Clone 15 pc with 15 set licenses

[Desmond Yap]

hi,
if i clone 15 set XP Pro with same Product ID, will i break the microsoft
software usage rules?

and i bougth the 15 set pc from HP and come with 15 set windows Xp pro
licenses, isn't have any problem?

why i do so?
Because easy for me to maintain the software configuration at one time

 

[Mike Brearley]

Before making the image, you could use Sysprep (located on the XP CD).
After using it, it'll ask for the product key at the next boot. In this
case, you could then put in the correct product key for each machine.

About the legality issue. It's completely legal to do what you're asking
(cloning without changing tke product key). If Microsoft had a problem with
it, just show them the authenticity sticker on each PC and you're all set.
Of course, the chance of Microsoft having a problem with it is less than you
winning a multi-million dollar lotto.

--
Posted 'as is'. If there are any spelling and/or grammar mistakes, they
were a direct result of my fingers and brain not being synchronized or my
lack of caffeine.

Mike Brearley

 

[Alex Nichol]

if i clone 15 set XP Pro with same Product ID, will i break the microsoft
software usage rules?

and i bougth the 15 set pc from HP and come with 15 set windows Xp pro
licenses, isn't have any problem?

It is advantageous to get the machines without software, then get a
volume licensed version of XP - which uses a common key.

What I would do presumes you will do the cloning within the 30 days
grace period for activation. Make the clone image not activated, and
once installed on the other machines, set out on each to activate by
phoning in. Just before making the call there is an opportunity to
change the product key to that assigned to the machine (and keep careful
note of with machine goes with each key). Make the change, accept, but
do not phone, reboot and activate on the net


If you have to reinstall later, you will need to make a fresh install
instance and clone that so as to allow the machines to boot normally
within the new 30 day period