Question about XP Licensing

2483

Member
Jul 18, 2003
51
0
0
For you guys that have 2 or 3 computers, how did you purchase and install it on these computers legally. I can't imagine buying 3 licenses for 200-300 dollars.
 

stash

Diamond Member
Jun 22, 2000
5,468
0
0
Ah I think you meant total, not 200-300 each.

Even at 100 bucks, the OS is still going to be one of the cheapest components in the system. A lot of the people around here with multiple computers (or even just one) wouldn't bat an eye at spending 300-400 on a video card every 6 months to a year.
 

cheesehead

Lifer
Aug 11, 2000
10,079
0
0
Originally posted by: stash
Ah I think you meant total, not 200-300 each.

Even at 100 bucks, the OS is still going to be one of the cheapest components in the system. A lot of the people around here with multiple computers (or even just one) wouldn't bat an eye at spending 300-400 on a video card every 6 months to a year.


100$ a liscense for software in still insane.
I'm likely going to move my copy of WinXP from my laptop to my new desktop, and even then only use it for gaming. I detest Microsoft, and would like to see them actually have to follow laws like anyone else.
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
1
0
I have ~12 computers. Of the ones that run only two have Windows on them. The licenses were gifts. :p
 

2483

Member
Jul 18, 2003
51
0
0
so the bottom line is i have to just cough up a hundred dollars each then
 

stash

Diamond Member
Jun 22, 2000
5,468
0
0
100$ a liscense for software in still insane.
There are other options. Nobody is putting a gun to your head to run Windows.

I'm likely going to move my copy of WinXP from my laptop to my new desktop, and even then only use it for gaming
Hope that's not an OEM license.

I detest Microsoft, and would like to see them actually have to follow laws like anyone else.
It's against the law to charge for software now?
 

2483

Member
Jul 18, 2003
51
0
0
at newegg
Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2 - OEM $137
Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SP2 - Retail $279
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
1
0
OEM is fine for some people. The license is not transferable from one machine to another, and you are not entitled to much (any?) support from Microsoft.
 

MrChad

Lifer
Aug 22, 2001
13,507
3
81
Originally posted by: 2483
at newegg
Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2 - OEM $137
Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SP2 - Retail $279

Do you need Professional over Home?
 

2483

Member
Jul 18, 2003
51
0
0
no, home oem is about 50 cheaper than pro oem, but is oem ok
i do have 2 gb of ram in one comp but i think that is supported in home
 

2483

Member
Jul 18, 2003
51
0
0
does support include if i need to call to reactivate
what do i do if i add a vid card or something
 

MrChad

Lifer
Aug 22, 2001
13,507
3
81
Originally posted by: 2483
no, home oem is about 50 cheaper than pro oem, but is oem ok
i do have 2 gb of ram in one comp but i think that is supported in home

As n0cmonkey said, the only difference between an OEM license and a retail license is that the OEM license is tied to the original machine it is installed on. A retail license can be transferred between machines, so long as there is only one copy installed per license.

XP Home will support 2 GB of RAM.
 

MrChad

Lifer
Aug 22, 2001
13,507
3
81
Originally posted by: 2483
does support include if i need to call to reactivate
what do i do if i add a vid card or something

If you need to call and reactivate, your license type is irrelevant.

You can replace any number of hardware components with an OEM license. Technically, I think that a motherboard upgrade makes it a "new" computer and invalidates the old OEM license.