user license

[Cyndi]

My friend's son was given an old laptop with an outdated
version of Windows (98 I think). Would it be illegal to
use the families' licensed version of XP pro to update
the laptop? Or, do they need to buy a new user license?
I told him I'd look into it, but I can't find that info
on the Microsoft site.

Thank you,
Cyndi

 

[Yves Leclerc]

One License can only be used on one PC at a time. This was always with any
Windows version. Depending if you XP Pro is a retail kit, you could call
Microsoft to buy a second license. However, it may turn out to be faster,
and cheaper (sometimes), to buy another XP Pro kit.

 

[Henry]

That laptop probably doesn't have enough strong hardware to support Xp
anyway.....

 

[HillBillyBuddhist]

One License can only be used on one PC at a time. This was always with any
Windows version. Depending if you XP Pro is a retail kit, you could call
Microsoft to buy a second license. However, it may turn out to be faster,
and cheaper (sometimes), to buy another XP Pro kit.

I would add that it would be wise to do some homework before you purchase
another copy of XP.

Upgrading a laptop to an operating system other than that for which it was
built *can* be problematic. Laptops are highly proprietary and if XP drivers
are not available for some of the components finding alternatives can be
much more difficult than it would be for a desktop. At the very least run
the Upgrade advisor. (found on your current copy of XP and ok to use on the
laptop) Better seek out forums or newsgroups that deal with your particular
model of laptop and see if others have been successful.

The Newsgroup comp.sys.laptops has some very knowledgeable regulars. The
laptop manufacturers Web site may have a peer to peer forum.

I'm not saying that it can't or shouldn't be done it would just be a shame
to spend $200.00 to find out you can't get it to work.

--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details.

Remove shoes to E-mail.

 

[CS]

That laptop probably doesn't have enough strong hardware to support Xp
anyway.....

How strong does the hardware have to be Henry? Would the ability for
the hardware to lift 40 lbs be strong enough?

 

[Michael Stevens]

I would add that it would be wise to do some homework before you purchase
another copy of XP.

Upgrading a laptop to an operating system other than that for which it was
built *can* be problematic. Laptops are highly proprietary and if XP
drivers
are not available for some of the components finding alternatives can be
much more difficult than it would be for a desktop. At the very least run
the Upgrade advisor. (found on your current copy of XP and ok to use on
the
laptop) Better seek out forums or newsgroups that deal with your
particular
model of laptop and see if others have been successful.

The Newsgroup comp.sys.laptops has some very knowledgeable regulars. The
laptop manufacturers Web site may have a peer to peer forum.

I'm not saying that it can't or shouldn't be done it would just be a shame
to spend $200.00 to find out you can't get it to work.

--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details.

Remove shoes to E-mail.

Very good advice HBB.
Upgrading any system that didn't ship with XP at this point is a losing
proposition in my opinion.
New systems can be purchased with specifications more than double for little
more than the cost of the XP upgrade and the software and hardware upgrades
necessary to do a minimal upgrade.
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm