Michael said:
I was given XP Professional Upgrade 2002 for xmas. I have a desktop and a
laptop at home. Upon reading the leaflets that came with the software, one
paragraph says that you have to activate XP and it locks that disc to your
computer. A few paragraphs down there's a question about installing on
multiple computers. The reply in the leaflet was that you have to be an
administrator to install on multiple computers.
What gives here? It's very misleading in one paragraph to say one thing and
then contradict it a few paragraphs later.
Can't speak to whatever these "leaflets" say; there wasn't any such
thing included with my copy of WinXP Pro Upgrade. But, it has been
years since I purchased it, so I've no way of knowing how the packaging
and enclosures may have changed since then.
Can I install the upgrade on both
computers?
You 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.
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
Also, what if something happens to my computer and I have to rebuild it,
like replace the harddrive, does that mean I have to buy the software again?
No, of course not. 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.
In fact, as you have a retail license for WinXP Pro, you can even
remove it from the first computer on which you install it, and then
transfer it to an entirely new computer, if you like.
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
--
Bruce Chambers
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