upgrading from xp home to xp pro

[Guest]

we need to upgrade the 2 computers at our little office from xp home to xp
pro. We bought the xp pro Upgrade at the store.

(1) Does it only work on 1 computer? Do I need to get one for each of the 2
computers?

(2) I read somewhere that we'll need the actual original xp home disc from
each computer during the upgrade, is that true? (xp home was preinstalled on
the computers and I don't know if we actually have the discs - we have the
licenses).

Thanks in advance for all youre help

Owen

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

On Sat, 7 Jul 2007 15:12:02 -0700, clueless O <clueless

we need to upgrade the 2 computers at our little office from xp home to xp
pro. We bought the xp pro Upgrade at the store.

(1) Does it only work on 1 computer?

Yes. The rule is quite clear. It's one copy (or one license) for each
computer.

There's nothing new here. This is exactly the same rule that's been in
effect on every version of Windows starting with Windows 3.1. The only
thing new with XP is that there's now an enforcement mechanism.

Do I need to get one for each of the 2
computers?

Yes.


(2) I read somewhere that we'll need the actual original xp home disc from
each computer during the upgrade, is that true?

No. You need the CD only to do a clean installation with the Upgrade
version.

(xp home was preinstalled on
the computers and I don't know if we actually have the discs - we have the
licenses).

However if you ever decide to do a clean installation in the future,
you will need the CD of some previous qualifying version.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

we need to upgrade the 2 computers at our little office from xp home to xp
pro. We bought the xp pro Upgrade at the store.

(1) Does it only work on 1 computer? Do I need to get one for each of the 2
computers?

You need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on
which you install it.

Just as it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating
systems, it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which it
is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to determine
final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which WinXP
licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is that
Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft mechanism,
Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more difficult)
multiple installations using a single license.

One can buy additional licenses, assuming one already has a retail
license. Naturally, Microsoft cannot sell additional OEM licenses. Be
aware, however, that you'll probably pay more this way than you would if
you were to buy a second copy of WinXP from a discount retailer;
Microsoft will only offer you a 15% discount off their MSRP.

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp

(2) I read somewhere that we'll need the actual original xp home disc from
each computer during the upgrade, is that true? (xp home was preinstalled on
the computers and I don't know if we actually have the discs - we have the
licenses).

You'd need the original WinXP Home installation CDs only if you want to
perform clean installation of WinXP Pro using the Upgrade CDs.
Otherwise, you'd start the upgrade process from within the existing
WinXP Home installation, and won't need the WinXP Home installation disks.


--

Bruce Chambers

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