Installing Windows XP from CD

[Guest]

How many times can I install my CD of Windows XP on different computers?
Have gotten a couple of computers from friends and would like to install XP
on them.

 

[Gordon]

How many times can I install my CD of Windows XP on different computers?
Have gotten a couple of computers from friends and would like to install
XP
on them.

Only on ONE computer at one time with one licence, and that's only if you
have a RETAIL copy, and not an OEM.....

 

[Poprivet]

Only on ONE computer at one time with one licence, and that's only if
you have a RETAIL copy, and not an OEM.....

No, it's also true of an OEM. Once an OEM is installed, it's bound to that
computer that's all. So you cannot install OEM to any other computer,
other.

You CAN install a retail version to a different computer as long as you
remove it from the old computer, as many times as you wish but the online
Activation will turn into having to phone in.

Pop`

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

How many times can I install my CD of Windows XP on different
computers? Have gotten a couple of computers from friends and would
like to install XP on them.

Zero times. The rule is quite clear. It's one copy (or one license) for each
computer.

There's nothing new here. This is exactly the same rule that's been in
effect on every version of Windows starting with Windows 3.1. The only thing
new with XP is that there's now an enforcement mechanism.

If yours is a retail version, not an OEM one, you can buy extra licenses
(see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp). But it's
not generally a good deal. The problem is that Microsoft sells additional
licenses at only a small savings over the list price. You're almost
certainly better off just buying a complete second copy from a discount
source.

 

[Gordon]

No, it's also true of an OEM. Once an OEM is installed, it's bound to
that computer that's all. So you cannot install OEM to any other
computer, other.

You CAN install a retail version to a different computer as long as you
remove it from the old computer, as many times as you wish but the online
Activation will turn into having to phone in.

Pop`

I think you misconstrued what I wrote.....

 

[Bruce Chambers]

How many times can I install my CD of Windows XP on different computers?
Have gotten a couple of computers from friends and would like to install XP
on them.

You need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on
which you install it.

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


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell