Win XP Pro Liscense question

[Guest]

I bought XP Pro full install for 200.00 when it first came out. I have had
to re-install several times on the same computer since then and I beleive the
last time I installed it, I got a message about me installing it so many
times that it assigned a new registration code to it. My question is two
fold.,

1. I f I re-install, will it automatically know what the new number is if I
use the one that is printed on that label on the book that came with it?

2. I just bought the materials to build a new system from scratch, can I
use the the same CD to install XP Pro on it? Does the liscence allow for
more than one computer install? You would figure for 200.00 bucks they would
allow up to 3 computers. Can I simply purchase another liscence so I can use
the same disk?

 

[Len Segal]

1. No, each install requires that you type in the code again. I don't know
if the original PK will work and suspect this might have a lot to do with
how long it has been since you last installed it.

2. If you read the EULA that you had to agree to on each install, you will
note that 1 License = 1 Computer! OS is always limited to one computer/copy
regardless of whose OS that you use (assuming it is not Freeware OS).,

2a. If you only paid $200.00 for XP Pro Full, what you purchased was the OEM
copy and that is NOT transferable once it is installed on the first computer
that it was originally installed on. Only the Retail versions are
transferable (still 1 copy = 1 computer, but you can uninstall it and
re-install it on another computer). XP Pro Upgrade cost ~$200.00 and I
suspect that the Full copy cost $300.00.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

When you reinstall Windows XP, you'll have to use the
original 25-character Product Key. It will not "recognize"
the new activation code. If you cannot activate via the internet,
then you'll have to use the "activate by phone" method to obtain
a new activation code.

You'll also need to purchase a new copy of Windows XP for
your new computer. Each copy of Windows XP can only
be licensed for use on just one computer.

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

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

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

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

:

| I bought XP Pro full install for 200.00 when it first came out. I have had
| to re-install several times on the same computer since then and I beleive the
| last time I installed it, I got a message about me installing it so many
| times that it assigned a new registration code to it. My question is two
| fold.,
|
| 1. I f I re-install, will it automatically know what the new number is if I
| use the one that is printed on that label on the book that came with it?
|
| 2. I just bought the materials to build a new system from scratch, can I
| use the the same CD to install XP Pro on it? Does the liscence allow for
| more than one computer install? You would figure for 200.00 bucks they would
| allow up to 3 computers. Can I simply purchase another liscence so I can use
| the same disk?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I bought XP Pro full install for 200.00 when it first came out. I have had
to re-install several times on the same computer since then and I beleive the
last time I installed it, I got a message about me installing it so many
times that it assigned a new registration code to it. My question is two
fold.,

1. I f I re-install, will it automatically know what the new number is if I
use the one that is printed on that label on the book that came with it?

There's no limit to the number of times you can reinstall and
activate the same WinXP license on the same PC. Nor is there ever a
charge. Nor does a Product Key (so long as it's not an evaluation
license) ever expire. If it's been more than 120 days since you last
activated that specific Product Key, you'll most likely be able to
activate via the Internet without problem. If it's been less, you
might have to make a 5 minute phone call.

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

2. I just bought the materials to build a new system from scratch, can I
use the the same CD to install XP Pro on it? Does the liscence allow for
more than one computer install? You would figure for 200.00 bucks they would
allow up to 3 computers. Can I simply purchase another liscence so I can use
the same disk?

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.

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.

You can 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