Changing OS with same key

[Guest]

Is it legal to change my operating system from XP Home to XP Professional
using the same key?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Is it legal to change my operating system from XP Home to XP Professional
using the same key?

It is neither legal nor possible. XP Home keys won't work on XP
Professional, or vice-versa.

 

[Bob I]

No. You receive the appropriate key when you buy the operating system.

 

[Guest]

I've actually done this On an XP media center machine and replaced it with XP
Pro. Even though it was activated sucessfully through Microsoft online, I
never had to activate it when i bought it.

 

[David B.]

Legality isn't an issue because it's not possible, you cannot install Pro
using a Home Edition product key.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Is it legal to change my operating system from XP Home to XP Professional
using the same key?

Not really, but since it's not possible, it hardly matters.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license
(OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are purchased.
For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail
version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa.
An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and
vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.


--

Bruce Chambers

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