Help with buying additional license

[mvtofino]

Hello Forum;

I have a simple question, but I am not too bright a fellow!

I am a happy user of Windows XP Home Edition SP3 installed on my desktop
system. I recently purchased a used Compaq laptop running XP Pro, but did
not receive any software installation disks. The laptop ran fine but crashed
due to virus infection (no surprise - I expected it anyway).

This afternoon I reformatted the hard drive and loaded a fresh install from
my existing XP CD to confirm the crash was software related not hardware
related, and that the laptop would function with a retail version of XP as
opposed to the HP-Compaq proprietary version, but I have not activated this
second install because I only have a single user license (my understanding of
things). I have not re-installed the laptop on my wireless network, nor have
I enabled any internet connection yet pending the answer to my question.

I would prefer to purchase a second license online directly from Microsoft
rather than buying a second package from a retailer (assuming there is no
price penalty by dealing direct). I have limited mobility, limited space and
only need a second license not more CDs and product keys to keep track of.

I didn't want to jeopardize my activated/registered/licensed status of the
authorized copy by moving ahead recklessly, hence my question: what is the
easiest most acceptable way to buy this second license? what steps do I
follow?

I am quite prepared to delete the second installation on the laptop if I
must in order to avoid getting a spanking from Microsoft, but I should be
able to purchase a second license for my existing copy for use on the laptop
without any fuss...

Incidentally, I have no interest in upgrading to XP Pro or Vista at this time.

Thanks in advance for any help with this simple situation.

JT

 

[Leonard Grey]

You can't buy a single license from Microsoft.

Your limited mobility is not a problem, since you can purchase a copy of
Windows XP over the internet and have it delivered directly to your home.

 

[LVTravel]

Hello Forum;

I have a simple question, but I am not too bright a fellow!

I am a happy user of Windows XP Home Edition SP3 installed on my desktop
system. I recently purchased a used Compaq laptop running XP Pro, but did
not receive any software installation disks. The laptop ran fine but
crashed
due to virus infection (no surprise - I expected it anyway).

This afternoon I reformatted the hard drive and loaded a fresh install
from
my existing XP CD to confirm the crash was software related not hardware
related, and that the laptop would function with a retail version of XP as
opposed to the HP-Compaq proprietary version, but I have not activated
this
second install because I only have a single user license (my understanding
of
things). I have not re-installed the laptop on my wireless network, nor
have
I enabled any internet connection yet pending the answer to my question.

I would prefer to purchase a second license online directly from Microsoft
rather than buying a second package from a retailer (assuming there is no
price penalty by dealing direct). I have limited mobility, limited space
and
only need a second license not more CDs and product keys to keep track of.

I didn't want to jeopardize my activated/registered/licensed status of the
authorized copy by moving ahead recklessly, hence my question: what is the
easiest most acceptable way to buy this second license? what steps do I
follow?

I am quite prepared to delete the second installation on the laptop if I
must in order to avoid getting a spanking from Microsoft, but I should be
able to purchase a second license for my existing copy for use on the
laptop
without any fuss...

Incidentally, I have no interest in upgrading to XP Pro or Vista at this
time.

Thanks in advance for any help with this simple situation.

JT

You purchased the computer and have you checked the bottom of the laptop for
a license key sticker? If one is there and you can read it and it is for
the version of the operating system you installed (home or pro) use that key
and see if MS will activate it. If it does you are home free. If not,
contact HP with the serial and model number of the computer and ask for a
replacement CD set for that computer which they normally will provide at
less cost than if you purchased a license from Microsoft.

 

[RickR [WINDOWS-TEAM]]

Hello mvtofino, it looks like LVTravel has the correct advice for you. First
look for that Microsoft licensing sticker and try that, if that doesn’t work;
contact HP and try to get a replacement disk. If you cannot find a solution
you may have to request or purchase a new license from MS. Here is a link to
the XP support resources to help you resolve your issue:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316941 . I recommend you read the support
page for additional information. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Rick, Windows Outreach Team

 

[mvtofino]

Leonard;

Thanks for the reply... I was hoping I could expand my single user license
to run two computers, but if I must buy the whole shebang - then so be it!

Thanks again.
JT

 

[mvtofino]

Cody;

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping I could expand my single user license to
handle two computers, but if I must buy the whole shebang - then so be it!.

Thanks again...
JT

 

[mvtofino]

LV Travel:

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping I could expand my single user license to
handle two computers, but if I must buy the whole shebang - then so be it!

Thanks again...
JT

 

[Leonard Grey]

Even if you could purchase directly from Microsoft, you'll pay full price.

You don't have to physically install the CD -- all you need is the
product key.

 

[LVTravel]

LV Travel:

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping I could expand my single user license
to
handle two computers, but if I must buy the whole shebang - then so be it!

Thanks again...
JT

The only version of a Microsoft operating system license that can be used on
more than one computer is their volume license version which starts at 5
computers. Still the best bet is to use the key that is on the laptop that
you purchased unless that key is for XP Pro. The next best is to contact HP
for a replacement CD for XP Pro and the drivers that was included when that
computer was originally produced.

 

[Randall Flagg]

Even if you could purchase directly from Microsoft, you'll pay full price.

Thank you Mr. Timely. Someone already said that several days ago.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Goodbye Mr. Killfiled.

 

[Randall Flagg]

Are you the official internet post timer?

Nope... but I like to play one in the MS groups. Besides, Leonard is
such a pompous ass at times, it's fun to give him a hard time.

You can now go back to watching Judge Judy.