Re: XP end of retail as of June 30th 2008

[bbosen]

I got so disgusted with Vista that I switched to PcLinuxOS last year, supplemented it with CEDEGA for AH1 and AH2, and I haven't looked back since.


-Peabody-

[DREDIOCK]

How many computers can you currently install XP on per purchise?

I know on Windows upgrade I've been able to install it on 3 seperate hard drives on two seperate machines

[Krusty]

1 key per computer. The one asterisk is the EULA says you can store one "backup copy" on a laptop but not quite the same as installing the same copy on every machine you have.

[Ack-Ack]

How many computers can you currently install XP on per purchise?

I know on Windows upgrade I've been able to install it on 3 seperate hard drives on two seperate machines

Think Microsoft has changed that stance.  Think only OEM versions are limited to one key per computer but retail no longer has that limitation.   I've used my retail copy of XP to install it on multiple computers.


ack-ack

[NHawk]

Ahem...

XP Home (Retail) Eula:

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.

1.5 Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of the Software on a storage device, such as a network server, used only to install or run the Software on your other Workstation Computers over an internal network; however, you must acquire and dedicate an additional license for each separate Workstation Computer on or from which the Software is installed, used, accessed, displayed or run.

13. SOFTWARE TRANSFER.  You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer.

XP Pro (Retail) Eula:

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 two (2) processors at any one time on any single Workstation Computer.

1.5 Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of the Software on a storage device, such as a network server, used only to install or run the Software on your other Workstation Computers over an internal network; however, you must acquire and dedicate an additional license for each separate Workstation Computer on or from which the Software is installed, used, accessed, displayed or run.

14. SOFTWARE TRANSFER. You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer.

[Motherland]

What happens if you try to install it on more than one computer? Will it simply not work? Can Microsoft take legal action against you? Or is it just a rule they put out that they won't actually enforce, they're just trying to put a damper on installing one disc on several computers?

[715]

Are dual or quad core CPUs considered multiple "processors"?  If so does that mean XP Home can't be used on Core 2 Duo and XP Pro can't be used on Core 2 Quad?

[BaldEagl]

What happens if you try to install it on more than one computer? Will it simply not work? Can Microsoft take legal action against you? Or is it just a rule they put out that they won't actually enforce, they're just trying to put a damper on installing one disc on several computers?

When you go to windows update it verifys your OS.  I've heard you can get by by saying that you moved it to a different system or upgraded major components (this is how they verify that it's on the same system) but they still try to restrict muliple installs.  I've also heard on the third install it won't work until you call MS to get them to unlock it for you.

[Ack-Ack]

When you go to windows update it verifys your OS.  I've heard you can get by by saying that you moved it to a different system or upgraded major components (this is how they verify that it's on the same system) but they still try to restrict muliple installs.  I've also heard on the third install it won't work until you call MS to get them to unlock it for you.

I've never been restricted on installing XP on multiple machines, just finish building my newest gaming machine over the weekend and used the same XP reg key that I've used on over half a dozen other machines. 

ack-ack

[Max]

What happens if you try to install it on more than one computer? Will it simply not work? Can Microsoft take legal action against you?

IIRC functional operation of the OS software is dependent on activation of the product key, which is done via internet or by phone. Once MS has a record of activation, the key is rendered invalid for further installations with the possible exception of a replacement computer.

[BaldEagl]

I've never been restricted on installing XP on multiple machines, just finish building my newest gaming machine over the weekend and used the same XP reg key that I've used on over half a dozen other machines. 

ack-ack

I think that has something to do with how old your copy of XP is.

[Ack-Ack]

I think that has something to do with how old your copy of XP is.

It's at least 5+ years, got it when they released the SP2 version of XP.


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[OOZ662]

I heard that when you validate your copy of Windows, the key is locked for 6 months and if installed on a different hardware configuration, you won't be able to use Windows Update or download any "Microsoft Genuine Software" without contacting them and telling them you upgraded components, at which point the first machine becomes "invalid." After 6 months, the record is dumped from their servers and you can install it on another machine.

However, I believe this happens each time you Validate; I've had to do it three times on this install.

[humble]

Your legally entitled to use 1 copy of software per license. you can move it as needed to a new machine. As a general rule you'll get 3 installs per license before you need to actually talk to a service rep. Obviously if your using the same key repeatedly eventually you'll run into trouble but for normal use your fine.

[Ack-Ack]

Your legally entitled to use 1 copy of software per license. you can move it as needed to a new machine. As a general rule you'll get 3 installs per license before you need to actually talk to a service rep. Obviously if your using the same key repeatedly eventually you'll run into trouble but for normal use your fine.

I've never had to call Microsoft and talk to a service rep to have XP validated because I have it installed on more than 3 machines.  The 4 machines I have all use the same XP key as does the system I built for my girlfriend and the two machines I built for my parents.  I've also used the same XP key to reinstall XP on my brother's machine and on a couple of my sister's machines.  After each install of XP, I've been prompted only to authenticate over the Intardnet and each time I've done so, it has authenticated XP each time successfully.

I heard that when you validate your copy of Windows, the key is locked for 6 months and if installed on a different hardware configuration, you won't be able to use Windows Update or download any "Microsoft Genuine Software" without contacting them and telling them you upgraded components, at which point the first machine becomes "invalid." After 6 months, the record is dumped from their servers and you can install it on another machine.

However, I believe this happens each time you Validate; I've had to do it three times on this install.

I built my machine, my girlfriend's machine and my parent's machines all within the last 4 months using the same XP key (I'm also using the same XP CD) and never was "locked" out nor wasn't able to update or download any "Microsoft Genuine Software".

And no, I am not using a pirate key or CD copy of XP.  It's the same CD I bought 5+ years ago with the authentication key it came with.


ack-ack