XP Home Edition Product Activation Woes

[Guest]

I've been in an IT support role for awhile, but since I normally use volume
licensed software, was just shocked that I couldn't activate my son's XP Home
that I just loaded on a computer I put together for him. I currently have it
loaded on three other computers in my house, but with three boys, my wife and
myself, he needed his own!
Does Microsoft expect me to purchase new software for each computer in my
house, or is it true that they can extend the number of uses out beyond the
standard? If so, how do I go about getting his computer activated? I'm
trying to do the right thing, and want my 8 year old on XP, but don't want to
pay for something again that I already have loaded. After all the years I've
loved Microsoft, this one really sucks! Please advise.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Windows XP requires an individual license (Product Key) for
each installation on a different computer. Therefore, you will
need to purchase a new license for each additional installation
of Windows XP. However, you can use the same Windows XP
CD to install with a new Product Key.

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

How To Change the Product Key at the Time of Activation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&Product=winxp

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

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

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:

| I've been in an IT support role for awhile, but since I normally use volume
| licensed software, was just shocked that I couldn't activate my son's XP Home
| that I just loaded on a computer I put together for him. I currently have it
| loaded on three other computers in my house, but with three boys, my wife and
| myself, he needed his own!
| Does Microsoft expect me to purchase new software for each computer in my
| house, or is it true that they can extend the number of uses out beyond the
| standard? If so, how do I go about getting his computer activated? I'm
| trying to do the right thing, and want my 8 year old on XP, but don't want to
| pay for something again that I already have loaded. After all the years I've
| loved Microsoft, this one really sucks! Please advise.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I've been in an IT support role for awhile, but since I normally use volume
licensed software, was just shocked that I couldn't activate my son's XP Home
that I just loaded on a computer I put together for him. I currently have it
loaded on three other computers in my house, but with three boys, my wife and
myself, he needed his own!
Does Microsoft expect me to purchase new software for each computer in my
house, or is it true that they can extend the number of uses out beyond the
standard? If so, how do I go about getting his computer activated? I'm
trying to do the right thing, and want my 8 year old on XP, but don't want to
pay for something again that I already have loaded. After all the years I've
loved Microsoft, this one really sucks! Please advise.

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.

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

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both at once. - RAH

 

[Gilbert Baron]

Sorry, but yes. You must have a separate copy for each computer.

This sounds like a troll for a crack. It is impossible to believe that
you did not know that, a computer pro ? Really now?

 

[Guest]

First of all, thanks for the reply, but I was tired when I wrote it and after
reading later, saw that I was rambling...so sorry for that. As for not
knowing the "DEAL", I did, but had heard rumors that Microsoft was relaxing
some for families and was even allowing more installs than the original "one"
and I was trying to confirm. I don't spend much time dealing with home or
individual licensed software (other than bundled) since I'm busy
administering corporate level support to over 1200 systems for the
government. "REALLY NOW". After researching it a bit further, I found the
rumor not to be true and that the only relaxing was the 120 day "clean slate"
rule, which doesn't help my current situation anyway. So off I go shopping
for the best XP deal, no biggy.

Secondly, I was trying to get the straight poop from the community and was
put off by your alluding to me "trolling for a crack". If I wanted to do
that, I wouldn't be doing it on a Microsoft discussion thread! Duh?! Get
over yourself and put out your burning stake Joan! Microsoft endorsements
aside, I still appreciate all the replies. Seems kinda silly now, but wanted
to know THE TRUTH before I went out to purchase again.

Enlightened-Dad