what happens if i install windows xp professional on my roomates computer?

[fouzilogic]

or how many configurations can you have with this new os? did they implement this yet? or am i jsut out of the loop.........


thanks

 

[Mitzi]

Is it a boxed, retail version you've bought? If so, you'll be able to install it okay but you'll have problems when it comes to activating it with Microsoft because it would of already been activated for another machine.

If its an OEM copy you've recieved with a new computer I don't think you'll be able to install it as they are not the full product, just restore disks which are tied to the original OEM machine.

 

[Mitzi]

Double post...again.

 

[bacillus]

<< If its an OEM copy you've recieved with a new computer I don't think you'll be able to install it as they are not the full product, just restore disks which are tied to the original OEM machine >>


hmm, just being pedantic here but you can get an OEM copy of XP!
the restore disk will have OS & any necessary drivers/programs for the original system.

 

[Mitzi]

<< hmm, just being pedantic here but you can get an OEM copy of XP!
the restore disk will have OS & any necessary drivers/programs for the original system. >>



Thats true, I forgot about that Don't these OEM copies also need activating same as the retail version though?

Either way, if the copy has already been activated on another machine you won't be able to install it on your mates machine (unless you had the hacked corporate version, but thats a whole other story).

 

[Derango]

The only version of XP that dosen't require activation is any of the Corporate Versions. All others require you to activate your OS.

 

[Slogun]

Microsft keeps records on product activation for 90 days, after which you can theoretically (but not legally-ethically) install it on another machine.

 

[Lord Evermore]

Where did you hear they keep records for only 90 days? Seems that would essentially defeat the purpose entirely of using activation. Not like it's going to suck up too much disk space or something.



<< what happens if i install windows xp professional on my roomates computer? >>



You go to hell and have to live with a version of Bill Gates who was NOT successful in computers and resents the one that was successful, and listen to him rant about it forever.

 

[Slogun]

Yea, it's been reported in various computer columns and forums. You can reinstall XP on anything you want and activate after 90 days. Activation that records your computer's config only lasts for 90 days. As mentioned, still not ok to do according to licensing agreement.

This has to do with the way windows keeps track of hardware changes, requiring reactivation following certain hardware upgrades. Microsoft softened that policy somewhat by only keeping track of hardware changes for a 3 month period. After 3 months (90 days) the "slate is wiped clean" on a record of the hardware configuration/changes leading to the ability to reinstall XP where and on what you wish.

 

[bacillus]

<< Activation that records your computer's config only lasts for 90 days >>


actually, the rollover period is 120 days!

 

[Slogun]

I'll take your word for it and stand corrected, 90 vs 120 days, but you've apparently heard of this also...

 

[KouklatheCat]

Lord Evermore......LOL

Just the threat of spending eternity in hell with Bill Gates is enough to make me be legit......LOL

 

[Lord Evermore]

Are you sure that it's MICROSOFT that gets rid of records after 90 days or 120 days, or is it that your installation of WinXP won't crap out if you change hardware after 120 days? Meaning that on day 121 you swap the motherboard and processor, XP won't prompt you to reactivate, but if you tried to install on another machine and activate, Microsoft would still have records for your particular copy of XP rather than just saying "okay, we've never heard of this ID number before". I just can't imagine that MS would simply throw away (or pretend to) the records showing that you have already activated your copy of XP. No amount of "softening" of the activation terms would seem to require that they do that. It would make more sense that only YOUR installation of XP stops caring about it.