Windows XP Professional Upgrade License: New Software Distribution Process in Volume Licensing
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There is currently a misperception that the upgrade license agreements for Microsoft Windows XP Professional provide a full and initial license for the Microsoft Windows desktop operating system. This is incorrect; the Windows XP Professional upgrade license is for upgrades only.
To provide clarity and to help customers avoid inadvertent noncompliance with their Volume Licensing agreements, Microsoft will be removing the full Windows desktop operating system software bits from the Volume Licensing Welcome and Comprehensive Kit CDs. Beginning in January 2006, the full Windows operating system bits will be replaced with Windows operating system upgrade software bits. Customers will then be able to choose from the following ways to obtain the full desktop operating system software bits:
| • | Download the software bits from the Microsoft Volume License Services Web site (MVLS) |
| • | Order a CD from your reseller |
The Volume Licensing agreement and the Windows XP Professional upgrade license product use rights will not change. Customers can still acquire the full Windows operating system software bits by downloading them or by ordering a separate CD.
We understand this is an extra step, but we hope that the reduced risk of noncompliance gives customers peace of mind in knowing their companies are properly licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What specifically is changing about the Volume Licensing Windows desktop upgrade CDs?
A. Microsoft is removing the full Windows desktop operating system bits from the CDs in the standard Volume Licensing Welcome Kits and Comprehensive Kits. Under the Volume License agreements, customers will now receive CDs that include upgrade bits instead. Full desktop operating system bits will still be available to Enterprise Agreement and Select License customers through Web download or by ordering a CD.
Q. Why is Microsoft removing the media that includes the full Windows operating system bits from the Welcome and Comprehensive Kits?
A. We have learned that many people are confused about what is covered under the Volume Licensing agreement and that there is a misperception that Volume Licensing agreements cover the full Windows desktop operating system. Because Volume Licensing Welcome and Comprehensive Kits have included software bits for the full Windows operating system, customers could inadvertently install the full Windows operating system software bits on an unlicensed PC. As a result, customers become noncompliant under their Volume Licensing agreement.
Q. Will there be a fee that is charged if customers order the Windows desktop operating system media that includes the full software bits?
A. The fee will be the same as the fee that is charged for fulfillment CDs today. The Windows XP Professional Upgrade CD that is included in the initial welcome kit will be included at no charge. For Select License and Enterprise Agreement customers, the full desktop operating system software bits will also be available at no charge through download on the Microsoft Volume License Services Web site.
Q. Will the full desktop operating system bits be available for download from the eOpen Web site?
A. There is currently no download capability from the eOpen Web site. Open License and Open License Value customers may continue to order CDs as they do today.
Q. Will this change also affect Microsoft Windows 2000 and earlier versions of the operating system?
A. Both the Windows XP Professional and the Windows 2000 Professional CDs that contain the full software bits will have a sticker on them that informs customers of restricted use of the full software bits.
Q. How will this change affect the cross-language and the downgrade rights that Volume Licensing customers currently have?
A. There will be no change to the downgrade, cross-language, or any other use rights that are currently offered. The only change is to the process for receiving full bits for the Windows desktop operating system.
Q. Can customers still perform upgrades and re-imaging on licensed PCs?
A. Yes, as long as the PCs are properly licensed for an underlying, qualifying desktop operating system. The terms of the Volume Licensing agreement and the Windows XP Professional upgrade license product use rights will not change.
Q. Does this change affect the Public Sector/Academic agreements?
A. This change will affect all Volume Licensing programs, including Public Sector/Academic. Like other Volume Licensing agreements, the Public Sector/Academic Volume Licensing agreement does not cover the full Windows desktop operating system; it covers upgrades only.
Q. Does this change also affect other software that is covered under Volume Licensing agreements, such as Microsoft Office?
A. No. The full version of Office is available under a Volume Licensing agreement. The Windows desktop operating system is unique in that the full version is not sold under any Volume License agreement. As a result, customers are at risk of noncompliance if they believe their Volume License covers the full Windows operating system.
Q. How can customers obtain a license for the full Windows operating system?
A. There are two ways to obtain a full Windows desktop operating system license: from a PC manufacturer or through a retail version of Full Packaged Product (FPP). Acquiring a preinstalled version of Windows on a PC is the most cost-effective way of obtaining the full Windows desktop operating system license.
For information on the benefits of genuine Windows software, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/genuine.