Windows XP Activation Code Purchse.

[jphudy]

So, I have decided that I want to buy XP home, but I would like to get it as cheap as possible. My mother in law sent me her OEM XP home disc. I see that I can buy an activation code only from various vendors. So, if I use the OEM XP home disc and the purchased activation code, will XP work for me? Will I be able to register the copy and everything?

This seems so strange to me. I understand that if i purchase the code, they will send me nothing other than some 20 digit bunch of letters. What if I put the code in and MSoft says that it is already registered? What do you do then? It is amazing to me how MSoft can make $60+ a pop just for the code.

Anyway, does anybody have experience with this?

[thronka]

Purchase the activation code? Thats illegal. You can however, purchase the CD KEY license.

[jphudy]

Well, I think that is what I mean.

For instance,

http://www.aircup.com/.sc/ms/dd/1059...--COA%2520ONLY

[Bill in SD, CA]

http://www.9software.com/shopdisplay...asp?Search=Yes

Bill

[John Prophet]

also http://www.saveateagle.com/micwinxphomo.html

I have never heard of aircup, but i have ordered from saveateagle and also number9 with good results.

Originally posted by Bill in SD, CA
http://www.9software.com/shopdisplay...asp?Search=Yes

Bill

i believe there was two threads about not using 9 software.

[jphudy]

Ok, so I assume that people have actually purchased XP without ever getting an install disc?

[Shawn711]

I believe the COA's without install disks are for system builders who instead of including a actual Windows XP install disk with the system, include a system restore disk instead similar to what the Compaqs, Toshibas, Gateways, etc. used to come with...... (I say used to because not sure who still does it, I know HP has went to just having system restore on seperate partition of hard drive without a cd for recovery............stupid IMO, but whole different topic ) but I would think it would work the way you are intending it to use it, seems like it would be legal all, as the main thing would be that the key code would be unique to your system.

Shawn

[Gait_Keeper]

I was always under the impression that if you had a Xp disk and Purchased a COA you could install it on another machine,

I have 5 machines so if I wanted to install XP on another machine I just have to buy the COA and use my existing disk.

is that right?

[teengeek88]

wait i dont understand how it would work because isnt the CD KEy tied to the CD specifically?