Question about XP Pro Keys

imported_inspire

Senior member
Jun 29, 2006
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Okay, so I'm building a new box and I'd like to install XP Pro on it. My old box Had ME, then I upgraded to XP Pro. After a while I needed to reformat and I sprung the $20 for a Full Version of XP Pro (It was through my grad school). Now the old box has my XP Pro Full version on it.

I want to put that Full version on my new box, but I'd like to be able to still use my old box. In theory, I own two legitimate licenses. I'm not too worried about the legalities, though - my question is this: Will I be able to run both boxes like this?
 

cubby1223

Lifer
May 24, 2004
13,518
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Originally posted by: inspire
In theory, I own two legitimate licenses.
In more theory, Windows Genuine Advantage will catch two machines that are using the same product key at the same time and give you the nag screen on both machines that your copy may not be genuine. Is this what you're planning on doing?
 

imported_inspire

Senior member
Jun 29, 2006
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Yeah - I'd rather not have to go back to using ME on the other machine - I'd have to install Two OS's, and it would be a pain.

But if windows is going to have the M$ genuine-ness policy break my door down, I'll just suck it up.
 

JohnG86

Member
Aug 10, 2003
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You can use your upgrade XP on a clean install. Durring the first part of the Windows XP setup using an upgrade version, it will ask for your old Windows ME CD to be inserted so it can verify. After the XP setup has verified you have an OS to upgrade from, the setup continues like it is the full version.
 

JohnG86

Member
Aug 10, 2003
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An upgrade XP CD has always just asked for the old version media then it moves right on to installing XP like it was the full version just it will only use the upgrade CD Key.

Edit: Make sure you format the hard drive as NTFS