XP Licenses

Okay. This is a simple question, with a simple answer. But I'm second guessing myself:

Let's say I have 2 computers running XP, but I only have one copy of XP on CD. That's b/c my second computer came with XP on it but didn't have a CD for it. If I wanted to format my second computer, could I use the disc I used on my other computer PROVIDED I use the serial # on the XP tag on my second computer?

I've heard different answers from equally reputable people...does anyone know for sure? Does each copy of XP have it's own electronic serial number burned into the CD?

 

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go xp pro and here's a license:

KMTTB-68H32-8MKRK-GBHKT-RKCP6

 

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this let's u install service pack 1

 

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Sorry, that's not what I asked

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I don't have XP Pro and I don't feel like DLing burning it. Can someone just please tell me if my old copy of XP will install it on my new comp as long as I have another XP license for my new comp?

 

I'm pretty sure that you can infact do this. Hell, I was actually able to install a single cd and key on 2 computers. I did this by having it installed on one computer and simply calling a representitive (gives the number when trying to register). I told them that I had a new computer and that I had uninstalled it on my first computer and now wanted to install it on my new computer. You generate some number that tells them it is truly a windows xp cd and then read it off to them. They then read off some long number which activates your account. You're only allowed to reactivate them so often though, and if you do it a lot they will catch on and no longer let you go about it through this method. Currently both computers are operational with a single windows xp cd and key. And no this was not a corporate copy.

 

What AmanAmoeba said is exactly what you do. I did the same thing for Office when I wanted to install it b/c of a bunch of formats my harddrive went through. But your case, Nebula, I would think they'll give you a new key because you legally purchased a computer with XP on it. In the future, if you have a friend or relative in college, ask them if they can get free software...my brother recieved XP Pro with an unlimited license from his college.

 

They wouldn't give you the disc huh? I would sue that company for all they're worth...or at least send them threatening letters/emails.

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Well, the guy explained to me that he has a burnt copy of XP that he puts on all the used computers, and then just enters the serial # that's on the XP Sticker on each computer. It must work then, b/c the version of XP he gave me activated fine.

 

and you activated it over the net right? Then it must be either some kind of magic cracked copy or some kind of master disk. It is impossible to activate more than two computers over the internet using the same license, unless it is cracked, in which case you can't install SP1 from the MS Updates.....and you said you could do that fine. SO either it has unlimited licenses attached to that CD, which is stupid since it's burned, or it is some very odd cracked version.

 

I believe he just has a corporate cd key. There are still some out there that have not been banned by MS so they can still be updated. Although they are a bit harder to find since they banned all the commonly used ones a long while ago. Also I don't believe the lisences are attatched to the cd as you can use corporate cd keys on any burned copy of windows xp pro.

 

question: Is MS Office protected the same way as xp? (call in registration)?

 

Yes. Office has the same activation as XP. You can either call it in or activate it on-line.

 

He's reinstalling XP on the same computer and using the key it was activated with originally. He just isn't using the same install CD. This ain't rocket science guys. Same PC, same serial number = works. He is using his new CD to install it on an OLD COMPUTER using his OLD SERIAL. He isn't using a corporate cd or installing the same serial on two machines. He has two serials and he's installing with the correct serial on the one it was activated with before.

 

I agree. Simple question, simple answer - Assuming ALL Windows CDs are identical. Are they? What if one computer has an Update version? , FOR NEW COMPUTERS ONLY?, etc?, etc?

I think you have to find out if the 2 versions are identical.

 

Well what he had told me over MSN messenger was a bit different than what he posted here...and I didn't really look over his post that well. He didn't mention in his message on MSN that he had a second key. Anyways...my bad.

 

Didn't mean to come off all high and mighty. I was in a bit of a bad mood yesterday and it just seemed that this thread was a lot of talk about nothing. My apoligies if I offended anyone by being so harsh.