PlanetBosh said:
(I stupidly put this on the Media Centre forum, so apologies if you've
already seen it!)
I've got a copy of XP (SP1) on disc for my computer (legal verson, yes!)
which works fine, no probs, etc. I have the Key for it and everything.
However, I've bought another computer (which I may sell, I might network it
to my old one, I don't know yet), which I want to upgrade to XP. I don't
really want to buy another disc, funds are short.
My question is, if I use my original disc in my second computer, will I have
any problems when it comes to downloading Windows Updates on either machine?
Hard to say; you haven't provided enough information. Is your one
WinXP license a retail copy, or an OEM license? If the later, it quite
possibly won't even install, and probably cannot be activated unless you
call the activation center and lie about your reasons for needing
activation.
Will this cause problems with the Key? Will this make my copy of XP useless
or illegal?
Well, because the second installation is clearly contrary to the EULA
(and illegal in some jurisdictions), doing so would, according to said
EULA (a legal contract to which you've agreed to be bound, I might add),
you will have voided your rights to use the product.
Should I not even consider doing this?
I don't know. Have you any integrity, at all?
You need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on
which you install it. (As long as you have multiple identical licenses,
it doesn't matter if you use the same CD for the installations, as long
as you use a different license each time.)
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
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