Windows XP on another computer

[TestudoAubreii]

Greetings,

This is kind of a wierd question, I think. Can you install one copy of Windows XP on multiple computers. I thought I'd ask before I went out and bought another Windows XP disc. I have an older computer with Windows XP already installed on it. I recently purchased another one but it did not have an o/s on it. I figured I could just install my previous version onto this computer, so I did. It works fine, except that message I keep getting that states that I have 30 days to register if I want to keep windows running. I've tried entering my product code, but it tells me it is incorrect and I know that it is correct. I would be eternally greatful for any and all help.

Thanks,
morrisonicus

[spartan_phalanx]

I had a similar scenario with Vista when I updated my motherboard bios. It should give you the option to phone it in, from there you go through an automated process of entering the code over the phone. It will likely still come up as invalid, but you will be forward to a Microsoft activation support person. Tell them that your reformatting your hard drive and need to activate it (or something along those lines). They will walk you through it.

It usually takes 10-15 minutes but beats buying a new os.

[TestudoAubreii]

I had a similar scenario with Vista when I updated my motherboard bios. It should give you the option to phone it in, from there you go through an automated process of entering the code over the phone. It will likely still come up as invalid, but you will be forward to a Microsoft activation support person. Tell them that your reformatting your hard drive and need to activate it (or something along those lines). They will walk you through it.

It usually takes 10-15 minutes but beats buying a new os.

Thanks for the response. I've been reading up a bit on line and I don't know if it is legal to have one copy on multiple computers. I don't know, I'll probably have to suck it up and purchase a new os. Thanks again.

[Erik]

You aren't allowed to install windows XP on more than two PC's at once.
But if you remove it from your old computer, and install it on your new computer, then it's allowed. (this isn't allowed with Vista, btw, with Vista you have to buy a new copy after every major hardware update)

You do need to inform Microsoft that you migrated your copy of Windows XP to a new computer, so they can validate the new installation and disable the old one.

If you don't validate your installation it will still work (apart from the annoying messages), but you won't be able to receive updates.

[TestudoAubreii]

You aren't allowed to install windows XP on more than two PC's at once.
But if you remove it from your old computer, and install it on your new computer, then it's allowed. (this isn't allowed with Vista, btw, with Vista you have to buy a new copy after every major hardware update)

You do need to inform Microsoft that you migrated your copy of Windows XP to a new computer, so they can validate the new installation and disable the old one.

If you don't validate your installation it will still work (apart from the annoying messages), but you won't be able to receive updates.

Thank you for your response, Erik. Well, I have XP working right now but I keep receiving a message stating that XP will expire in 30 days if I do not activate. Let me see if I understand you correctly, and please let me know if I have not. I do not have to activate XP and the only thing that will do is disable my system from receiveing updates? If that is the case, I don't care about receiving updates because all I do is use XP for playing MTWII, which I already have installed and it works fine. Wow, that would be great. I have a PC that I use for the internet and school work, but as stated before it is the same XP disc. Thank you again.

morrisonicus