Supplying MS XP/Vista?

[Admiral Huddy]

Grr I've ordered my 3rd XP (all Home edition) and a Vista (pre edition)inside a week for customers... Problem is, I have to order the damn things on demand which costs time and money (shipping).

I was wondering if there was such a scheme whereby I have a one version for the workshop that I can install freely, then apply for a license on-line/code at registration.

A customer wanted XP installed today but I couldn't get my hands on a copy until next day. After all, their only buying the licence.

What do you reckon?

[Matblack]

You can do that with the different versions of Vista but I'm not sure about obtaining activation codes for XP online.

MB

[Daz]

With XP you can only do it with volume licensing, but you'd need a reseller and be able to buy at least 5 licenses (iirc). Plus they would be Pro and not Home.

[Admiral Huddy]

Mm shame cos it's a right pain :(

[LeperousDust]

Can't you just buy one or two in advance? So you always have a stock of a few copies of XP Home? And the special vista one for licensing? That would only be an investment of about £60 or whatever for the XP discs... Worst happens is you sell them on ebay maybe? Or start peddling Vista since you can sell them that way?

[Admiral Huddy]

Can't you just buy one or two in advance? So you always have a stock of a few copies of XP Home? And the special vista one for licensing? That would only be an investment of about £60 or whatever for the XP discs... Worst happens is you sell them on ebay maybe? Or start peddling Vista since you can sell them that way?
I think I might have to. I have another one today.


4 phone calls today.. Going to have to starting thinking about what I'm going to do sooner rather than later :)

[LeperousDust]

It's not a huge layout, and by the sound of it it will pay anyway. Only buy one or two, and if three people phone up just say, you're sorry you're out of stock right now but more are on the way asap (as in once you've sold the two you should be right back on the internet to replace them!). Still i'd tell them to use vista (its not hard to sell the newer is better idea). Because i sounds easier in the licence department...

[Daz]

Vista's not the first choice from a business front, simply from a compatibility point of view. Newer is rarely better when it comes to business continuity.

[Admiral Huddy]

Daz is right. Business use is out of the question and for home user I'd have to do a compatibility check first. The last thing I want is to install something to find out that something doesn't work or not compatible. The rule is "like-for-like" unless they specifically request vista.