I guess spam mail ain't all bad. Got this link in my junkmail. Looks like pretty good prices.

Example: Bundle Special #1:
Microsoft Windows XP Pro, Microsoft Office XP Pro = $89.95

Check it out
http://www.softforus.com/

Opinions/thoughts?

You have to watch them sometimes. I didn't look close, but many times when you are buying OEM, you are getting license only and not the media (CD) NO books or support either is normally apart of the deal. If you are getting the media at that price, it is not a bad deal as long as it is still the full version. Some OEM versions leave things out. When I built machines alot, this was the way to go to get software, especially when you bought it bulk you could get good deals (50 or more).

They seem to be OK as far as a site goes, but I can't say I ever remember dealing with them.

Yeah Bill I'm always wary of a deal that sounds too good. But I read through the site and I'm pretty sure you're buying the media as well as the license. I'll re-read before I decide to buy.

On the site they state specifically that you get no support from the software manufacturer and the only manual you get comes in digital form included with the software.
What I'm unsure of is what is meant by "support". It's obvious that if you have problems installing or using the software you're on your own.
But lets say for instance I buy XP Pro, which is the only software I'm interested in. I would still be able to use Windows Update to get patchs, security updates, driver updates, future service packs, etc; right? Thats the only thing I'm worried about.

I hope this proves to be legit, it's likely the only way I'll ever be able to upgrade OS.

The website is down right now (1:00 PM Central time). Not exactly a vote of confidence.

Edit: And as soon as I post this it's back up! :crazy:

Oh you'll get the update parts and all, I ment the direct help from Micro$oft like when you bought a retail version you can call them for a certain amount of help.

I would not buy from them. Never purchase anything from a spammer. It encourages more spam.

Also, anyone sleazy enough to sell through spam is probably sleazy enough to sell you pirated software. There is no way that they can sell legitimate software that cheap. Pay a few dollars more and buy it from someone reputable like Newegg or Zipzoomfly.

Slonaker

Whoa! Don't do it. The domain appears to be Russian. You will almost surely receive pirated software. The domain name was recently registered, and only for a year. I would say that this "businessman" has a brand new business that he is not committed to long term or he would have registered the domain for a longer amount of time.

Here is the registration info for the domain:

Registrant:
Miroslaw Kundera
19, Gdynska Str.
61016



Administrative Contact:
Miroslaw Kundera
Miroslaw Kundera
19, Gdynska Str.
Poznan Beijing
PL
tel: 372 7120419
fax: 372 7120419
contact@softcds.su

Technical Contact:
Miroslaw Kundera
Miroslaw Kundera
19, Gdynska Str.
Poznan Beijing
CN
tel: 7120419
fax: 7120419
contact@softcds.su

Billing Contact:
Miroslaw Kundera
Miroslaw Kundera
19, Gdynska Str.
Poznan Beijing
CN
tel: 7120419
fax: 7120419
contact@softcds.su

Registration Date: 2005-12-01
Update Date: 2005-12-01
Expiration Date: 2006-12-01

:agree:

I agree. Do not do it. Spam is Spam!! I hate Spam and would not buy from any of them. Do not trust any of those Spam people.

Ok, guess I'm the guinea pig. I ordered XP Pro SP2 yesterday. If it turns out to be crap I have recourse through the CC company.

Generally what you're getting is OEM software. If so, it will be labeled "For Sale with a New PC Only". The price for this stuff is significantly cheaper than the off-the-shelf product. That's IF it's not outright pirate copies as others noted.

<up on soapbox>
Either way - it's theft...them, and anyone that buys it. Harsh...but true from my perspective.
<down off soapbox>

Generally what you're getting is OEM software. If so, it will be labeled "For Sale with a New PC Only". The price for this stuff is significantly cheaper than the off-the-shelf product. That's IF it's not outright pirate copies as others noted.

<up on soapbox>
Either way - it's theft...them, and anyone that buys it. Harsh...but true from my perspective.
<down off soapbox>

I'm inclined to agree with you Bill. But we won't know until it arrives will we? Try not to judge me too harshly just yet.

Generally what you're getting is OEM software. If so, it will be labeled "For Sale with a New PC Only". The price for this stuff is significantly cheaper than the off-the-shelf product. That's IF it's not outright pirate copies as others noted.

<up on soapbox>
Either way - it's theft...them, and anyone that buys it. Harsh...but true from my perspective.
<down off soapbox>

I buy this stuff all the time for new machines and I can't get OEM prices or even close to that for all the PC & laptop builds. OEM licenses through some of the swap meets you may find for about $145, Through most resellers like NewEgg, PCUnervrse and even myself included arent supposed to sell OEM licenses unless you are pruchasing hardware or are a vender through your normal distrobution channels, Tech Data, Ingram, Synnex etc.

alot of times these jackasses overseas will steal whatever personal info they can PLUS send you a pirated version without a key or some pirated key that is blocked by MS...

Well, just want to wish you luck and hope you prove us wrong on this one. Then if by chance it is a good deal let us know and we might want to buy some. ;)

I buy this stuff all the time for new machines and I can't get OEM prices or even close to that for all the PC & laptop builds. OEM licenses through some of the swap meets you may find for about $145, Through most resellers like NewEgg, PCUnervrse and even myself included arent supposed to sell OEM licenses unless you are pruchasing hardware or are a vender through your normal distrobution channels, Tech Data, Ingram, Synnex etc.

3pack (with media) for $250, that's ~$83/license + CD:

http://www.a2zcomp.com/buy.asp?REF=12&SKU=455116

$52 - XP home License only from a reputable store (4½ stars@pricegrabber):

http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_getprod.php?masterid=520484&lot_id=457295

Same store - $68 for license only on XP Pro:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_getprod.php?masterid=520485&lot_id=456834

Any system builder should have a disc to install something like this on their systems and plug in the license, then put the sticker on the case showing the 1-2 CPU license.

If that's not good enough, this is another reputable store (5 stars @ pricegrabber w/68 reviews) with XP Home with CD at $70 w/$14 shipping:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_getprod.php?masterid=676870&lot_id=2815153

Lots of options from Royal Discount, around $120 for CD and license for everything up to XP Pro 64-bit edition:

http://www.royaldiscount.com/wixppr.html?ovchn=pricegrabber&ovcpn=pricegrabber&ovcrn=Microsoft+Windows+XP+Pro+x64&ovtac=PPC

Lastly, posted links from this store in the past - XP Pro with CD and license for $93 from BethCloon - 4½ start store based on reviews @ pricegrabber:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_getprod.php?masterid=2237723&lot_id=2361568

There are several other options than risking your ass and your identity with a Russian based store that spams. I'm a little shocked anyone would make an order from such a place like that, even after the advice given in here. I hope for your credit's sake that you actually don't have your identity stolen. either way, I would contact Equifax and have them put one of those "call first" flags on your credit record so that person would have a harder time.

Think about it - people phish usernames, logons and credit card/bank login info via spam all day long ... why would this be any different? Online, if something seems to be true, it usually is. What better way to get someone to give you their credit card and all financial access than by trying to sell them something that normally cost 2x as much elsewhere? :)

Good luck, bro.

I bought some software on eBay.
I was original without box or instructions.
The latest Roxio was like $70-80 at Sams Club.
I got it off eBay for $30, including shipping.
Came in original cd sleeves, with factory seal and serial number stickers.
I registered it online and haven't had any problems.
I know this isn't the same thing as what you are doing.
But I wanted to ask where do these eBay guys get all this real software and sell it so cheap?

I bought some software on eBay.
I was original without box or instructions.
The latest Roxio was like $70-80 at Sams Club.
I got it off eBay for $30, including shipping.
Came in original cd sleeves, with factory seal and serial number stickers.
I registered it online and haven't had any problems.
I know this isn't the same thing as what you are doing.
But I wanted to ask where do these eBay guys get all this real software and sell it so cheap?

They are only supposed to be installing that software on a new PC. They likely have an agreement with the software manufacturer to buy X number of disks to be pre-intalled on computers they sell. They then re-sell the software to you without ever installing it on a PC.

If the folks from Roxio catch them, they will probably stop dealing with them. They will then change the name of the "company" and start all over again.

The profit on selling (and then supporting) a locally built computer is so low now that vendors can make more money reselling the software than they can selling a computer with the software installed on it. They don't have to provide support or build the computer either. :)

Slonaker