question about Windows licensing...

[Fraggable]

Now I'm no software pirate, I just need a clear answer on whether or not I can legally do this:

I have 2 PCs: a custom built desktop running Win XP Pro - a CD I bought when I worked at a university at student pricing ($11), and a HP 8235NR laptop that came with Win XP MCE - but no CD for it. It did have me create 4 recovery DVDs that I assume have Windows on them in some form but I'm not sure what since I've never had to use them.

I want to switch the OSes - XP Pro on the laptop and MCE on the desktop. Can I do it? I have the key codes for both installations.

HP tells me that I can't do it because it's an OEM copy of MCE, but Microsoft says OEM or not, you own the license and can run it on any PC.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: Fraggable
Now I'm no software pirate, I just need a clear answer on whether or not I can legally do this:

I have 2 PCs: a custom built desktop running Win XP Pro - a CD I bought when I worked at a university at student pricing ($11), and a HP 8235NR laptop that came with Win XP MCE - but no CD for it. It did have me create 4 recovery DVDs that I assume have Windows on them in some form but I'm not sure what since I've never had to use them.

I want to switch the OSes - XP Pro on the laptop and MCE on the desktop. Can I do it? I have the key codes for both installations.

HP tells me that I can't do it because it's an OEM copy of MCE, but Microsoft says OEM or not, you own the license and can run it on any PC.

Ethicly, I would say that is ok to do. However, according to the license agreement, I would say that HP is correct. OEM versions of windows are licensed to a single PC. The retail versions allow you to move the software from one machine to another.

As I said, in your situation, I don't see anything wrong with it ethicly, since you are not trying to build a new rig and move windows to it. However, the most anal people will tell you that you are the next hitler if you try such a thing.

 

[nweaver]

Microsoft does NOT say you can transfer an OEM license...not sure where you heard that.

 

[Fraggable]

So if I go and put MCE on my desktop, when I go to activate it do you think it will reject the code? Do you think I'll have trouble getting them to register it over the phone?

I don't even know if I can install MCE to anything other than my laptop using those DVDs but I'd liek to know what my options are.

 

[Bozo Galora]

you can register your underwear with microsoft if you give them a story (on the phone)
if it doesnt fly the first time, just call again and talk to a different non english speaking person in bangalore
Win MCE 2005 is Win XPSP2 with just some added options - hardware and settings your laptop was specifically set up for, which your PC wont have, but it will load and run, but not the addons like remote - its just XP after all.
The DVD will have CD1 CD2 and an update all in one

However, I would strongly advise going to newegg and search for Win MCE and read all 39 comments for install tips
And they just had rollup #2 about 5 days ago (pretty buggy O/S IMHO)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/upgrade/rollup2.mspx

Edit: CD2 IS the MCE part

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Fraggable
So if I go and put MCE on my desktop, when I go to activate it do you think it will reject the code? Do you think I'll have trouble getting them to register it over the phone?

I don't even know if I can install MCE to anything other than my laptop using those DVDs but I'd liek to know what my options are.

$10 says the MCE disks are images of your laptops hard drive and won't do squat for your desktop.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Fraggable
So if I go and put MCE on my desktop, when I go to activate it do you think it will reject the code? Do you think I'll have trouble getting them to register it over the phone?

I don't even know if I can install MCE to anything other than my laptop using those DVDs but I'd liek to know what my options are.

$10 says the MCE disks are images of your laptops hard drive and won't do squat for your desktop.

Righto. Also, if your WinXP Pro license is OEM, then it's not supposed to be used on any other computer except the one you've got it on now. If you want to have your licensing all aboveboard, then you'd buy a new WinXP Pro license for the lappie (either OEM or retail as you prefer) and a new WinXP MCE license for the desktop (either OEM or retail as you prefer... retail can be re-used ad infinitum on new systems).

 

[Fraggable]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Fraggable
So if I go and put MCE on my desktop, when I go to activate it do you think it will reject the code? Do you think I'll have trouble getting them to register it over the phone?

I don't even know if I can install MCE to anything other than my laptop using those DVDs but I'd liek to know what my options are.

$10 says the MCE disks are images of your laptops hard drive and won't do squat for your desktop.

Righto. Also, if your WinXP Pro license is OEM, then it's not supposed to be used on any other computer except the one you've got it on now. If you want to have your licensing all aboveboard, then you'd buy a new WinXP Pro license for the lappie (either OEM or retail as you prefer) and a new WinXP MCE license for the desktop (either OEM or retail as you prefer... retail can be re-used ad infinitum on new systems).

My XP Pro was bought as a student/faculty version when I worked at a university, it didn't come with a box but for all intents and purposes it is retail.

I think my problem is that I can't install the copy of MCE I have on another system. I guess it's not worth the effort. I'll just buy MCE if I decide to do this.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Bozo Galora]

@pontifex

well, I guess you owe me $10
as does "Mr. Righto"

and MCE wont install because of the particular serial you are using, nothing else