Buy used TP w preinstalled (illegal??) software

[mpcook]

I just bought a nice little X60 Tablet on ebay. It was advertised with Windows XP Tablet Edition and MS Office 2003 Pro. It did not specify in the description whether or not the machine came with license, COA, Key and/or media for Office. In this case, I might make the assumption that the Office is not legal and buy it anyway knowing I can't legitimately use Office and will have to buy a license. But since it is included in the sale description, isn't the seller implying legal license? I am now in an email back and forth with him about a license. I will need to at some point go back to factory state, and then will need a COA to legally install Office (I have disks I purchased for another laptop). He says he got the machine with Office on it from a bulk purchase, it is likely a volume license; all I have to do is go to MS website to verify the install is valid. It is in fact "validated" on the MS website but is it "legal"? In other words, I am not sure that he can legally transfer license to me. In that case, I demand (although I don't expect to get anywhere truthfully) an Office COA or a credit toward purchase of Office.

Any opinions on this? I think it's a common problem when buying used laptops, and I want to be sure I am taking the correct tack with the seller.

Thanks
Mike

[RealBlackStuff]

If you like the hardware, and the price is right for that, take it with whatever software comes with it.
Personally I don't care what's installed, I always wipe and format because I have my own software.
If you want to use what came with the laptop, that's up to you, how comfortable you feel with it.
You might get a discount if you ask for a blank/wiped or no hard disk.

[mpcook]

If you like the hardware, and the price is right for that, take it with whatever software comes with it.
Personally I don't care what's installed, I always wipe and format because I have my own software.
If you want to use what came with the laptop, that's up to you, how comfortable you feel with it.
You might get a discount if you ask for a blank/wiped or no hard disk.

Well after my last email to the seller, I just received a reply saying he was sending me an MS Office disk set, so he must have agreed with my logic, that I essentially paid for a legal copy, and so should get one. So, assuming it arrives in the mail, I will be a very satisfied customer.

Mike

[qviri]

But since it is included in the sale description, isn't the seller implying legal license?

Well, you are on eBay, so unless explicitly stated, he is probably implying lack of legal license.

[ajkula66]

I'm with RBS on this one, I never even look at the software installed, because chances are that it will be wiped the moment it enters my house...

On fleabay purchases I'm content if the hardware is not severely misrepresented...

[mpcook]

I agree with you, I don't have any expectation that the software in a case like this is legit/usable. I am, as you, buying the hardware, not the software. However, because the seller specifically advertised the software, I thought I would press the issue as a matter of principle. In fact, it bugs me that people are selling what is essentially bootleg software on ebay and getting away with it. They should be wiping it if they don't have a license to transfer.

Mike

[iamdmc]

Torrent?

This way you don't have to wait for the disc. If it is "officially" licensed there shouldn't be a problem

[rkawakami]

In other words, I am not sure that he can legally transfer license to me.

My understanding from reading some Microsoft Software License agreements, the original purchaser of the product is entitled to transfer it directly to another party, provided he/she does not retain any copies of the program and gives you the original materials that came with the software package (CDROM, manuals, COA, etc.). Failing to comply with those details may leave you in an un-entitled state to legally use the program(s) provided by the seller.

Google "end-user license agreement microsoft office 2003" for the actual lawyer-speak .

[mpcook]

Yes, I did not receive any materials (disk, COA) and in fact if it is a volume license, which is what he stated, I don't think it can be transferred in any case.

Mike

[GomJabbar]

I am not an expert in this area, but I would think that if it came with (a) VLK(s), there should be one or more COA stickers on the bottom of the ThinkPad. If it was acquired from a corporation, perhaps end of lease, I would think the corporation would have wiped the disk before disposal. This would mean that any software with the original VLK would not be installed. If a reseller reinstalled the OS and MSO, he could have used a product recovery disk set to reinstall the OS anyway (not sure about MSO) with a VLK. A reseller could also have reinstalled the OS and MSO using OEM disks with the Product Key(s) from the COA sticker(s) on bottom of the ThinkPad or illegally (most likely) from a Product Key he had on hand.

Bottom line for me would be: if the ThinkPad in question came with COA stickers and Product Keys for the advertised software installed, I would be satisfied. Otherwise no.

[mpcook]

Bottom line for me would be: if the ThinkPad in question came with COA stickers and Product Keys for the advertised software installed, I would be satisfied. Otherwise no.

I'm with you. In this case it had no COA or key, so this is why I have asked for them. We'll see what get's delivered.

Mike

[mpcook]

Update: I received a sealed MS Office 2003 Pro Full in the mail the other day from the seller. I am now a happy buyer. Just goes to show, if you're dissatisfied, say something!

Mike