I currently run two PCs - one which came with XP installed and one which was upgraded from '98 waay back in the day. So I figure I own two licenses to run windows, right? Although I only have one license key since the preinstall didn't come with one, and has been reformatted since. If I build another computer and want to run XP, can I just buy a license rather than another copy? Is that any cheaper, or even possible? Any answers to these somewhat rambling questions would be appreciated Also, did someone have a load of XP discs in the for sale froums a while back? I couldn't see a thread and am wondering if I'm inagining stuff - the forum search doesn't accept XP as a valid string
Sam0r had XP discs for sale, but they did not include the licence, only the disk, hence the low price. I don't think it's possible to buy the licence only. If you could, the price would be the same anyway, as what you are paying for is the licence, not the disk. If you build another computer, you would either have to buy another copy of XP, or wipe it off the older, upgraded from 98 pc and use that license.
You need a license and a COA for each PC, if you bought a PC with it pre loaded it should have a COA stuck to it, otherwise its technically not a legal copy of XP. Also if you have an OEM copy of XP it is only licensed for the PC it is bought for, and should only be bought when first building the PC. OEM licenses are not transferable to other PCs. Another thing to note is that the key for the upgrade will only work to upgrade and you'll need a 98/me/2000 cd whenever you install XP with it.
Aye, got that. And there's another code on a holo sticker on the preinstalled one but that never works for registration. I seem to be able to auto-register two PCs over the internet using just the one key though, although it takes a copule weks usually before it'll accept the code again. [edit] Does an upgrade version install any differently from, say, an OEM version? Except for the obvious disc swap midway through.
Theres no difference in the actual install between the upgrade and the OEM besides the disc swap, as you said. The key will activate on about 5 PCs, then it will start saying you cant use this code anymore. This is to allow you to reinstall your PC if you need to. After that it will start asking you to phone microsoft to activate it. Which they will always do it seems. Its technically illegal to use the same key on more than one PC but it will work.
Please don't confuse activation with registration. Activation of XP is mandatory, registration is not.
