WinXP orginal CD can be used for multiple PC?

[Guest]

Hi,

I just bought a new PC with WinXP prof edition recently. Now my old one's
operation system is not working anymore, and I could not find a recover CD
with it. It is possible I could install WinXP Prof. version (combine with the
new PC)? I heard that WinXP Prof. only can be installed on one PC because of
the registration. Is it right?

 

[Gordon]

Hi,

I just bought a new PC with WinXP prof edition recently. Now my old
one's operation system is not working anymore, and I could not find a
recover CD with it. It is possible I could install WinXP Prof.
version (combine with the new PC)? I heard that WinXP Prof. only can
be installed on one PC because of the registration. Is it right?

If you already have a licence for XP on the old pc, yes. As long as the
versions are EXACTLY the same. If however they are bios-locked to the
machine then you can't.

 

[Eric]

According to the license you may install Windows only on one PC. If you
destroy the old PC (or sell it with a cleared HD to someone else) you may
install Windows on the new PC. If it is a Windows OEM-version then this
might only work and be legal with the PC you bought. In case you reinstall
Windows on a new PC you need to re-activate it. Perhaps you need to call
Microsoft and tell them what you have done in case activation doesn't work
right away.
If you need to reinstall Windows on the same PC and you had Windows
pre-installed, then you need the recover CD. Some manufacturers don't give
you the recover CD together with the PC and you have to order it (for free).
If this is the case, ask your manufacturer or dealer where you bought it.
I hope I understood your problem correctly. If not, please ask again.

Eric

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The preinstalled OEM version of Windows XP is only
licensed for use on the computer it came with. You
may not install it on a different computer.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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

"Wen" wrote:

| Hi,
|
| I just bought a new PC with WinXP prof edition recently. Now my old one's
| operation system is not working anymore, and I could not find a recover CD
| with it. It is possible I could install WinXP Prof. version (combine with the
| new PC)? I heard that WinXP Prof. only can be installed on one PC because of
| the registration. Is it right?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi,

I just bought a new PC with WinXP prof edition recently. Now my old one's
operation system is not working anymore, and I could not find a recover CD
with it.

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact the computer's
manufacturer.

It is possible I could install WinXP Prof. version (combine with the
new PC)?

No, it isn't. Based on your description, you have an OEM licenses for
WinXP on your new computer. An OEM version must be sold with a
non-peripheral piece of hardware (normally a motherboard or hard rive,
if not an entire PC) and is _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which
it's installed. An OEM license, once installed, is not legitimately
transferable to another computer under _any_ circumstances.

I heard that WinXP Prof. only can be installed on one PC because of
the registration. Is it right?

Yes, but not because of "registration."

You need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on
which you install it. (As long as you have multiple identical licenses,
it doesn't matter if you use the same CD for the installations, as long
as you use a different license each time.)

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

 

[Gordon]

The preinstalled OEM version of Windows XP is only
licensed for use on the computer it came with. You
may not install it on a different computer.

But you CAN use the CD if you use the product key that came WITH that
computer, and if the versions are exactly the same.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

But you CAN use the CD if you use the product key that came WITH that
computer, and if the versions are exactly the same.

Only if it's an unbranded, generic OEM CD. BIOS-locked OEM CDs
wouldn't work.


--

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

 

[Gordon]

Only if it's an unbranded, generic OEM CD. BIOS-locked OEM CDs
wouldn't work.

I know. I said that in my response to the OP!