't think it's true that the media needs to be sent with the machine to have a compliant licensed installation.

The COA itself is the license for that machine. You should feel comfortable installing from any OEM CD on all those machines, or using that same CD as the disc for upgrading to XP.

Also, if you're getting more than 5 copies of XP, you should call a local MS dealer about a better price. You can also often get OEM copies of XP for less than the upgrade version, especially if you buy several.

You can legally install Win98 on those machines as you already own the license - it comes with the machine, as per the sticker. In any case I have a copy of the A21m bootable Win98 CD you're welcome to. Drop me an e-mail with your mailing address (no PM, please).

I have decided to install it but not advertise it is installed in y auctions. I think as a seller I can't legally state that the OS is included without providing a copy of the media and manual. In this case, the buyers of the machines are licensed to use it (that is the only definite I can find). If they want to use it to cut down on the cost of purchasing xp home all the better. Last thing I want is any legal issues.

You can legally use the same disk and install it on all the machines. The COA is really all that the buyer needs, however, you can send the buyers a copy of the install disk. Just list in the auction that they are getting a copy of the installation disk as a *bonus*, to aid in the upgrading to XP. This will increase the value of the sale for you.

For example, when new Thinkpad owners receive their brand new Thinkpads, they do not receive the installation disks. People overall are getting used to this way of life.

Deb Suran wrote:You can legally install Win98 on those machines as you already own the license - it comes with the machine, as per the sticker. In any case I have a copy of the A21m bootable Win98 CD you're welcome to. Drop me an e-mail with your mailing address (no PM, please).

did you end up sending the cds?
if not, are you still willing to part with them?
(i have an a21m (2628-fsu) with win98 and cannot get the cds or even any info from ibm or lenovo.)

if you have sent the cds along to the earlier chap, would you kindly forward this note so i can at least get the part number from him.

thanks!