The soft was lying on my shelf in front of me. At this moment, I just couldn't face more time-wasting arguments with big companies. So I called NewEgg for an RMA number.
This they did, but only because of a delayed delivery - they wouldn't normally refund on an OEM software pack, even if it was un opened.
While talking to their reps I raised the issue of it being sold to 'Assemblers.' Remember, a good proportion of their computer sales is to home builders, who rely on OEM OS's to make the build viable. They gave me a number to talk to MS.
I got a nice young lady who may or may not have been anywhere near the US. She told that it was Okay. I said, Are you sure?
"this package may ONLY be distributed with a fully assembled computer system." is written on your box. What will happen if I call in for Activation?
It'll be okay.
I sounded doubtful, so got put through to another machine that talked bo-lox for 5 mins, then put me through to a real person. Young James seemed to be very up to speed with this issue. "Yes you can build at home and install it." I'd told him that I used to own a computer company, but was now retired. "You will know that this is not supported. But, it will be Activated okay when you call in." [Sic]
He also said that it could never be installed on another machine.
Still sounding doubtful, I asked for his name and if the conversation will be recorded. He said all the issues have been written into my file and the fact that I've called in, is on record.
Now, do I install, or pay the extra? (Not a real question, I'm just thinking aloud. {read rambling} )
Probably won't want support. Will I? Not with the hand-holding I get here.
Copy on to another machine one day? Might be an issue.
Two bit choice. I'm going for 32, but it would be nice to play with 64. I don't get this choice with OEM.
One has 14 days to decide if I want me money back from NewEgg.