Sigi Rindler wrote:
> I want to purchase a new computer in Japan and use the English version of 
> Windows XP Pro or the Home Edition with it. My choices are quite limited 
> since virtually all computers are sold with Japanese operating  systems . of 
> which I own already several!
> The new desired English version of Win XP with SP2 is 280 US$ at Amazon in 
> the USA. Of course, some vendors will sell me a machine with no OS at all.
> 
> My choices here in Japan are:
> a) Buy a computer with the Japanese version and exchange the Japanese 
> version with the English version.
> 
> b) Find a store that sells the computer with the English version. It's 
> probably cheaper to do proceed with a).
> 
> c) Get a computer without the OS and buy the expensive English version here.
> 
> d) I also have an English "Chinatown" version. and found out that Microsoft 
> offers to purchase online a "Windows Genuine Advantage Kit" for the English 
> version. The price is Yen 18,625.00.
> 
> MS promises to supply a new product key to convert the bootleg copy into a 
> genuine one. On top of it, MS will also send you a CD by mail! 
> http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx
> 
> 
> 
> This option is actually much cheaper than buying a genuine boxed version.
> 
> Has anybody ever gone this path? Is there a catch?
> 
> e) Somebody mentioned a while ago that Dell was selling some models with 
> English OSs pre-installed instead of Japanese ones. Is that true or is it 
> more likely a personal favor by somebody at Dell?
> 
> 
> 
> Happy for any input on this one since these questions have been asked by so 
> many who are living in Japan..
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Hi,

Have you think about ebay ? You can find 100% legit and genuine Windows 
XP copy there, and most of sellers will accept to ship in Japan.

You can find an OEM Windows XP Home for around 70$ (w/o shipping)
Full retail box of Windows XP Home goes around 140$ (w/o shipping)

Amazon.com have OEM Home Version for 89$ / Full retail Home for 180$.

(Pro Edition is useless for 99% of users, get Pro Edition only if you'r 
a power-user who'll use things that come with Pro Edition (like IIS))

Antipika.