wrote in message
oups.com...
What the deal, prices keep getting better and better, seems like there
are the best deals on compaq laptops are on Ebay. The prices are
incredible.

maybe NOT your issue, but ... are you talking new or used ? From
OEM's or buying from local/nationally known resellers ... reason I ask
is that at local computer shows, I've found that a LOT ( if not ALL) of
their PC's have the same OEM software license on them. And I asked -
none came with a software CD ( 2000/xp). All of these vendors where from
out of town. I understand that it's easier for them to make one image
and then just blast it to all the same model PC's , but nowadays, the
first time a user tries to download from MSFT, he hits the Genuine
Advantage issue and unless he's the first of the entire group (
doubtful), then someone will have already registered that license with
MSFT.... rendering this " new PC" license useless. So, if that seller
doesn't need a legit license, he can hobble together parts/make a pc and
use the same cd to install the software on any of that model pc - and it
works fine - until it needs an update. Then the buyer finds out the
license is no good ... so be careful as that's one way to 'keep the
cost down'.