Could it be that Microsoft is so convinced there anti piracy scheme works so well that they fail to check their XP activation database for multiple installations using the same WinXP CD-ROM?

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This is the Official line on it http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302806 I think roddy may be right - you can purchase a second Licence but I thought that was only if you were going to put it onto your own Laptop as well as your Desktop BOB - unless all the Computers are absolutely identical Hardware-wise then you must be lucky! Lesley

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Upgrades rely on a previous Windows Installation

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x86 For the Installation yes a previous Version is necessary but are you saying that after Installation the Upgrade Version of XP doesn't have to be Activated? I'm asking out of curiosity as I have the Full version and Guardian - the original Poster - will need to know this Lesley

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Here is my two bits worth regarding activation. I recently replaced 7 computers for a client. All of the original 7 had XP pro loaded. Since we had the software we loaded it on the new computers. (formatted all 7 old computers). I fully expected to have to call Microsoft about all 7 machines being as all of the hardware has been changed. That is what activation is based on is it not? Guess what. All seven computer activated over the internet the first try. I am still wondering what activation is all about as it didn't work up to par in this instance.

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Just throwing this out... some of you may be confusing activation with registration. Activation is when Windows scans your computer and generates a unique ID which is then submitted to Microsoft, along with your product key. When you do this via the Internet, as far as I've ever seen, it will NOT let you use the same product key for multiple installations. Registration is an optional part of Windows installation that just registers your information with Microsoft so they have it when you have trouble, and when they sell their mailing list. There is a version of Windows XP known as Corporate Edition, which will allow you to install without activating. This is used by large companies where activating 10,000 computers would be such a problem that nobody would upgrade from Win2000 to XP. As far as I know, there isn't a way to find out if you have Corporate Edition except to install it and see if you have to activate.

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Dr Nick, I suspect most users on this board can differentiate between the WinXP Activation and the WinXP Registration process.

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What we haven't mentioned is the fact that the XP Corporate Edition does not have to be Activated Also the fact that If XP comes Pre-Installed with an OEM Version on a 'Brand' Computer like Dell or HP etc then they are usually Activated by the Vendor prior to Delivery Guardian - the original Poster - doesn't say what sort of Computer he has and whether his XP CD is Retail - Full or Upgrade etc - or whether he just has a Vendor's 'Recovery' CD Even with a Pre-Installed Version they are usually 'tied' to that particular Computer - unless things have changed recently? Lesley

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Lesley, you made a good point. I have forgotten to tell the specific os. I have Windows XP Home Edition FULL version. I built this computer. But was Roddy57 correct that if you call microsoft they'll give another activation number? (as long as it is home used only?) It sounds too good to be true if you ask me.

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Guardian I'm not sure if Roddy is correct and I may have been mistaken about the second Licence for a Laptop anyway - I think now that that relates to Ms Office How some people manage to Install XP on more than one Computer and use it for more than 30 Days without Activating I don't know! However - read this - it's all explained more comprehensibly..... Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Product Activation..... http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302878#4a Lesley

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Guardian I think this is the most relevant bit from the above KB Article... " Windows XP can only be installed on a single computer. A new license is required if you install and activate the product on a different computer " I think you can purchase a second LICENCE which is cheaper than purchasing a second CD You'll just have to phone Microsoft to make absolutely certain - I understand they don't bite! Lesley

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