XP Quick Question

[swartzism]

I'm having an argument with my dad. He thinks that since he bought XP Home, he is able to install it on any computer in the home, but I'm pretty sure that once it's installed on one computer, it's licensed to that computer and cannot be legally installed and used on any other computer. He thinks the tech support at Microsoft will give him the CD key so he can do this, but I doubt they'll take his word that he's not going to continue using it on another computer. Who is right here?

[Lara RR]

"Home" refers to the features of that software as compared to other versions, such as "Professional":
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...n/compare.mspx

Here is the official Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (Retail) End-User License Agreement (EULA):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx

1.1 Installation and use. You may install, use, access, display and run one copy of the Software on a single computer, such as a workstation, terminal or other device ("Workstation Computer"). The Software may not be used by more than one processor at any one time on any single Workstation Computer.

I would suggest reading the agreement in its entirely and contact Microsoft directly if you have any questions.

I seem to recall some controversy about whether, "The Software may not be used by more than one processor at any one time on any single Workstation Computer.", meant one was permitted to install it on a workstation (i.e., at home) and a laptop (i.e., for travel) provided that both PCs were not being used at the same time (i.e., one machine was turned off).

[jeffhirk]

For xp home edition, i noticed that once you keep registering xp online, you cant register it anymore after a few times with the cdkey. Basically, you cant use the os anymore since you have to register it/activate it. I used to format the computer a lot and I didn't know that. :/ It was a while back so i am not 100% sure about it. I know for a fact though that xp pro you dont have to register/activate the os. You can install it as many times as you want and dont have to worry about the cdkey being deactivated.

[Zeex]

Any "as a matter of fact" asnwer here? I got the same question actually.

[missythng]

Originally Posted by jeffhirk

For xp home edition, i noticed that once you keep registering xp online, you cant register it anymore after a few times with the cdkey. Basically, you cant use the os anymore since you have to register it/activate it. I used to format the computer a lot and I didn't know that. :/ It was a while back so i am not 100% sure about it. I know for a fact though that xp pro you dont have to register/activate the os. You can install it as many times as you want and dont have to worry about the cdkey being deactivated.

That's just not true about XP Pro. You do have to register and validate the o/s just like XP Home or any other Windows product.

XP is for 1 computer - period. If you change a key component, like the CPU, Motherboard or do a reformat/change your HDD you will have to activate your copy of windows again. And you do only get 2, maybe 3 times if you're lucky before you have to call them to get activated again. Of course, YMMV

The only way anyone can use the same XP cd is if you're a builder and have a special license - and a special o/s CD.

[phillypa800]

yes, one license, one computer per the EULA. however, my two WINXPHOME32BIT CD version was made before micro$oft started their validation tool through website activation, and CDKEY. i've re-installed my OS about 6 times with no issues. i guess it varies with the version that you have. mine was made back in 2000.