Windows ME OS

[Joyful Noise]

Where can I get an inexpensive, legal copy of ME?

[Quantos]

I don't think you can.  Is there a reason that you need a copy of that OS, or is there another one you could use?

[WillyW]

Not sure what you call inexpensive, but here's one idea:

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/items/Software__windows-ME?Category=Operating%2520Systems&_catref=1&_dmpt=US_Software&_fln=1&_sacat=18793&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282


There are probably more around there, in other sections.

[Quantos]

Is there any way to assure that software purchases on eBay are original and not pirates?
I tried buying a software suite through them once, the guy posted a picture of the retail package and what I recieved was a copy that he had made.  I wasn't about to stick that in my computer.

[Rob Pomeroy]

I think the only way of legally purchasing ME now would be second hand (including the machine it's installed on, or a full packaged product).  There are licensing implications with this option.  Check the EULA carefully.

[soybean]

Here ya go:       
   
Microsoft Windows Me (Millennium Edition) New Sealed

[WillyW]

Is there any way to assure that software purchases on eBay are original and not pirates?

Not beyond the usual things to do, with eBay.    Check the seller's ratings,  and comments written about him/her.
If you have a question, email the seller with it before you bid.
Read the fine print, in his ad.
... that sort of thing.

I tried buying a software suite through them once, the guy posted a picture of the retail package and what I recieved was a copy that he had made.  I wasn't about to stick that in my computer.

I bet you could demand your money back, as I doubt eBay would allow piracy.
If nothing else,  be sure to leave a comment about that seller, describing what happened.

[WillyW]

I think the only way of legally purchasing ME now would be   .......  or a full packaged product).

...

For clarification:   The link that soybean posted -   that is an example of what you are talking about?


I posted a general link to find a few such items.      Soybean posted a link that leads direct to one item.       

[Rob Pomeroy]

Looks like an OEM copy, but it's hard to tell from that photo.

[soybean]

It is an OEM copy.  The ebay listing specifically says, "New sealed OEM pack."  And, that's why it's bundled with a 20GB hard drive.  Bundling some hardware item supposedly makes transfer of an OEM version legal.

[patio]

It hasn't been brought up but i'm curious why someone would want to run ME...

[Quantos]

patio, you changed your sig.

I don't know why anyone would want to run it either.  I think MS was using crack when they came out with that one.

[quaxo]

It is an OEM copy.  The ebay listing specifically says, "New sealed OEM pack."  And, that's why it's bundled with a 20GB hard drive.  Bundling some hardware item supposedly makes transfer of an OEM version legal.

Yeah, the license for it states it can only be sold with hardware for a new system. Not sure if it specifies what that hardware has to be.

[Cityscape]

It hasn't been brought up but i'm curious why someone would want to run ME...

Yeah i can't figure this out. If it's for particular program(s) then he should be looking for 98SE (or XP). Programs for ME normally work with 98 or sometimes XP.

[Rob Pomeroy]

I very much doubt that the eBay seller is complying with MS's requirements for OEM sales of its operating systems, especially given that ME is way way WAY beyond end of life (and arguably was the day it was first released)!