USing XP on multiple systems

[StraightPipe]

can I install one copy of XP Home onto multiple PC's? they are both my pc's.

I heard something about not registering it after 6 months makes it shut down ubtil you register?

is that true?

can I register both? or just one?

is it legal?

 

[Mucho]

It would shutdown in 30 days unless you registered it.

 

[StraightPipe]

I guess I can't register both under my name?

 

[woodie1]

Originally posted by: StraightPipe
can I install one copy of XP Home onto multiple PC's? they are both my pc's.

I heard something about not registering it after 6 months makes it shut down ubtil you register?

is that true?

can I register both? or just one?

is it legal?

AFAIK you never have to register but you do have 30 days to activate XP. Also, I think the only way you can use one copy on two machines is if one is a desktop and note a notebook.

 

[bsobel]

AFAIK you never have to register but you do have 30 days to activate XP. Also, I think the only way you can use one copy on two machines is if one is a desktop and note a notebook.

Your refering to certain Office licenses, NOT xp.

Bill

 

[FUBAR]

If you read the license I am 99.99% sure it says you have the right to use this software one and only one computer

Not a whole lot of confusion can be gotten from that.

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: FUBAR
If you read the license I am 99.99% sure it says you have the right to use this software one and only one computer

Not a whole lot of confusion can be gotten from that.

"one and only one computer", well one and one do make two........

 

[wjsulliv]

First:
Several microsoft products have a liscense that basically states that the software can be installed on one stationary device (desktop workstation) and one mobile device (laptop). For sure this includes any non OS software (I.e. Office, Visio, Visual Studio, Project, Front Page, etc).

What I don't know is if OS's are on that list, but for other software, that is correct.

Second:
It was my belief that you had a certain number of activations before microsoft asked any questions (like 2 or 3) and then after like a year that number reset?

Ofcourse included in that 2 or 3 activations are re-activations due to hardware changes...

But if you had a couple of laptops (where the hardware never changes) I don't know why you couldn't install it on two?

 

[bsobel]

But if you had a couple of laptops (where the hardware never changes) I don't know why you couldn't install it on two?

Because it is against the license, and you'd be stealing. Sheesh.

Bill

 

[StraightPipe]

Originally posted by: FUBAR
If you read the license I am 99.99% sure it says you have the right to use this software one and only one computer

Not a whole lot of confusion can be gotten from that.

license aggreement? who ever reads that shit?

I guess the answer is 1 desktop, 1 notebook legally

or maybe can get away w/ 2-3 illegally

Attention Micorsoft Gestapo: I'm not going to set up on more than 1 PC.

 

[rbV5]

I guess the answer is 1 desktop, 1 notebook legally

No, 1 desktop or 1 notebook..not both.

 

[bsobel]

I guess the answer is 1 desktop, 1 notebook legally

No thats not the answer. The answer is one system unless you have a different agreement with MS.
Bill

 

[jfunk]

As far as MS asking you questions after a few re-activations (why are you reactivatiing, etc...), don't worry about it. Just say "none of your business", and they say "ok".



j

 

[EeyoreX]

The short answer, just to be clear, is:

One computer.
Period.

A little explanation though,

IF you install the same copy of Windows XP on two computers, you will only be able to activate the OS on one of them. After 30 days, the computer with the "un-activated" Windows will not be usable until you do activate it, only one computer can be activated per Windows XP license key. To use Windows XP on multiple systems, you need to purchase multiple copies of the OS.

\Dan

 

[YRLSEngr]

For the record, I buy all the software that I use.

I've had a number of hardware and network problems with my XP Pro box in the past week, which has forced me to pull all my cards several times, repaor the OS, and eventually reformat and do a clean install. As I changed the hardware configuration, I was asked to re-activate on 4 separate occasions, which eventually sent me to microsoft.com looking for an explaination on what triggers activation. There's lots of information there, and including this FAQ:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/mpafaq.asp

Bottom line is that if you change your LAN card, reformat your hard drive, or change 3 or more of the 10 hardware properties that XP looks for, you will have to reactivate. As someone that changes their hardware configuration alot, this is going to be a nuisance.

In theory, as long as the OS is only on one machine at a time, Microsoft will continue re-activating you indefinitely. They were very courteous with me over the past week as I activated several times, but I'm wonderiong if at some point they give you a hard time about it and question whether you have the OS installed in more than one machine. Is there anyone out there that changes their hardware frequently and has been given a hard time by Microsoft on product activation?

Kit

 

[bsobel]

Bottom line is that if you change your LAN card, reformat your hard drive, or change 3 or more of the 10 hardware properties that XP looks for, you will have to reactivate. As someone that changes their hardware configuration alot, this is going to be a nuisance.

Its actually not quite that simple, but thats a close description.

In theory, as long as the OS is only on one machine at a time, Microsoft will continue re-activating you indefinitely. They were very courteous with me over the past week as I activated several times, but I'm wonderiong if at some point they give you a hard time about it and question whether you have the OS installed in more than one machine. Is there anyone out there that changes their hardware frequently and has been given a hard time by Microsoft on product activation?

I've never had a problem. However they will give you a hassle if different people keep calling in to activate the same pid, the main goal is to keep someone from sharing the product with a bunch of their closest friends.

Bill