Leasing Out Computers

[jonnytabpni]

Hi Folks,

I have just purchased 15 Dell Computers from ebay which all have indivudal XP Pro OEM stickers on the side of them. I wish to lease these computers out to a client. Am I allowed to do this via Microsoft terms?

I have read in Microsoft SPLA'a stuff but that seems all related to server hosting services - I just want to provide my customer with a few computer with windows on them!

What do I need to do?

Your help is appreciated

Thanks

[submix8c]

???

I will be corrected if wrong, but if the XP remains on the pc's with the OEM sticker intact (or even removing them and keeping a log of which key is appended to which pc), then probably so.

The primary thing is that a given key is kept (in some fashion) with the original pc. I believe since you purchased the pc's with the XP on them along with the associated stickers that the rights are legally transferred to you (the owner), and not to your lessees.

The only reason I mention removing the stickers (if possible without destroying them) is to prevent the lessee from using it (the key) on another pc (which is possible). Hopefully, they have not already been compromised (pre-your-purchase). You might even want to construct the associated CD for future re-installs (in case a given pc gets hosed).

Finally (a question), do they all have the XP Pro OEM on them? If not, you will probably have to reload them as appropriate.

Correct me, please, anyone having more in-depth knowledge...

[jonnytabpni]

Finally (a question), do they all have the XP Pro OEM on them?

Yup, they sure do, each pc has it's own stickers

The OEM license says:

"No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product."

However, reading into SPLA, it talks mainly about server products and hosting services - I just want my customer to use the PC with windows...

[jonnytabpni]

Does anyone else have any experience in leasing out computers?

[jonnytabpni]

OK so I've been in touch with a Microsoft SPLA reseller.

Even though the SPLA licence are for Vista Business Upgrades, I'm still allowed to use XP OEM due to "Downgrade rights".

Does the above sound about right?

[submix8c]

The OEM license says:

"No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product."

However, reading into SPLA, it talks mainly about server products and hosting services - I just want my customer to use the PC with windows...

If the usage and intent is not for said "commercial hosting service", then what's the problem? Is this all the OEM License says? I assume you mean "EULA"... The thing is, I don't see that wording in the XP Home OEM Version (the only one I have access to) and I believe that you can host a Personal Website on it. I think the keyword here is "commercial". Is that the intent of the lessee? If so, if theres a violation or not.