One Windows XP on multiple Computers

[Guest]

Can a single registered Windows XP program be loaded onto multiple computers
without registration problems?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No! One cannot use the same license (Product Key) to install
Windows XP on other computers. It will not activate and it is
a violation of the Microsoft licensing agreement.

Windows XP requires an individual license (Product Key) for
each installation on a different computer. Therefore, you will
need to purchase a new license for each additional installation
of Windows XP. However, you can use the same Windows XP
CD to install with a new Product Key.

In case you overlooked it:

On the back of the Windows XP box, please read the statement:

"For installation and use on one computer"
(see License Agreement for license terms).

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".

How to obtain additional licenses for Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;814175&Product=winxp

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

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

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

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:

| Can a single registered Windows XP program be loaded onto multiple computers
| without registration problems?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Can a single registered Windows XP program be loaded onto multiple computers
without registration problems?

No, of course not. Just as it says, right on the box, you'll need to
purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on which you install it.

This isn't new, 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

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

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Can a single registered Windows XP program be loaded onto multiple
computers without registration problems?

Without "registration" problems?
Maybe. Since registration of your product is voluntary and unnecessary.

Without "activation" problems?
No - since activation is required and meant to be used as a piracy
deterrent.

 

[Guest]

what if I have to format my hard drive on the computer I have XP on. Will it
let me reinstall it without having to buy a new product key?

Rappeller_05

 

[Shenan Stanley]

what if I have to format my hard drive on the computer I have XP on.
Will it let me reinstall it without having to buy a new product key?

You can re-install the license on the same computer as many times as you
like.
Worst-case, you have to re-activate by telephone instead of by Internet.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

what if I have to format my hard drive on the computer I have XP on. Will it
let me reinstall it without having to buy a new product key?

Rappeller_05

There's no limit to the number of times you can reinstall and
activate the same WinXP license on the same PC.

Also, assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not transferable),
simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on and install it
on another computer, sell it, donate it, or give it away.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm

--

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

 

[jerrus]

im trying to reformat, but i dont have my XP Pro CD. i do have my Pro CD
key and an XP Home CD, is there anything i can do?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Not with what you have. The Pro product key will not work with Home nor
should you install Home on more than one computer with the same Home product
key.

Why are you reformatting? What issue are you trying to resolve?

Do you still have proof of purchase for the XP Pro?

To replace a lost cd:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246