Quick note as "How to check and purchase Windows XP Pro. with SP2"
Most sellers over here sell Counterfeit software from China. " Yes" you will be able to install it but when you try to register with Microsoft it will not pass the Microsoft Genuine Advantage, where you will see a message from Microsoft the product key is "NOT" valid.
How to check the Authenticity of the CD? = High Grade counterfeits will have a top layer which is pasted to the CD,
*The copper edge-to-edge hologram is a sticker adhered to the face of the disc rather than an embedded
image. You can feel the edge of the sticker.
*The Inner Mirror Band Hologram is a sticker adhered to the face of the disc rather than an embedded image.
*The stereogram is low quality (left); it should be a high resolution image (right).
The copper hologram has a low quality rough edge (left) rather than a smooth feathered edge (right).
Genuine Windows XP Pro OEM is over £130.00 RRP. Burt there are some Dell , HP windows XP Pro which is genuine and cheap (These are re-installations CD,s but come with a full valid product key you will be able to register and get full updates) But it's up to to question the seller, and be vary when trying to purchase Genuine software.
Best practice is to ask the seller whether the software is Genuine and does it pass the Microsoft WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) before you purchase. (If it doesn't you will not get some of the important security updates from Microsoft)
Common practise of some sellers will be to apologies and say they did,nt know .....but trust me they know and will try their best to apologies and beg you not to leave any Negative feedback.... and they will refund the payment straightaway.
Hope this will help you to make your purchase.
Thanks.