I am looking to upgrade to windows xp professional from windows me. I will install it onto a formatted hard drive so i need the full version. The thing i am unsure about is, is it possible to install a second hand version of Windows XP? Does each version have to be registered and once registered can it be installed on another system? Help would be much appreciated..thanks

When you say 'second hand' do you mean it was installed on a previous - now defunct system, in which case you may be able to talk MS into activating it, or do you mean it is still installed on another, working, system in which case that's not ok & MS won't activate it. You're mixing the idea of registration & activation.

thanks for quick reply, i mean second hand as in they don't use it any more and i want to buy it off them and use it on my pc. With them using their own new operating system..thanks

Software is only licensed for you to use not sold to you so there is no question of a second hand software. It is a single user license meaning it is non transferable except in commercial use where the ownership of the business changes hands along with hardwares and softwares installed under license to the company name.

RajanUrs, You need to read the EULA. It specificly states you can transfer it once to a thrid pary. Here's what it says. TRANSFER-Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include all component parts, media, printed materials, this EULA, and if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity. The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product.

The simple answer is yes it can be installed when you have bought it and they no longer use it, but you will have to phone MS to activate it after explaining who you bought it from, because it will already be activated to the other PC.

In addition to Trev's response. If you install the OS on the new computer and is still activated by the other owner of the OS, Microsoft will think it is Pirated, so you wouldn't be able to use the Windows Update feature... But, if they are selling the OS disc to you for retail price of a new Windows ME OS, then I'd go out and buy a retail copy. That way you know it's not activated yet. Just my opinion.