XP Pro Licensing question

[vilasman]

I have my XP Laptop and the Wife's S10 laptop and a dell desktop... all of which have what looks like an XP license number
I have a couple of XP install CD's
I dont think any of them are the retail version

Can I use the computers XP serial number to install XP on these computers?

[archer6]

I have my XP Laptop and the Wife's S10 laptop and a dell desktop... all of which have what looks like an XP license number
I have a couple of XP install CD's
I dont think any of them are the retail version

Can I use the computers XP serial number to install XP on these computers?

Here is the info you need straight from Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/wind ... laylang=en

Cheers...

[GomJabbar]

If you have an OEM version of a Windows XP install disk, you can use the Product Key from the laptop with that OEM disk. You will have to activate after installation. At least this is my limited experience. You would of course only use one unique Product Key with each installation. A full retail or upgrade retail Windows XP disk will not work with the Product Key from the laptop.

AFAIK, the service pack level does not matter - but I could be wrong.

[A31]

You may only use OEM and Retail keys on one computer, and you have to activate the OEM and Retail keys - some goes for Microsoft Office.

For your XP key(s), you'll need an OEM disc to install XP from - like GomJabber said, a retail or upgrade edition of XP Pro won't work with your OEM key.

[BruisedQuasar]

Just checking to see if I understand what is being said here. If a person has two PCs and each PC has a Windows (let's say) legit XP Pro sticker with a key code and each came with XP Pro installed by the PC manufacturer. The PC makers did not supply the owner with reinstall disks, so the user may not buy one retail XP Pro or OEM disc, use it to reinstall XP Pro on both machines and activate the installs by entry of the the key from each PC?

Does this mean MS will shut down the two PCs from an online site, or does it mean MS claims to do so violates licensing?

If MS will shut down or lock down the O/S that is like GM saying if the transmission in your GM Car self-destructs or gets a wrench thrown into it and you replace it with a transmission from a junked Ford, the engine will permanently seize --because we own patents on the transmission and we don't permit such nonsense.

--Bruised

[Neil]

Bruised, I don't think you understand the EULA correctly. As long as you have a valid license for each machine, whether it's attached to the machine or attached to the retail media, you will be able to activate the the install with that number. But, you won't be able to activate the same license number on multiple machines.

[GomJabbar]

See the "Windows Licensing" sticky at the top of this forum.

[Neil]

Doh! Gotta get more familiar with sticky content...

[BruisedQuasar]

I'm trying to get clarity for some people. Many people think each PC has one COA and you must buy a retail version for each machine, if you do not have a recovery CD.

If the product number is not completely readable anymore on the PC, is the only solution buy a new retail CD- just to get a Product key? What is to stop a person from getting and using the product key from a broken PC that will no longer be used?

[craigmontHunter]

I'm trying to get clarity for some people. Many people think each PC has one COA and you must buy a retail version for each machine, if you do not have a recovery CD.

If the product number is not completely readable anymore on the PC, is the only solution buy a new retail CD- just to get a Product key? What is to stop a person from getting and using the product key from a broken PC that will no longer be used?

Nothing is stopping them, you can use a IBM key on a dell, but you need to activate it. If there is the SLP software in the bios, there is a key that you can use that will not need to be activated, but if you use it on another system, it will not activate.

I generally try to get the keys from the same manufacturer.