Multiple WinXP installs

[Bobsled]

Well, as I prepare to install an OS on a project computer that I'll trying to put together as cheaply as posible it came to me to look on pricewatch. Anyway, several vendors sell the COAs for WinXP with no media, manual, etc. at a fraction of the price of even a OEM version of WinXP. My question is; using the WinXP CD I already own and am currently using on my P4 rig would I be able to use the same cd to install WinXP onto the PIII and just buy a new COA (aka product key) to use when prompted during the install of the OS onto the PIII? Will the CD care what product key I enter?

Thanks,

Rob

 

[techfuzz]

As long as you have a valid license (certificate of authenticity) that states you own X copies of Windows XP then you are fine. Microsoft does not care if you have the media to back it up or not, just the licenses. The company I work for buys the licenses from our Microsoft vendor that way.

 

[Bobsled]

Thanks TF. Thats what I thought.

 

[igiveup]

Well, yeah, it does work that way, sorta. As long as you have a retail CD with a retail key then you will be fine. You can't use the volume license key with a retail CD though, or the other way around....

Take a look here....
"Additionally, retail product CDs (for example, boxed product purchased from a retail outlet) can no longer be used for multiple installations. If you currently use CDs from a retail product kit for installations, these processes will affect your installation procedures. Volume License or MSDN? media are the only media available for multiple installations. These media will require the use of a Volume License Product Key that will be assigned to your company or institution. Get more information on how to deploy Office XP using a Volume License Product Key "