Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

March 3, 2008

Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the same

disc onto my PC at work and at home?

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

"Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the same

> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD - PROVIDED

that you have a separate Windows Licence for each installation - in other

words if you have ONE licence only, then you can ONLY install on ONE

machine...

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

=?Utf-8?B?QmFsdGltb3Jvbg==?= <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com>

crashed Echelon writing

news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com:

> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the

> same disc onto my PC at work and at home?

No, not without a volume license.

--

Bjarke Andersen

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Gordon wrote:

> "Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the same

>> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>

> You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD - PROVIDED

> that you have a separate Windows Licence for each installation - in other

> words if you have ONE licence only, then you can ONLY install on ONE

> machine...

>

You mean "may", not "can".

That's one of the good things about Ubuntu, no restrictions like

Microsoft, no WPA, no WGA. Get it at http://www.ubuntu.com

Alias

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

"Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP?

One, with the exceptions described below.

> Can I load the same

> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

You can use the same disc but not the same license key. You will need a

second license key for the second install. You can buy a key only, but

that isn't a lot cheaper and it's not a bad idea to have two copies of the

CD if you have two systems in different locations.

The issue is activation. When you attempt to activate the second system

with the same key, activation will fail and not too long afterwards (at most

30 days) Windows will cease to function.

The exceptions to this are some OEM versions that are pre-activated, but

those tend to check for a signature in the BIOS, so you can't installl a

Dell version on an HP system; and the Volume License version. VL installs

use the same disc and the same key, and do not require activation. Volume

Licensing is available starting at five licenses or "seats".

VL price savings aren't large at low numbers of seats; the savings are in

time and appearwhen a large number of systems have to have XP installed, in

that unattended installs or images can be used and activation isn't needed.

HTH

-pk

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

"Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message news:fqgjee$6ro$2@aioe.org...

> Gordon wrote:

>> "Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

>>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the

>>> same

>>> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>>

>> You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD -

>> PROVIDED that you have a separate Windows Licence for each installation -

>> in other words if you have ONE licence only, then you can ONLY install on

>> ONE machine...

>

> You mean "may", not "can".

Nope, "can" is perfectly apposite in this scenario - the licence has nothing

to do with the physical media...

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

"Bjarke Andersen" <bjarke.andersen@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:Xns9A56735C03F15bjoegdk@207.46.248.16...

> =?Utf-8?B?QmFsdGltb3Jvbg==?= <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com>

> crashed Echelon writing

> news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com:

>

>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the

>> same disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>

> No, not without a volume license.

>

Doesn't need a volume licence specifically - just a separate licence for

each machine.

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

"Gordon" <gbplinux@gmail.com.invalid> crashed Echelon writing

news:6322uhF258mr8U1@mid.individual.net:

> Doesn't need a volume licence specifically - just a separate licence for

> each machine.

In those terms yes, but I understood OP as he would like to you use the

same license on several PCs.

--

Bjarke Andersen

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Gordon wrote:

> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message news:fqgjee$6ro$2@aioe.org...

>> Gordon wrote:

>>> "Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>>> news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

>>>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the

>>>> same

>>>> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>>>

>>> You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD -

>>> PROVIDED that you have a separate Windows Licence for each installation -

>>> in other words if you have ONE licence only, then you can ONLY install on

>>> ONE machine...

>> You mean "may", not "can".

>

> Nope, "can" is perfectly apposite in this scenario - the licence has nothing

> to do with the physical media...

>

OK, conceded. What I was saying is you can install XP on as many

computers as you like with the same license if you activate them 120

days apart and only use Auto Update and never allow WGA to download.

Alias

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

That is out of compliance with the EULA. The 120 days may apply to

activation over the internet, but the license is clear enough that

installation is one machine at a time.

"Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message news:fqgug0$c4a$1@aioe.org...

> Gordon wrote:

>> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

>> news:fqgjee$6ro$2@aioe.org...

>>> Gordon wrote:

>>>> "Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>>>> news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

>>>>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the

>>>>> same

>>>>> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>>>>

>>>> You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD -

>>>> PROVIDED that you have a separate Windows Licence for each

>>>> installation - in other words if you have ONE licence only, then you

>>>> can ONLY install on ONE machine...

>>> You mean "may", not "can".

>>

>> Nope, "can" is perfectly apposite in this scenario - the licence has

>> nothing to do with the physical media...

>

> OK, conceded. What I was saying is you can install XP on as many computers

> as you like with the same license if you activate them 120 days apart and

> only use Auto Update and never allow WGA to download.

>

> Alias

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

He can purchase additional licenses from MS. He can also purchase a volume

license, but purchasing additional licenses is not necessarily volume

licensing.

"Bjarke Andersen" <bjarke.andersen@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:Xns9A567FCBA4F0Ebjoegdk@207.46.248.16...

> "Gordon" <gbplinux@gmail.com.invalid> crashed Echelon writing

> news:6322uhF258mr8U1@mid.individual.net:

>

>> Doesn't need a volume licence specifically - just a separate licence for

>> each machine.

>

> In those terms yes, but I understood OP as he would like to you use the

> same license on several PCs.

>

> --

> Bjarke Andersen

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Colin Barnhorst wrote:

> That is out of compliance with the EULA.

Hence the difference between "can" and "may".

> The 120 days may apply to

> activation over the internet, but the license is clear enough that

> installation is one machine at a time.

Yep, clear as day. Course, if MS ever grows the balls to sue someone for

breaching the scam called an EULA, we'll now what's what but, so far,

they haven't the balls.

Alias

>

> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

> news:fqgug0$c4a$1@aioe.org...

>> Gordon wrote:

>>> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

>>> news:fqgjee$6ro$2@aioe.org...

>>>> Gordon wrote:

>>>>> "Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in

>>>>> message news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

>>>>>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load

>>>>>> the same

>>>>>> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>>>>>

>>>>> You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD -

>>>>> PROVIDED that you have a separate Windows Licence for each

>>>>> installation - in other words if you have ONE licence only, then

>>>>> you can ONLY install on ONE machine...

>>>> You mean "may", not "can".

>>>

>>> Nope, "can" is perfectly apposite in this scenario - the licence has

>>> nothing to do with the physical media...

>>

>> OK, conceded. What I was saying is you can install XP on as many

>> computers as you like with the same license if you activate them 120

>> days apart and only use Auto Update and never allow WGA to download.

>>

>> Alias

>

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

They sue the pirates (who facilitate violation of the EULA by others) but

use education and persuasion with end user casual copiers.

"Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message news:fqh0nn$koa$2@aioe.org...

> Colin Barnhorst wrote:

>> That is out of compliance with the EULA.

>

> Hence the difference between "can" and "may".

>

>> The 120 days may apply to activation over the internet, but the license

>> is clear enough that installation is one machine at a time.

>

> Yep, clear as day. Course, if MS ever grows the balls to sue someone for

> breaching the scam called an EULA, we'll now what's what but, so far, they

> haven't the balls.

>

> Alias

>>

>> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

>> news:fqgug0$c4a$1@aioe.org...

>>> Gordon wrote:

>>>> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

>>>> news:fqgjee$6ro$2@aioe.org...

>>>>> Gordon wrote:

>>>>>> "Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>>>>>> news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

>>>>>>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load

>>>>>>> the same

>>>>>>> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>>>>>>

>>>>>> You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD -

>>>>>> PROVIDED that you have a separate Windows Licence for each

>>>>>> installation - in other words if you have ONE licence only, then you

>>>>>> can ONLY install on ONE machine...

>>>>> You mean "may", not "can".

>>>>

>>>> Nope, "can" is perfectly apposite in this scenario - the licence has

>>>> nothing to do with the physical media...

>>>

>>> OK, conceded. What I was saying is you can install XP on as many

>>> computers as you like with the same license if you activate them 120

>>> days apart and only use Auto Update and never allow WGA to download.

>>>

>>> Alias

>>

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Colin Barnhorst wrote:

> They sue the pirates (who facilitate violation of the EULA by others)

That's not what we're talking about.

> but use education and persuasion with end user casual copiers.

Break-dancing with the back pedal two step, are ya? No one has been

taken to court for violating an EULA. The reason is that the EULA is so

unconscionable that MS knows it will be thrown out of court. Instead, MS

instituted the famous WPA and WGA which only inconvenience paying

customers and do nothing to stem piracy. It will be their downfall and

MS will join the ranks of AOL, Enron and the rest.

Alias

>

> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

> news:fqh0nn$koa$2@aioe.org...

>> Colin Barnhorst wrote:

>>> That is out of compliance with the EULA.

>>

>> Hence the difference between "can" and "may".

>>

>>> The 120 days may apply to activation over the internet, but the

>>> license is clear enough that installation is one machine at a time.

>>

>> Yep, clear as day. Course, if MS ever grows the balls to sue someone

>> for breaching the scam called an EULA, we'll now what's what but, so

>> far, they haven't the balls.

>>

>> Alias

>>>

>>> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

>>> news:fqgug0$c4a$1@aioe.org...

>>>> Gordon wrote:

>>>>> "Alias" <alias@aliasmail.com> wrote in message

>>>>> news:fqgjee$6ro$2@aioe.org...

>>>>>> Gordon wrote:

>>>>>>> "Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in

>>>>>>> message news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

>>>>>>>> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I

>>>>>>>> load the same

>>>>>>>> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

>>>>>>>

>>>>>>> You can install on as many machines as you like from the same CD

>>>>>>> - PROVIDED that you have a separate Windows Licence for each

>>>>>>> installation - in other words if you have ONE licence only, then

>>>>>>> you can ONLY install on ONE machine...

>>>>>> You mean "may", not "can".

>>>>>

>>>>> Nope, "can" is perfectly apposite in this scenario - the licence

>>>>> has nothing to do with the physical media...

>>>>

>>>> OK, conceded. What I was saying is you can install XP on as many

>>>> computers as you like with the same license if you activate them 120

>>>> days apart and only use Auto Update and never allow WGA to download.

>>>>

>>>> Alias

>>>

>

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Hi,

Is it an OEM Version (Does it say on CD "DFor distrobution with a new PC

only") or is it one you bought from a shop/online etc?

If its OEM = 1 PC

Non OEM = 3 I think.

Hope this helps :)

Jonty.

"Baltimoron" <Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:F36A47FB-3194-4A48-98D6-4CA677B51CD1@microsoft.com...

> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the same

> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Jonty wrote:

> Hi,

> Is it an OEM Version (Does it say on CD "DFor distrobution with a new PC

> only") or is it one you bought from a shop/online etc?

> If its OEM = 1 PC

Not quite correct - if OEM then one machine but the install STAYS on

that first machine, i.e. you CANNOT remove it from that machine and

install on another.

> Non OEM = 3 I think

Incorrect. You can install Windows Retail on as MANY machines as you

like - BUT - you need a separate licence for each install.

March 3, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

On Mon, 3 Mar 2008 01:57:01 -0800, Baltimoron

<Baltimoron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP?

One.

> Can I load the same

> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

No. The rule is quite clear. It's one copy (actually one license, not

one disk) for each computer.

There's nothing new here. This is exactly the same rule that's been in

effect on every version of Windows starting at least with Windows 3.1.

The only thing new with XP is that there's now an enforcement

mechanism.

If yours is a retail version, not an OEM one, you can buy extra

licenses (see

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp). But it's

not generally a good deal. The problem is that Microsoft sells

additional licenses at only a small savings over the list price.

You're almost certainly better off just buying a complete second copy

from a discount source.

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

March 4, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Baltimoron wrote:

> Onto how many PCs can I load my genuine version of XP? Can I load the same

> disc onto my PC at work and at home?

No, you may not. You need to purchase a separate WinXP license for

each computer on which you install it. As long as you have multiple

identical licenses, it doesn't matter if you use the same CD for the

installations, as long as you use a different license (Product Key) on

each installation.

Just as it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating

systems, it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.

copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not

technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which it

is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to determine

final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which WinXP

licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is that

Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft mechanism,

Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more difficult)

multiple installations using a single license.

One can buy additional licenses, assuming one already has a retail

license. Naturally, Microsoft cannot sell additional OEM licenses. Be

aware, however, that you'll probably pay more this way than you would if

you were to buy a second copy of WinXP from a discount retailer;

Microsoft will only offer you a 15% discount off their MSRP.

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Professional

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary

safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has

killed a great many philosophers.

~ Denis Diderot

March 4, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

"Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> crashed Echelon writing

news:A849DF21-7DCB-40AE-B828-209025119D9D@microsoft.com:

> He can purchase additional licenses from MS. He can also purchase a

> volume license, but purchasing additional licenses is not necessarily

> volume licensing.

Yes, but then it would not be the same license (same license key)

--

Bjarke Andersen

March 4, 2008

Re: Can I load Windows XP on Multiple PCs?

Correct. I should have also noted that the purchase is actually made from a

Microsoft partner, but one starts the process at

http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/editorial/22/promotions/wal/#qualify.

"Bjarke Andersen" <bjarke.andersen@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:Xns9A57497E142ADbjoegdk@207.46.248.16...

> "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> crashed Echelon writing

> news:A849DF21-7DCB-40AE-B828-209025119D9D@microsoft.com:

>

>> He can purchase additional licenses from MS. He can also purchase a

>> volume license, but purchasing additional licenses is not necessarily

>> volume licensing.

>

> Yes, but then it would not be the same license (same license key)

>

> --

> Bjarke Andersen

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