new machine Vista -> XP, lil' TP story for ya

[charlienyc]

i'm expecting a new machine in the next few days and am planning on making a set of recovery disks very early on, then downgrading (really upgrading) to Win XP. i heard a rumor today i never heard before: XP licenses extend to two machines. so, say i have an A31 with an XP COA sticker ('cause i do) and want to use that key for the new confuser. can i just do that?

btw, if you're thinking you automatically get an XP key with Vista Business, well i understand that's true. i probably would've ordered VB instead of VHP had i known that last week!

still, i can't wait for my new TP. we've come a long way from that "stinkpad" 701CS i borrowed from a friend (his terminology, btw) when my Aptiva took a dive back in '99! i remember opening it up, seeing the expanding full size keyboard and thinking, "that's the mouse???" i'll never get used to this thing!!! i fell in love with the little orange stick and have hated trackpads ever since...

[bill bolton]

so, say i have an A31 with an XP COA sticker ('cause i do) and want to use that key for the new confuser. can i just do that?

No. The COA sticker on your A31 is for an OEM licence and basically, you can only legally use it on the original system the COA is attached to.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[sglaser]

The boxed retail version of XP permits installing on two machines before you have to call Microsoft and plead your case.

The OEM version of XP is licensed for is single machine.

[charlienyc]

thanks guys!

anyone selling a legal XP key?