WinXP Pro SP2 Full Retail Box

[jvi]

Hi,

I've been given this Original version of WinXP Pro SP2 Full Retail boxed.
I was told I might be able to instal the OS on a desktop as well as a
notebook.
Is that true? How can I verify, I haven't installed anything yet.

Thanks
jvi

 

[JS]

It's one for one, two installs on different computers no legal.

JS

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I've been given this Original version of WinXP Pro SP2 Full Retail
boxed. I was told I might be able to instal the OS on a desktop as
well as a notebook.
Is that true? How can I verify, I haven't installed anything yet.

You were told wrong. The rule is quite clear. It's one copy (or one license)
for each computer.

There's nothing new here. This is exactly the same rule that's been in
effect on every version of Windows starting with Windows 3.1. The only thing
new with XP is that there's now an enforcement mechanism.

If yours is a retail version, not an OEM one, you can buy extra licenses
(see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp). But it's
not generally a good deal. The problem is that Microsoft sells additional
licenses at only a small savings over the list price. You're almost
certainly better off just buying a complete second copy from a discount
source.

However note that some version of Microsoft *Office* permit installing on a
desktop and laptop.

 

[Pennywise]

Hi,

I've been given this Original version of WinXP Pro SP2 Full Retail boxed.
I was told I might be able to instal the OS on a desktop as well as a
notebook.
Is that true? How can I verify, I haven't installed anything yet.

FWIW: Windows XP EULA in Plain English
http://linuxadvocate.org/articles.php?p=1

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi,

I've been given this Original version of WinXP Pro SP2 Full Retail boxed.
I was told I might be able to instal the OS on a desktop as well as a
notebook.
Is that true? How can I verify, I haven't installed anything yet.

Thanks
jvi

You were "told" wrong.

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

Some Microsoft _application_ EULAs permit the licensed owner to install
the product upon one desktop and one portable computer simultaneously,
but this has *never* been true of *any* of Microsoft's operating
systems' licenses.


--

Bruce Chambers

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safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell

 

[jvi]

Some Microsoft _application_ EULAs permit the licensed owner to install
the product upon one desktop and one portable computer simultaneously, but
this has *never* been true of *any* of Microsoft's operating systems'
licenses.

Ok guys thank you for you replies. Point is clear now


cheers
jvi