How many PCs can I install my WinXP on?

[hurubi]

I have a real Windows XP Home CD that I bought. I was wondering if I could install it on my friends computer legally and get all the updates? If not legally will I still be able to get all the updates?

 

[ts3433]

It depends on how many licenses you have--usually you buy it with one license, so you can't legally use it on more than one computer at a time.

I'm also too tired to remember the wrong forum tag. (It actually belongs in OS, not software.)

 

[hurubi]

So I have to buy two licenses? How much more does that cost?! So I can't use one license on two computers?

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: ts3433
It depends on how many licenses you have--usually you buy it with one license, so you can't legally use it on more than one computer at a time.

This also belongs in the software section.

 

[hurubi]

Originally posted by: UsandThem

Originally posted by: ts3433
It depends on how many licenses you have--usually you buy it with one license, so you can't legally use it on more than one computer at a time.

This also belongs in the software section.

OOOPPS! Sorry I forgot :S

Anyway,

Does anyone have an answer to my question?

So I have to buy two licenses? How much more does that cost?! So I can't use one license on two computers?

 

[JBT]

The whole point of licenses is "per" Computer. Meaning of you want to do it legally you're going to need to buy another copy of XP.

 

[hurubi]

What if I do it illegally, with only one license. Will both computers get all microsoft updates?

 

[UsandThem]

Originally posted by: hurubi
What if I do it illegally, with only one license. Will both computers get all microsoft updates?

Maybe for a little while, but what do you think they do when they release SP1 and SP2. They find users like you. Windows XP generates ID's and it could be easily tracked.

Just break down, and buy another copy of Windows XP for $88.00.

 

[hurubi]

Originally posted by: Kyle_B at NCIX.com
You actully can, cuz well i at 1 time pondered this, because if you can only activate once well umm what if you wanted to format and reinstall XP again, well it would put you through the activation process over again and well if you can only do it once you'd be screwed, and well my friends mom has XP Home on CD and she uses it, i formatted and reinstalled it for her no problems with the activation, and same with her sons comp put it on there and same thing worked fine and both could update fine, microsoft saying that you can only do it once is to scare people into not wanting to give there copys out to friends and family so that they all buy there own copys, but obviously if 1 key of XP was poping up for activation repeadly over and over again on hundreds of comps (like keys that can put out on the net) then yes microsoft would see this and interveen, but if you have a couple comps at home to put them on there shouldn't be a problem and should work.

So according to this it SHOULD work.

PS: I live in Canada it cost me like $130 + TAX

 

[mechBgon]

So you want to get both yourself and your friend in legal trouble. Quite a "friend" you are.

Adds hurubi to The List.

 

[hurubi]

mechBgon, so I guess I'll buy 2 licenses. Sucks. Thats $212 +TAX

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: hurubi
mechBgon, so I guess I'll buy 2 licenses. Sucks. Thats $212 +TAX

Is that the Canadian price for the upgrade version?

 

[BW86]

It is possible to install XP on more than 1 computer with the same key and get all the updates.

Will it work? Yes.
Is it illegal? Yes.

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: BW86
It is possible to install XP on more than 1 computer with the same key and get all the updates.

Will it work? Yes.
Is it illegal? Yes.

Do people do it? Yes.
Can you really stop them? No.
Do people care? Some, but I dont' think most do.

 

[silverpig]

This is the EXACT thing that XP was meant to prevent. Casual copying. Guy A buying it for himself, and thing letting Friends B, C, and D use his disk to install it from too. MS knew it was going to be pirated, but they were going after the casual guys first.

 

[Tarrant64]

Someone posted not too long ago that if people were not sure if their copy of XP was legit, that you could contact microsoft and they would send you a new copy for free(or maybe discount, i don't remember). anyone else see this post???

 

[intogamer]

Yeah you can use your 1 volume cd/key and install in multiple comps. I am using my friend's win xp pro(don't tell). Activated lotta times, he has it, and on his laptop. When you activate it too much it will say it. Call them up and reactivate it. If you are going to do that just don't say you have it installed in 2 computers. The guy from india will ask just say 1.

---

Should we PM every member with a registered email address @microsoft.com to ask their opinion about your post?

AnandTech Moderator

 

[daniel49]

212 cannuck bucks? can hear mr gates leaping with joy now.
:shocked:

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: hurubi

Originally posted by: UsandThem

Originally posted by: ts3433
It depends on how many licenses you have--usually you buy it with one license, so you can't legally use it on more than one computer at a time.

This also belongs in the software section.

OOOPPS! Sorry I forgot :S

Anyway,

Does anyone have an answer to my question?

So I have to buy two licenses? How much more does that cost?! So I can't use one license on two computers?

1 licence/computer

 

[Nothinman]

If you don't want to pay for it, don't use it, it's that simple.

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
If you don't want to pay for it, don't use it, it's that simple.

Corrrrrect.

Or use Linux.

 

[Colt45]

Either pay for it, steal it properly (i.e. volume liscence), or use some *nix variant.

 

[Gamingphreek]

I think if you were installing it outside your house like giving it to a friend another copy is good right there. However i think in the EULA you can install on more than one computer using the same CD-Key and still be morally and legally sound as it is in your household. Microsoft is a company but that doesn't mean they dumb, they realize you aren't going to go out and buy 4 different copies of the same thing for 4 PC's in the same physical room.

-Kevin

 

[Nothinman]

However i think in the EULA you can install on more than one computer using the same CD-Key and still be morally and legally sound as it is in your household

AFAIK that's never been true. I think it may have been with older versions of MS Office, but I don't think it applies any more.

 

[mechBgon]

However i think in the EULA you can install on more than one computer using the same CD-Key and still be morally and legally sound as it is in your household.

Nope.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx

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.

No exceptions are mentioned. Not on your personal laptop, not on your goldfish's underwater PC, not ...oh dear, I'm tempted to Dr. Suess this.

Can I do this in a house?
Can I do it with my mouse?
No you can't, don't you see
The EULA says, not legally!