Retail version origin

[mob]

Hello,

Can anybody clarify if genuine retail copy of Windows (e.g. Server 2008) software with origin other than "Ireland" (e.g. Costa Rica or Singapore) but with the same part number (e.g. P73-03883) can be used legally by business in the UK? The software doesn't state "For use in specific country only".

Many thanks

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Welcome to the Windows Forum.

If you are certain that it is a genuine copy, then I don't think it matters where the software is physically installed. Once installed, you can verify that you have genuine Microsoft software installed: http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/

[mob]

Sorry I should have explaned myself better. The software is for use in the UK but I've heard that it is only legal (for use in the UK) if made in Ireland (Irish HQ of MS covers UK) and not elsewhere. Since I could not find anything to support this rumor I'm seeking for advice.

[-pops-]

For a definitive answer, the best thing would be to contact MS themselves. It is only they that can tell you for certain - anything here is just an opinion.

Ensure that your disk is genuine first, though. I remember my son was in Singapore on the day of the launch of XP. Within minutes of the launch, the market stalls there were stuffed with WXP disks - all claiming to be genuine.

[mob]

I had a long conversation with MS customer licensing support and they don't sound like they are sure of things, you know? Asked to point me to the website for hard copy but all is US specific. Not a single document that specifies the UK T&C except for the one on the installation screen only when you have actually bought the software. Learnt new thing - if you don't agree to EULA you can return the product for a full refund although it was opened. Anyway to be on the "safe side" I would have to go and buy a copy from UK retailer and let myself be ripped off again.

[mob]

Welcome to the Windows Forum.

If you are certain that it is a genuine copy, then I don't think it matters where the software is physically installed. Once installed, you can verify that you have genuine Microsoft software installed: http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/

Just to clarify what I heard from them today. It does matter where the product is installed i.e. one is not supposed to buy MS software from country other than where it is going to be used. If for some reason one needs to move server from one country to another, one has to follow import/export regulations specific to the countries involved. MS even has a link for this www.microsoft.com/exporting. Didn't have time to explore it yet but there you go. Funny thing though: one can buy software from US when physically in the US but then one has to [again] declare the product on the US border (and see if it is eligible for export) and provided it is, clear it when importing (i.e. pay all taxes and duties involved). Not sure if taxes are payable for used stuff (i.e. seal broken) though. AFAIK they are not. Anyway whole MS licensing is PITA.

[mob]

Ensure that your disk is genuine first, though. I remember my son was in Singapore on the day of the launch of XP. Within minutes of the launch, the market stalls there were stuffed with WXP disks - all claiming to be genuine.

Fair enough. Remember myself purchasing 'Brand New Retail Sealed' copy of Photoshop off eBay for 1/3 of retail price. The version wasn't the latest and the guy had a few happy customers who left him a positive feedback (apparantely he was selling a number of them). Now when the box arrived it was new and sealed but counterfeit. It wasn't immediately obvoius so I did unpack and installed it. When I was about to add it to my Adobe online profile the key was not accepted. Rang customer support and found out that the key was never issued by Adobe and is not genuine. Had a precise look at the box, brochure etc and realised it was reprinted so badly I was wondering how I could have missed it. £150 wasted, lesson learned.

[Dencandy]

Welcome to the Windows Forum.

If you are certain that it is a genuine copy, then I don't think it matters where the software is physically installed. Once installed, you can verify that you have genuine Microsoft software installed: http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/

Just to clarify what I heard from them today. It does matter where the product is installed i.e. one is not supposed to buy MS software from country other than where it is going to be used. If for some reason one needs to move server from one country to another, one has to follow import/export regulations specific to the countries involved. MS even has a link for this www.microsoft.com/exporting. Didn't have time to explore it yet but there you go. Funny thing though: one can buy software from US when physically in the US but then one has to [again] declare the product on the US border (and see if it is eligible for export) and provided it is, clear it when importing (i.e. pay all taxes and duties involved). Not sure if taxes are payable for used stuff (i.e. seal broken) though. AFAIK they are not. Anyway whole MS licensing is PITA.

Presumably this rule only applies to Windows Server and similar products. Every day there must hundreds of international travellers carrying their laptops with them and plugging them into hotspots in various hotels and internet cafes all over the world, then using XP or Vista to read their email and to link with head office. The EULA for XP certainly isn't country specific. I had no trouble getting Windows updates etc. when I first moved to Sri Lanka from the UK 4 years ago.