activating the same Win XP twice?

[Buck Rogers]

Hey all!

My desktop came with Win XP.

I've installed the same Win XP onto an ancient laptop(Celeronn 300) to
play around with,
and on the laptop, a message keeps popping up saying I've got 30 days(now
22 days) to
activate XP, otherwise all the features will be disabled.

What happens if I activated Win XP from the laptop? Will the Microsoft
computers recognise there
are 2 different hardware environments using the same XP serial #? Will my
XP then be disabled on
both the desktop and laptop?

Thanks in advance!

Buck

 

[Michael Stevens]

Hey all!

My desktop came with Win XP.

I've installed the same Win XP onto an ancient laptop(Celeronn 300) to
play around with,
and on the laptop, a message keeps popping up saying I've got 30
days(now 22 days) to
activate XP, otherwise all the features will be disabled.

What happens if I activated Win XP from the laptop? Will the Microsoft
computers recognise there
are 2 different hardware environments using the same XP serial #?
Will my XP then be disabled on
both the desktop and laptop?

Thanks in advance!

Buck

You will need to uninstall or purchase an OEM version to use for a repair
install.
XP is licensed for activation on one computer per license.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
I need to change my XP Product KEY
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need2
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[CWatters]

Hey all!

My desktop came with Win XP.

I've installed the same Win XP onto an ancient laptop(Celeronn 300) to
play around with,
and on the laptop, a message keeps popping up saying I've got 30 days(now
22 days) to
activate XP, otherwise all the features will be disabled.

What happens if I activated Win XP from the laptop?

You would expect that it won't let you activate on the laptop (second
computer) because it's already activated on the first PC.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I've installed the same Win XP onto an ancient laptop(Celeronn 300) to
play around with,
and on the laptop, a message keeps popping up saying I've got 30 days(now
22 days) to
activate XP, otherwise all the features will be disabled.

What happens if I activated Win XP from the laptop?

You are not allowed to install on a second machine, at all. If you did
succeed in activating on a second one - which would involve a direct lie
that it had been removed from the first - you would run into trouble
with updates on that first machine

 

[Scott Moseman]

Microsoft is not going to know you uninstalled the first copy.
So I assume they are going to require a phone call in order
to activate that copy? Is Microsoft staffed to take all of the
calls they will get when people start re-installing their PCs?
Or maybe the activation mechanism is more leniant than thought?
Thanks,
Scott

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hey all!

My desktop came with Win XP.

I've installed the same Win XP onto an ancient laptop(Celeronn 300) to
play around with,
and on the laptop, a message keeps popping up saying I've got 30
days(now 22 days) to
activate XP, otherwise all the features will be disabled.

What happens if I activated Win XP from the laptop? Will the Microsoft
computers recognise there
are 2 different hardware environments using the same XP serial #? Will
my XP then be disabled on
both the desktop and laptop?

Thanks in advance!

Buck

It won't activate. Microsoft isn't about to help you steal from them.

First of all, you have an OEM license for WinXP. An OEM
version must be sold with a piece of hardware (normally a motherboard
or hard rive, if not an entire PC) and is _permanently_ bound to the
first PC on which it's installed. An OEM license, once installed, is
not legally transferable to another computer under _any_
circumstances.

Secondly, 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.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[DJS0302]

Microsoft is not going to know you uninstalled the first copy.

So I assume they are going to require a phone call in order
to activate that copy? Is Microsoft staffed to take all of the
calls they will get when people start re-installing their PCs?
Or maybe the activation mechanism is more leniant than thought?
Thanks,
Scott

After 120 days the activation information from your computer is removed from
Microsoft's database and you should be able to activate over the internet with
no problem. Even if it's less than 120 days if you want to activate XP on
another computer all you have to do is tell Microsoft you upgraded all the
hardware on your computer. Of course you'll only be able to download updates
on the computer that's currently activated.

 

[Bob I]

So you're saying "wait till no one's looking" and then STEAL it. OR LIE
to them and STEAL it! You're a real honest type.

DJS0302 wrote:

 

[Alias]

Um, the man BOUGHT XP. For some reason, he thinks it's therefore HIS. He
didn't steal the CD that MS SOLD to him. I can see how you can get your
panties all up in a bunch regarding STOLEN CDs or COPIED CDs or Cracked CDs
that are sold but when someone pays for it MS is the thief, not the
purchaser as far as I am concerned if they expect customers to pay for it
AGAIN and I could give a flying F*CK what the EULA says.

Alias


: So you're saying "wait till no one's looking" and then STEAL it. OR LIE
: to them and STEAL it! You're a real honest type.
:
: DJS0302 wrote:
:
:
: > After 120 days the activation information from your computer is removed
from
: > Microsoft's database and you should be able to activate over the
internet with
: > no problem. Even if it's less than 120 days if you want to activate XP
on
: > another computer all you have to do is tell Microsoft you upgraded all
the
: > hardware on your computer. Of course you'll only be able to download
updates
: > on the computer that's currently activated.
: >
:

 

[Alias]

: So you're saying "wait till no one's looking" and then STEAL it. OR LIE
: to them and STEAL it! You're a real honest type.
:
: DJS0302 wrote:
:
:
: > After 120 days the activation information from your computer is removed
from
: > Microsoft's database and you should be able to activate over the
internet with
: > no problem. Even if it's less than 120 days if you want to activate XP
on
: > another computer all you have to do is tell Microsoft you upgraded all
the
: > hardware on your computer. Of course you'll only be able to download
updates
: > on the computer that's currently activated.

If he waits the 120 days, both will be activated, yes?

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Um, the man BOUGHT XP.

No, he didn't, as you well know. What he purchased was permission to
use Microsoft's intellectual property as long as he remains in
compliance with the terms of the license (EULA). the fact that you are
apparently proud of having *no* integrity is irrelevant. ("... I could
give a flying F*CK what the EULA says")

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Alias]

: Alias wrote:
: > Um, the man BOUGHT XP.
: >
: >
:
: No, he didn't, as you well know. What he purchased was permission to
: use Microsoft's intellectual property as long as he remains in
: compliance with the terms of the license (EULA). the fact that you are
: apparently proud of having *no* integrity is irrelevant. ("... I could
: give a flying F*CK what the EULA says")
:
: --
:
: Bruce Chambers

I doubt very seriously that the salesperson told the customer that he was
buying a licence. Most people think when they buy something, it's theirs and
no stores contradict that. In order to find that out, one has to read the
EULA (or ask someone like you), something most people don't read or do.
Who's being tricky here, MS? Yes, they are. Like I said and you snipped, I
can see how MS and those who brown nose them like you would get their
panties all up in a bunch regarding piracy but for personal use, it's
ridiculous and, well, greedy.

XP isn't too badly priced but Office is outrageously priced and many say
they use pirated copies and that they are not stealing because if they
didn't use pirated copies, they wouldn't be able to buy Office due to its
high cost (for goodness, sake, Office is more expensive than a second hand
computer!). Same for PhotoShop. Ergo, MS has lost no money but some poor
person can use the same programs the rich snobs like YOU can afford to use.

Alias

 

[Bob I]

You really should

1. Get the facts straight.
and
2. Get a clue.

 

[Alias]

: You really should
:
: 1. Get the facts straight.
: and
: 2. Get a clue.

Really? What "facts" don't I have? A clue? Are we playing a game?

Alias
:
: Alias wrote:
:
: > Um, the man BOUGHT XP. For some reason, he thinks it's therefore HIS. He
: > didn't steal the CD that MS SOLD to him. I can see how you can get your
: > panties all up in a bunch regarding STOLEN CDs or COPIED CDs or Cracked
CDs
: > that are sold but when someone pays for it MS is the thief, not the
: > purchaser as far as I am concerned if they expect customers to pay for
it
: > AGAIN and I could give a flying F*CK what the EULA says.
: >
: > Alias
: >
: >
: > : So you're saying "wait till no one's looking" and then STEAL it. OR
LIE
: > : to them and STEAL it! You're a real honest type.
: > :
: > : DJS0302 wrote:
: > :
: > :
: > : > After 120 days the activation information from your computer is
removed
: > from
: > : > Microsoft's database and you should be able to activate over the
: > internet with
: > : > no problem. Even if it's less than 120 days if you want to activate
XP
: > on
: > : > another computer all you have to do is tell Microsoft you upgraded
all
: > the
: > : > hardware on your computer. Of course you'll only be able to
download
: > updates
: > : > on the computer that's currently activated.
: > : >
: > :
: >
: >
: >
:

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I doubt very seriously that the salesperson told the customer that he was
buying a licence.

Irrelevant and wholly unnecessary. It says that much right on the box.
Only the most ignorant could possibly claim not to understand this
simple fact.

Most people think when they buy something, it's theirs and
no stores contradict that.

And this is still true of all software (not just Microsoft Products).
When a consumer buys a software license, he has the use of that product
in accordance to that licenses terms, terms displayed on the box. This
is an agreement freely entered into by the consumer.

In order to find that out, one has to read the
EULA (or ask someone like you), ....

Or look at the box the software comes in, or be even marginally aware
of the way the world works.....

Who's being tricky here, MS? Yes, they are.

What "trickery" is involved? Is Microsoft being deceptive because it
presumes that its customers have a bit more intelligence than a pile of
rocks?

Like I said and you snipped, I
can see how MS and those who brown nose them like you would get their
panties all up in a bunch regarding piracy but for personal use, it's
ridiculous and, well, greedy.

Theft is theft. Period. I don't care who the victim is. Accusing
another of "greed" for seeking to safeguard his own property is weak and
pathetic.

XP isn't too badly priced but Office is outrageously priced and many say
they use pirated copies and that they are not stealing because if they
didn't use pirated copies, they wouldn't be able to buy Office due to its
high cost (for goodness, sake, Office is more expensive than a second hand
computer!). Same for PhotoShop. Ergo, MS has lost no money but some poor
person can use the same programs the rich snobs like YOU can afford to use.

Ah! The last refuge of the thief. I can't afford it, so it's OK to
steal. What nonsense. Did you steal the car you're driving? Are you
squatting in someone else's home? Your reasoning would certainly
indicate that this is how your prefer to live: as a parasite.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Alias]

: Alias wrote:
:
: >
: > I doubt very seriously that the salesperson told the customer that he
was
: > buying a licence.
:
:
: Irrelevant and wholly unnecessary. It says that much right on the box.
: Only the most ignorant could possibly claim not to understand this
: simple fact.

I wouldn't know about that. The ones I buy don't come with a box. Retail XP
isn't sold in Spain. OEMs, however, are sold over the counter with no
hardware required and come with no box and don't say anything about only one
computer.
:
:
: > Most people think when they buy something, it's theirs and
: > no stores contradict that.
:
:
: And this is still true of all software (not just Microsoft Products).
: When a consumer buys a software license, he has the use of that product
: in accordance to that licenses terms, terms displayed on the box. This
: is an agreement freely entered into by the consumer.

See above.
:
:
: > In order to find that out, one has to read the
: > EULA (or ask someone like you), ....
:
:
: Or look at the box the software comes in, or be even marginally aware
: of the way the world works.....

See above.
:
:
: > Who's being tricky here, MS? Yes, they are.
:
:
: What "trickery" is involved? Is Microsoft being deceptive because it
: presumes that its customers have a bit more intelligence than a pile of
: rocks?

No, it assumes it can get away with seeming like they are selling a CD when
in reality they are selling a CD with limited use.
:
:
: > Like I said and you snipped, I
: > can see how MS and those who brown nose them like you would get their
: > panties all up in a bunch regarding piracy but for personal use, it's
: > ridiculous and, well, greedy.
:
:
: Theft is theft. Period. I don't care who the victim is. Accusing
: another of "greed" for seeking to safeguard his own property is weak and
: pathetic.

Your idea of theft is obviously different than millions of people.
:
: >
: > XP isn't too badly priced but Office is outrageously priced and many say
: > they use pirated copies and that they are not stealing because if they
: > didn't use pirated copies, they wouldn't be able to buy Office due to
its
: > high cost (for goodness, sake, Office is more expensive than a second
hand
: > computer!). Same for PhotoShop. Ergo, MS has lost no money but some poor
: > person can use the same programs the rich snobs like YOU can afford to
use.
: >
:
: Ah! The last refuge of the thief. I can't afford it, so it's OK to
: steal.

The last refuge of a rich snob: if you're poor, tough shit.

: What nonsense. Did you steal the car you're driving?

I don't own a car, nor do I drive one.

: Are you
: squatting in someone else's home?

Apples and oranges. If I were poor, however, the State would provide me with
a home.

Your reasoning would certainly
: indicate that this is how your prefer to live: as a parasite.

Um, I buy my software, even though I feel I am being ripped off. I don't
have any pirated or copied software so you were saying?

Alias
:
:
: --
:
: Bruce Chambers
:
: Help us help you:
:
:
:
: You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
: both at once. - RAH

 

[DJS0302]

So you're saying "wait till no one's looking" and then STEAL it. OR LIE

to them and STEAL it! You're a real honest type.

No, I just have common sense.

 

[John Doue]

What "trickery" is involved? Is Microsoft being deceptive because
it presumes that its customers have a bit more intelligence than a pile
of rocks?
snip

Theft is theft. Period. I don't care who the victim is. Accusing
another of "greed" for seeking to safeguard his own property is weak and
pathetic.
snip

Ah! The last refuge of the thief. I can't afford it, so it's OK to
steal. What nonsense. Did you steal the car you're driving? Are you
squatting in someone else's home? Your reasoning would certainly
indicate that this is how your prefer to live: as a parasite.

Although I of course do not support notions of theft and of piracy, the
amount of protest MS policy draws with regard to its EULA should not be
ignored by Microsoft. Saying that customers "freely" enter into this
"agreement" is legalese: the fact remains that being forced practically
speaking to "buy" (for lack of an other word) an a OEM license each time
one buys a computer is tantamount to abuse of dominant position. And
buying a full XP retail version should reasonably enable its "owner"
(sorry, hard to say user ...) to contractually install it on his desktop
AND its laptop. This would be reasonable, this is stricly personal use,
the point of reference I feel. And it might be worth reminding people
that MS EULAs are not synonymous of LAW.

I really wish a balance could be reached between greed, abuse of
dominant position or whatever you want to call it and piracy and theft:
I have a word for that : Fairness. But I am no dreamer and
unfortunately, I am afraid that a healthy competition will be the only
way to one day bring MS to more user friendly positions. This being said
in ... all fairness !

Regards

 

[Leythos]

I really wish a balance could be reached between greed, abuse of
dominant position or whatever you want to call it and piracy and theft:
I have a word for that : Fairness.

There is a easy balance that you can achieve - you can choose an
alternative OS, many of which are free, and with enough work, can
provide a rich environment for most users. If you choose to use a non-
free product, that is your choice, but you should not try to justify
breaking the law for your own benefit, especially when you have free
alternatives that would provide the same level of functions to most
users.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Although I of course do not support notions of theft and of piracy, the
amount of protest MS policy draws with regard to its EULA should not be
ignored by Microsoft.

I, and many others agree on this point. As a business, it behooves
Microsoft to become and remain cognizant of its customers desires. Now
that PCs have moved from the realm of the hobbyist and into the
mainstream consumer marketplace, and now that multiple PC households are
becoming more and more common, I'd very much like to see Microsoft offer
some sort of "Family" licensing scheme by which one could install a
single WinXP license on a reasonable number (up to 5, say) of computers
in the same household. When given the opportunity, I, and other MVPs,
repeatedly suggest this course of action to Microsoft. At the end of
the day, though, we're left with the EULA as it exists, not as we'd like it.

Saying that customers "freely" enter into this
"agreement" is legalese: the fact remains that being forced practically
speaking to "buy" (for lack of an other word) an a OEM license each time
one buys a computer is tantamount to abuse of dominant position.

Yes, "freely" describes the purchase decision. No one holds a gun to
the consumer's head and forces him to buy a computer from an OEM. No
one forces the consumer to keep the OEM license if it was included in a
computer purchase. If the computer manufacturer (note: this is the
manufacturer's choice, not Microsoft's) declines to sell a computer
without an OEM OS, the consumer need only take his business elsewhere or
assemble his own computer. (It's hardly rocket surgery.) Further, the
very screen that prompts for agreement to the EULA provides instructions
on how to get a refund.

And
buying a full XP retail version should reasonably enable its "owner"
(sorry, hard to say user ...) to contractually install it on his desktop
AND its laptop. This would be reasonable, this is stricly personal use,
the point of reference I feel.

Again, I'm inclined to agree, but the content of the EULA is a business
decision of Microsoft. Those who do not like the terms of the license
are free to use any of several other operating systems currently
available, many of them free.

And it might be worth reminding people
that MS EULAs are not synonymous of LAW.

No one, to my knowledge, has ever intentionally claimed that the EULA
is "synonymous" with the law. However, a federal appeals court has
determined that software EULAs in general are legally enforceable
contracts under the Uniform Commercial Code. Only a EULA whose terms
are specifically found to be in violation of other statutes is invalid.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH