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Hi.
I was just wondering, I have a desktop PC with Windows Xp Home (still have the cd, etc, came when i bought the pc), well... Is it legal for me to also install the same copy onto another computer/laptop that I own?
Both computers are for private home use. Any answers greatly appreciated. Do many people do this?
Recently I was corrected on this:
You are allowed to transfer Xp to a different computer and use it upto 3 times... but you are not allowed to use itat the same time on different machines.
If you do want to transfer then you must call Microsoft, state your reason, and have the registration cancelled on the existing computer.
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Michael
" still have the cd, etc, came when i bought the pc..."
If your CD is a Manufacturer's 'Recovery' CD then you won't be able to Install onto a different Computer - the CD will only work on the Computer it came with....
...also - Microsoft will only support Retail Versions of the OS
Lesley
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You will also find that either the activation will fail, though I have known copies to be activated with no problem after a certain time period from the original install - it's something like 4 months. Or you will have problems when trying to download updates. Legally speaking you cannot use the same copy of XP, using the same CD Key, on 2 systems at the same time - apart from the small 'grace' period as mentioned by 'Door' - this is the whole point of the Product Activation system introduced by MS and Symantec.
"I know that I'm mad - I've always been mad..."
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Lesley, you stated:
"...also - Microsoft will only support Retail Versions of the OS"This is not true. I have OEM XP HOME installed on 3 computers I have built my self with 3 diferent COA's and have had no problems Activating them through Microsoft.
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JPW
There's a difference between an OEM Version and a Manufacture's 'Recovery' CD Version
The OEM Version does have to be Activated in the normal way but MS will not give Tech Support to either an OEM Version or a Pre-Installed Version
The Pre-Installed Versions are usually Activated by the Vendor before Shipping and are 'tied' to the BIOS of that particular Computer - hence will not work on any other Computer
Lesley
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OMG we're overlapping each other - not a PLM - hey its Saturday here in cloudy/raining NYC
i_XpUser
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That's a excellent link XpUser, it will clear up a lot of misunderstanding of what is what.
Iligitimi non carborundum est
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