Does MS invalidate valid serial numbers?

[Opticreep]

Here is my dilema:

I own the license to a single Windows XP Professional software. I use
it on my primary computer. Last month, I cobbled together another
computer system made up of spare parts. On this second computer, I
installed WinXP professional with the same serial number as on my main
computer. Not surprisingly, Micro$oft wouldn't permit activation of
winxp on that backup computer. I had a 30-day limit on the OS before
micro$oft disables it.

That 30-day limit is almost up. I have no plans on keeping this
second computer for much longer. I only need it for another month or
so before I buy a new computer --- presumably, it'll have WindowsXP
preinstalled. I'd rather not spend money buying a WindowsXP for my
temporary computer if I'm only using it for another month.

My plan right now is to simply clean the hard drive and re-install
WinXP with the same serial number on this temporary system.
Presumably, this will give my computer another 30 days. I think I
would've bought my new PC by then.

So my question is: Am I endangering my valid Windows XP Serial Number
(used on my primary PC) if I keep using the same serial number on a
backup PC on a every 30-days basis? If I reformat & reinstall WinXP
on that backup computer again this week, it would be the 3rd time I
have used that same serial number in the past six months. I'm afraid
that Micro$oft would invalidate that number.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You are creating your own dilemma by installing Windows XP
on a different computer using the same license (Product Key)
which violates the End User License Agreement. Microsoft
will not "invalidate the number".....you'll just not be able to
activate the second installation until you purchase a second
license.

Please read your EULA:

Go to Start >Run box type: WINVER , and hit enter. Then click on the
"End-User License Agreement" and read it. Your answer
lies in that agreement.

You can also open XP's "Help and Support" and type: EULA
and hit enter. Click on "Questions and answers about the EULA".

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

HOW TO: Change the Product Key at the Time of Activation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&Product=winxp

How many overnight test drives does an automobile dealer allow you
to take before you must make a decision to either purchase the vehicle or
move on to another dealership?

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Here is my dilema:
|
| I own the license to a single Windows XP Professional software. I use
| it on my primary computer. Last month, I cobbled together another
| computer system made up of spare parts. On this second computer, I
| installed WinXP professional with the same serial number as on my main
| computer. Not surprisingly, Micro$oft wouldn't permit activation of
| winxp on that backup computer. I had a 30-day limit on the OS before
| micro$oft disables it.
|
| That 30-day limit is almost up. I have no plans on keeping this
| second computer for much longer. I only need it for another month or
| so before I buy a new computer --- presumably, it'll have WindowsXP
| preinstalled. I'd rather not spend money buying a WindowsXP for my
| temporary computer if I'm only using it for another month.
|
| My plan right now is to simply clean the hard drive and re-install
| WinXP with the same serial number on this temporary system.
| Presumably, this will give my computer another 30 days. I think I
| would've bought my new PC by then.
|
| So my question is: Am I endangering my valid Windows XP Serial Number
| (used on my primary PC) if I keep using the same serial number on a
| backup PC on a every 30-days basis? If I reformat & reinstall WinXP
| on that backup computer again this week, it would be the 3rd time I
| have used that same serial number in the past six months. I'm afraid
| that Micro$oft would invalidate that number.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I own the license to a single Windows XP Professional software. I use
it on my primary computer. Last month, I cobbled together another
computer system made up of spare parts. On this second computer, I
installed WinXP professional with the same serial number as on my main
computer. Not surprisingly, Micro$oft wouldn't permit activation of
winxp on that backup computer. I had a 30-day limit on the OS before
micro$oft disables it.

That 30-day limit is almost up. I have no plans on keeping this
second computer for much longer. I only need it for another month or
so before I buy a new computer --- presumably, it'll have WindowsXP
preinstalled. I'd rather not spend money buying a WindowsXP for my
temporary computer if I'm only using it for another month.

My plan right now is to simply clean the hard drive and re-install
WinXP with the same serial number on this temporary system.
Presumably, this will give my computer another 30 days. I think I
would've bought my new PC by then.

So my question is: Am I endangering my valid Windows XP Serial Number
(used on my primary PC) if I keep using the same serial number on a
backup PC on a every 30-days basis?

You ought not to do so in terms of the license - if you go read it it is
to install on a single computer, and you are breaking that by installing
on another before removing it from the first. But if you persist and
do not try to activate on the second machine, there is no way for
Microsoft to know