How many licenses with XP Pro?

[Jand3rson]

I ordered a new laptop a few days ago, and when it arrives, I'm reformatting and installing XP Pro (not a fan of Vista). I have an OEM licensed (to me) copy of XP Pro SP2, and currently have it installed on my current machine.

My question is, when the new lappy comes, can I install it again onto the new laptop while it's still installed on this computer?

I called Microsoft Tech Support, and the guy told me that he's pretty sure you can install it on 2 machines with the license I have, but he transfered me over to Licensing to make sure, and it was after their hours there. Does anyone know if he was correct? I'm sure people have installed one copy on more than one machine.

[ivo316]

According to what I know, it's ONE license for ONE machine, (that's the legal thinghy), A customer of mine got sued by microsoft, and was forced to pay a fine and purchase 5 copies of XP and office with their reespective license.

Now, you can install another machine with your windows, but the validation utility may or may not notice, according to rumors, windows will generate a string of code with your serial and your processor serial number and use that to identify your copy of windows on their website.

I have installed pirated windows for my customers (under their request and responsability), and update will work on two machines once in a while, but seldom (I have seen it work three times out of more than 100).

Sorry, that's all i know about it.

There is a way to avoid the Genuine advantage thing though ;)

I don't endorse piracy, but I could send you the instructions on how to remove the "Pirated star" if it appears, (It still is piracy, even if your windows "looks" legal) but making a pirated windows able to update is an unreliable process, it works sometimes, but not always.

Regarding this process, i know how to do it also, but as i said, it may work for some time, but microsoft will notice eventually.:neutral:

[MoparJ]

Just know that if you install pirated Microsoft products for customers (even at their request) and an MS rep finds out, they will fine you and strip your certs for life. I've heard of them going into random companies and checking the networks for software validity...

[mudflaps]

i could get you a product key, but if microsoft comes a knockin on my door, i have no clue who you are.

[Jand3rson]

I'll probably just pick up another copy from Achtung for $50.

[benDASHDASH]

I'd give Vista a chance unless you plan on gaming.. on the laptop..

I recently formatted the prebloated copy of Vista that came with my laptop and installed it fresh. It runs much better and works perfect for my needs.

[AndrewBird]

As long as you have a real copy, not a burnt pirated one, it will install fine. Then just call tech support and give them the code XP generates for you. They'll give you a new activation key and you're all set.

I just did this with my mom's laptop and I've done it several times before.

[benDASHDASH]

As long as you have a real copy, not a burnt pirated one, it will install fine. Then just call tech support and give them the code XP generates for you. They'll give you a new activation key and you're all set.

I just did this with my mom's laptop and I've done it several times before.

Besides it being unethical and no online support or updates

[James Crivellone]

I recently formatted the prebloated copy of Vista that came with my laptop and installed it fresh. It runs much better and works perfect for my needs.

Good Man!, Runs a lot better huh?

[BimmerTom]

*Technically*, an OEM license sticks with the machine - that is why they put the license key on the actual machine itself, not on the CD sleeve (like the box version of XP you can buy). You can't transfer that license to another machine

We have open licensing here at work, we backdate all of our Vista machines to XP. Since we buy the machines with a Vista OEM license and we have Open versions of the OS, we can backdate easily and ride off the OEM license.

I wouldn't think backdating your Vista to XP would be a big deal, just install XP and if it requires you to validate, call up Microsoft.... You'll get the code.

Tom

[Jand3rson]

I'd give Vista a chance unless you plan on gaming.. on the laptop..

I recently formatted the prebloated copy of Vista that came with my laptop and installed it fresh. It runs much better and works perfect for my needs.

But won't the Vista CD that the laptop comes with be already loaded with all of Dell's bloatware? Wouldn't I just be reinstalling all that crap, or is it 2 different CD's? One with all of Dell's recovery bullshit, and one that's just Vista?

[JGood]

But won't the Vista CD that the laptop comes with be already loaded with all of Dell's bloatware? Wouldn't I just be reinstalling all that crap, or is it 2 different CD's? One with all of Dell's recovery bullshit, and one that's just Vista?

Every Dell machine I've ever got has only come with a full recovery disk that loads it the way it comes from the factory. If it's possible to just extract the OS from that, I'd like to know how as well...

[Ryan Stewart]

FTR Dell disks will only install on dell machines, there is a bios check that bypasses registration. My experience with Dell CDs is they dont install with the bloatware, but I only deal with their business line. I have yet to install from an inspiron disk (I have supported inspirons but we have a XP site liscence).

Josh, you can install windows on 3 seperate machines before you get the "your shit got jacked!" message. When it runs the validation tool it creates a hardware ID for the machine. They allow you to change it because it would be stupid to lock each copy to a machine.

If you get the "your shit was jacked" message just call microshaft and tell them you got a new computer and are transferring XP to the new machine. They will give you a new key.

However, you must be certain the that the OEM copy is actually tagged to you. Often they belong to dell or whomever built the machine.

[benDASHDASH]

My Acer came with a Vista upgrade CD to help MS sell a more expensive copy of Windows. All I have to do is pop the CD in, choose which version I'd like, pay, and install. This disc comes with every version of Vista to choose from. However, if you are already licensed to a particular version of Vista (my lappie came with Home Premium), you may use the CD to install that version with your CD Key (below the laptop). This CD is direct from Microsoft and contains no bloatware. In my case, I was able to format and install a fresh copy of Home Premium with the disc.

The above CD is contrary to a hidden partition on most new computers that allows one to reinstall the manufacturer-branded version of Windows, along with all the unwanted utilities and other bloated material.

It is my guess that every new computer with Vista will come with the Upgrade CD.

[Jscotty]

According to the information that I have, Microsoft honors "backward" licensing where if you have purchased the latest version of their software, you are also licensed to use earlier versions provided that its the only version on the machine. So in your case you can legally install XP on your laptop provided that you are not dual-booting with Vista. If you completely erase Vista from the machine, you can legally install XP.