Have you actually read the System Builder License lately?
It extends to installers of software on a PC, which would allow (for example) someone like Geek Squad to reinstall your OS using an OEM license as long as they will support it. Apple is not the one installing XP (or Vista) via Boot Camp on your Mac. You are, and you can do so legally as long as you don't expect support from MS or to be able to perform an upgrade license or to transfer the license to another computer or anything else that is restricted in the OEM EULA.
B
Maybe...
In reading the
entire License, there are certain requirements that have to be met - here's the URL:
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/default.mspx
You have to abide by
ALL of the terms in the license agreement. You can't pick and choose the parts that fit your situation. In your scenario, just because the Geek Squad @ Best Buy is the "installer", does
NOT mean the following terms can be met:
6. PREINSTALLATION REQUIREMENT. When you distribute an individual software license for a desktop operating
system or application software, you must preinstall it on the fully assembled computer system’s hard drive
using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (“OPK”) provided in this package or otherwise made available by us. This preinstallation
requirement does not apply to server software. For a list of available OPKs, information about using
OEM preinstallation tools, OPK support and how to obtain OPKs, see
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/OPK.
Preinstallation is limited to one copy of each individual software license. You may not copy or modify the OPK or
OPK instructions. You may not distribute the OPK or OPK instructions to an end user.
7. CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) LABEL/PROOF OF LICENSE (POL) LABEL. If the individual software
license includes a COA or POL label, the system builder who installs the individual software license must attach
the COA or POL label, as applicable, to the outside of the fully assembled computer system case in an easily
accessible location.
8. END-USER SUPPORT. The system builder who installs the individual software license and distributes hardware
units must provide end-user support on terms at least as favorable as the terms under which the system
builder provides end-user support for any fully assembled computer system. The system builder must place its
support phone number in a noticeable location in the fully assembled computer system help files or end-user
documentation.
I just picked out the three most obvious issues where your scenario can fail to meet the terms of the license.
- Best Buy cannot meet the terms required to PREINSTALL the OS (i.e. via the OPK) - it requires an Authorized OEM System Builder of MSFT's to follow the terms and use the OPK (at a minimum, sell a "power cord" and the legal OEM OS - which is the COA, CD & Manual).
- Best Buy cannot supply the COA/POL (AFAIK, they are not an Authorized OEM System Builder, they are a reseller only).
- Best Buy is not in the business of doing END-USER SUPPORT (i.e. they don't support Windows via a support phone number - they redirect you to the OEM of the computer or MSFT (retail software package)).
The requirements to be an Authorized OEM System Builder with MSFT are not trivial.
If you can find an authorized Microsoft OEM System Builder that will use their customized OPK to PREINSTALL Windows on a Macintosh using a legitimate OEM license, and finally, take on the full requirement of supporting the end user, please let us all know.
It appears as though MacMall might be setup to do this on new Mac sales based on their pricing (and the fact that they sell PCs via the sister company, PCMall). I have a contact that works there, I'll check with him to verify that they're using an OEM license and are setup to use the OPK.
