Reinstalling Windows XP on Multiple PCs

G

Guest

I bought a new PC in Spain last year. I asked if I could have Windows XP installed in English, but was told it was 'illegal'. After a lot of enquiries. I have found that I need to buy a new version of Windows XP deinstall and re-install. I have just bought a second PC for my wife and kids and ordered an English version of Windows XP Home to install

-Can I install it on both machines or am I going to have to buy two copies of Windows XP
-Am I going to be able to transfer files etc. on my existing Spanish version PC to the new one without getting software conflicts etc. as a backup while I reformat the first machine

I am also going to the UK this week and am going to buy a laptop - to make sure I get English software and a laptop. I am unclear, however, on whether I can use the various different MS application software packages (Word, Works, Office etc.) across the different PCs. I called Microsoft Support here in Spain and they said that I could (as far as I understood them as they only speak Spanish and tell me there is no one in the commercial area that speak English either), but all the installation disks have Product Keys that seem specific to the country I bought them in and only work on one PC. It would obviously get very expensive if I ended up having to not only an English language operating system, but all the Application Software for three PCs, and in the case of the two Spanish PCs effectively twice over

Anyone any ideas
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

Once you purchase another license (Product Key), you may install
Windows XP on another computer using the same CD but using the
new Product Key.

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).

To access the License Agreement on your XP computer, go to:

Start > Run and type: WINVER , and hit enter.

Then click on "End-User License Agreement".

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

The End-User License Agreement states quite clearly:

"You may install, use, access, display and run one copy
of the Software on a single computer...."

You can install one (1) copy of Windows XP on one (1) computer.
Additional installations requires additional licenses (Product Keys)
for each installation on a different computer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Product Activation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302878&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

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

HOW TO: Use Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293118&Product=winxp

Cables That Are Compatible with Direct Cable Connection
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310576&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305621&Product=winxp

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

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

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


|I bought a new PC in Spain last year. I asked if I could have Windows XP installed in English, but was told
it was 'illegal'. After a lot of enquiries. I have found that I need to buy a new version of Windows XP
deinstall and re-install. I have just bought a second PC for my wife and kids and ordered an English version
of Windows XP Home to install.
|
| -Can I install it on both machines or am I going to have to buy two copies of Windows XP?
| -Am I going to be able to transfer files etc. on my existing Spanish version PC to the new one without
getting software conflicts etc. as a backup while I reformat the first machine.
|
| I am also going to the UK this week and am going to buy a laptop - to make sure I get English software and a
laptop. I am unclear, however, on whether I can use the various different MS application software packages
(Word, Works, Office etc.) across the different PCs. I called Microsoft Support here in Spain and they said
that I could (as far as I understood them as they only speak Spanish and tell me there is no one in the
commercial area that speak English either), but all the installation disks have Product Keys that seem
specific to the country I bought them in and only work on one PC. It would obviously get very expensive if I
ended up having to not only an English language operating system, but all the Application Software for three
PCs, and in the case of the two Spanish PCs effectively twice over.
|
| Anyone any ideas?
|
 
G

Guest

Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply. Unfortunately I am still stumped

I understand from your first point that I need to somehow acquire a separate licence (Product key) for each PC

1. Does this mean that I need to buy a separate licence of the English version for each PC, or once I have the English version CD, or could I use the Product keys that relate to the OEM Spanish versions of Windows XP Home that I acquired when I bought the PCs? If so, how do I find them

I also followed the various links that you sent

I found tha

2. The lin
Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Product Activatio
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302878&Product=winx

led to a page which could only really be exited through a link to 'Microsoft Licencing', where my seach for 'Language: English', 'Region: Spain' revealed no matches

3. The lin

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

Lead me through a menu that told me t
"Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Activate Windows
Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.

Unfortunately I could not find "Activate Windows" in the Spanish version of Systems Tools. Otherwise it told me that someone could only purchase a second licence for the retail version of Windows XP if called a number which was only accessible to customers based in the US

4. The lin

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Editio
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.as

Led me to a site for where I could purchase through Microsoft's retail partners only in the US & Canada

5. The links for transferring files and setting up direct cable connections looked very useful for when I backup files, but I still not clear on your answer to my original question which was whether I will have any software conflicts related to having files created in the different languages version of Windows XP and other installed software, eg. on the software for my broadband (ADSL) connection router will stil work, etc. etc

6. Finally, I was still not clear on your answer on MS Applications software. Can I use the same licences across multiple machines, provided that I am just a home user

Finall
7. If you are unable to answer any of these questions, can you provide the contact details of a representative of Microsoft (preferably, but not necessarily, who can speak English) here in Spain to sort this out

Thanks for being so helpful. Just looking at this bulletin board I saw 5 or 6 enquiries related to foreign nationals buying PCs with in Spain with Spanish software, (which is hardly surprising given we make up 8 million of a Spain's population of 38 million), so I guess there will be a lot of interest in your answers. It stills seems strange that when I press on my Spanish version of Windows XP for support I come to this bulletin board which is all in English, but I cannot get English versions of the software or access to Support in English from an American company like Microsoft, just because I live in Spain

Regard

PeterT
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

Each Product Key is language specific. In other words, a Product Key
for a Spanish version of Windows XP will only work with the Spanish
Windows XP installation CD. One cannot use a Spanish Product Key
with an English version Windows XP CD and vice versa. And each
installation of Windows XP, installed on a different computer, requires
its own Product Key, otherwise Product Activation will fail and you'll
be in violation of the End-Users License Agreement.

Cannot Upgrade or Install a Different Language Version of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;282089

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

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

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


| Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply. Unfortunately I am still stumped.
|
| I understand from your first point that I need to somehow acquire a separate licence (Product key) for each
PC.
|
| 1. Does this mean that I need to buy a separate licence of the English version for each PC, or once I have
the English version CD, or could I use the Product keys that relate to the OEM Spanish versions of Windows XP
Home that I acquired when I bought the PCs? If so, how do I find them?
|
| I also followed the various links that you sent.
|
| I found that
|
| 2. The link
| Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Product Activation
| http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302878&Product=winxp
|
| led to a page which could only really be exited through a link to 'Microsoft Licencing', where my seach for
'Language: English', 'Region: Spain' revealed no matches.
|
| 3. The link
|
| HOW TO: Change the Product Key at the Time of Activation
| http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&Product=winxp
|
| Lead me through a menu that told me to
| "Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Activate
Windows.
| Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next."
|
| Unfortunately I could not find "Activate Windows" in the Spanish version of Systems Tools. Otherwise it told
me that someone could only purchase a second licence for the retail version of Windows XP if called a number
which was only accessible to customers based in the US.
|
| 4. The link
|
| Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition
| http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp
|
| Led me to a site for where I could purchase through Microsoft's retail partners only in the US & Canada.
|
| 5. The links for transferring files and setting up direct cable connections looked very useful for when I
backup files, but I still not clear on your answer to my original question which was whether I will have any
software conflicts related to having files created in the different languages version of Windows XP and other
installed software, eg. on the software for my broadband (ADSL) connection router will stil work, etc. etc.
|
| 6. Finally, I was still not clear on your answer on MS Applications software. Can I use the same licences
across multiple machines, provided that I am just a home user?
|
| Finally
| 7. If you are unable to answer any of these questions, can you provide the contact details of a
representative of Microsoft (preferably, but not necessarily, who can speak English) here in Spain to sort
this out.
|
| Thanks for being so helpful. Just looking at this bulletin board I saw 5 or 6 enquiries related to foreign
nationals buying PCs with in Spain with Spanish software, (which is hardly surprising given we make up 8
million of a Spain's population of 38 million), so I guess there will be a lot of interest in your answers. It
stills seems strange that when I press on my Spanish version of Windows XP for support I come to this bulletin
board which is all in English, but I cannot get English versions of the software or access to Support in
English from an American company like Microsoft, just because I live in Spain.
|
| Regards
|
| PeterT
 
B

Bruce Chambers

Greetings --

You can use a single retail CD for multiple installations, as long
as you've purchased an additional license for each computer beyond the
one already licensed.

As it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating
systems, it's necessary (to be in compliance with the EULA, if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which
it is installed. 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

You can, however, buy additional licenses, assuming you have 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:



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

Bruce Chambers

Greetings --

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 CDs cannot be mixed & matched.


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
 
G

Guest

Thanks Bruce. The links are again for US sites. Hopefully I will find I get a rejected credit card etc., three quarters through installation and after I have de-installed the Spanish version

I'll keep you posted of my progress when the English Full Version software arrives.
 
G

Guest

Thanks Carey. I could argue the case that we are confusing the concept of 'licence' (ie. permission to use) and 'product key' the technical means of registration, but I'll leave that to the lawyers

If it seems that I am making a big deal about this, bear in mind a 'Full Version' Windows Home XP costs US$ 300 to US$ 350 in UK/Spain, Works around US$ 200 and Microsoft Office over US$ 700 (as a point of comparison Windows XP Home costs only US$ 199 through Microsoft in the US and presumably less through resellers). Start multiplying that up across three machines and it gets expensive, especially if it doesn't work after all that expense and effort

Does Microsoft have any plans to rationalise this eg. allow 'trade-in' of unused product keys, or modify OEM versions in the future to just give the user a simple language option on installation?
 
G

Guest

Hi Bruce and Carrie

Sorry to be so long getting back but the step 1 of the plan you recommended has not gone smoothly. When I last wrote I had just bought my new PC (my third). The Microsoft Support line in Spain had said to re-install in English buying any boxed Windows XP version would be OK, but the retailer in Spain had advised to get the English software shipped from England to be on the safe side. Most UK retailers that sell over the internet won't ship overseas, but eventually I got Amazon UK to send a copy (note: this was £165 c.US$ 300. While in the UK I did locate a discount retailer who would sell licences for half that price - but finding them wasn't easy - they were located in the basement of a Bangledeshi hardware store in South London!)

I have just got the new PC back from the retailer - the installation took 5 weeks- making a wait of 7 weeks in total. They told me that the manufacturer (Compaq) had serious problems changing over the different hardware drivers from English to Spanish versions. They said though that the thought the problem was specific to the Compaq computers. I have to say I would advise newsgroup readers to think carefully about buying a Compaq desktop in Spain if they want English software, after this experience.

I thought I would take a break from PC headaches before attempting an upgrade to English Windows XP of the other PC (the second of my 4, I am not going to bother with the first an older PII). However, I did buy a laptop (PC no.4) in the UK installed with Windows XP Professional. I see from the Tour of Windows XP Professional that XP Pro "is world-ready with multilanguage support. Select among 24 languages a very useful feature if your company spans the glode, with multilingual employees who use different languages but share the same computers.

Would it have been easier and cheaper to upgrade PC no. 3 from Windows XP Home to Windows XP Pro? And is that the best solution for PC no.2? The Spanish retailer advised me against it, but the Microsoft Tour seems pretty upfront in promising this would work. I have tried looking on the specifics on changing language in the Windows XP Pro Help and support but it does not go into much detail. Is Windows XP Pro a better answer

PS. I'll let you know if PC no. 3 works OK from here on in.
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

The Multilingual User Interface (MUI) Pack is only available from
authorized Microsoft resellers and will only work with the English
version of Windows XP Professional.

Windows XP Multilingual User Interface FAQ
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/DrIntl/faqs/MUIFaq.mspx#MUIques1

One cannot upgrade a particular language version of Windows XP
to another language version. In your case, you'll need a "Full English
Version" of Windows XP Professional and proceed with a "clean install".

Cannot Upgrade or Install a Different Language Version of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;282089

Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

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

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

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


| Hi Bruce and Carrie,
|
| Sorry to be so long getting back but the step 1 of the plan you recommended has not gone smoothly. When I
last wrote I had just bought my new PC (my third). The Microsoft Support line in Spain had said to re-install
in English buying any boxed Windows XP version would be OK, but the retailer in Spain had advised to get the
English software shipped from England to be on the safe side. Most UK retailers that sell over the internet
won't ship overseas, but eventually I got Amazon UK to send a copy (note: this was £165 c.US$ 300. While in
the UK I did locate a discount retailer who would sell licences for half that price - but finding them wasn't
easy - they were located in the basement of a Bangledeshi hardware store in South London!).
|
| I have just got the new PC back from the retailer - the installation took 5 weeks- making a wait of 7 weeks
in total. They told me that the manufacturer (Compaq) had serious problems changing over the different
hardware drivers from English to Spanish versions. They said though that the thought the problem was specific
to the Compaq computers. I have to say I would advise newsgroup readers to think carefully about buying a
Compaq desktop in Spain if they want English software, after this experience.
|
| I thought I would take a break from PC headaches before attempting an upgrade to English Windows XP of the
other PC (the second of my 4, I am not going to bother with the first an older PII). However, I did buy a
laptop (PC no.4) in the UK installed with Windows XP Professional. I see from the Tour of Windows XP
Professional that XP Pro "is world-ready with multilanguage support. Select among 24 languages a very useful
feature if your company spans the glode, with multilingual employees who use different languages but share the
same computers."
|
| Would it have been easier and cheaper to upgrade PC no. 3 from Windows XP Home to Windows XP Pro? And is
that the best solution for PC no.2? The Spanish retailer advised me against it, but the Microsoft Tour seems
pretty upfront in promising this would work. I have tried looking on the specifics on changing language in the
Windows XP Pro Help and support but it does not go into much detail. Is Windows XP Pro a better answer?
|
| PS. I'll let you know if PC no. 3 works OK from here on in.
 

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