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Interesting. A while ago in order to purchase a Microsoft OS whether it was the full blown operating system or just an OEM version, you had to also purchase a CPU, motherboard or some other non-peripheral computer hardware along with the OS purchase.
Then for some reason most computer and parts resellers (such as NewEgg, Zipzoomfly and others) dropped that requirement. I was ordering OEM versions of XP Home almost every month for computer builds or for people who wanted an upgrade from their 98 OS.
Now it seems Microsoft is enforcing this MUST BUY policy because suddenly every reseller is adding this disclaimer again:
From NewEgg.com:
Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Disclaimer: Qualifying proof of purchase must be recent receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.
From Zipzoomfly.com:
Note! This product must be purchased in conjunction with a hardware item. For details, click here.
When you "click here" you get this disclaimer from Zipzoomfly.com:
Important Note
Thank you for your interest in purchasing a Microsoft desktop operating system program from ZipZoomFly.
Under the agreement with Microsoft that computer stores such as ZipZoomFly must abide by, we are only allowed to sell this desktop operating system to you, the end user, if you also order either a fully assembled computer system or a non-peripheral computer hardware component in the same transaction. A fully assembled computer system shall consist of at least a central processing unit, a motherboard, a hard drive, a power supply and a case.
This applies to every Microsoft operating system program you intend to order. If you are ordering two Microsoft operating system programs, you must also order two qualifying accompanying products in the same transaction.
If you are a reseller and can provide a reseller's permit, this rule DOES NOT APPLY to you. You may purchase the 3-pack of any of our Microsoft OEM products with no accompanying items required. Simply fax your reseller's permit immediately after placing your order and include your order number on the fax. Our fax number is 510-739-0507.
This really sucks but what's interesting is if you compare between Zipzoomfly and NewEgg, NewEgg didn't put the disclaimer for purchase of XP Pro or MCE but Zipzoomfly did. Zipzoomfly also doesn't sell Vista.
BUT the really interesting part is that nowhere in NewEgg does that disclaimer appear if purchasing Vista either the full blown or the OEM.
It seems Microsoft only wants system builders to buy XP for complete builds now but will let you buy Vista without the hardware purchase requirements.
Then for some reason most computer and parts resellers (such as NewEgg, Zipzoomfly and others) dropped that requirement. I was ordering OEM versions of XP Home almost every month for computer builds or for people who wanted an upgrade from their 98 OS.
Now it seems Microsoft is enforcing this MUST BUY policy because suddenly every reseller is adding this disclaimer again:
From NewEgg.com:
Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Disclaimer: Qualifying proof of purchase must be recent receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.
From Zipzoomfly.com:
Note! This product must be purchased in conjunction with a hardware item. For details, click here.
When you "click here" you get this disclaimer from Zipzoomfly.com:
Important Note
Thank you for your interest in purchasing a Microsoft desktop operating system program from ZipZoomFly.
Under the agreement with Microsoft that computer stores such as ZipZoomFly must abide by, we are only allowed to sell this desktop operating system to you, the end user, if you also order either a fully assembled computer system or a non-peripheral computer hardware component in the same transaction. A fully assembled computer system shall consist of at least a central processing unit, a motherboard, a hard drive, a power supply and a case.
This applies to every Microsoft operating system program you intend to order. If you are ordering two Microsoft operating system programs, you must also order two qualifying accompanying products in the same transaction.
If you are a reseller and can provide a reseller's permit, this rule DOES NOT APPLY to you. You may purchase the 3-pack of any of our Microsoft OEM products with no accompanying items required. Simply fax your reseller's permit immediately after placing your order and include your order number on the fax. Our fax number is 510-739-0507.
This really sucks but what's interesting is if you compare between Zipzoomfly and NewEgg, NewEgg didn't put the disclaimer for purchase of XP Pro or MCE but Zipzoomfly did. Zipzoomfly also doesn't sell Vista.
BUT the really interesting part is that nowhere in NewEgg does that disclaimer appear if purchasing Vista either the full blown or the OEM.
It seems Microsoft only wants system builders to buy XP for complete builds now but will let you buy Vista without the hardware purchase requirements.
OS sold with hardware, check! 
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