Windows 98 and up

[lti]

I saw a discussion here a few days ago about Windows XP being configured for use only for a single computer (or hard drive) and that you have to call MS to transfer it to another HD, if you need to. Is that the same case as in 98 and 2000?

 

[earthman]

You are not supposed to use any version of Windows on more than one computer unless you are specifically paying to do so (no one would do that, would they?). Windows XP uses an activation scheme that generates a code number based on your hardware parameters. This code is linked to your CD key when the OS is installed and you activate it. In other words, Microsoft links that CD key to that hardware configuration. If you have to reinstall on signifigantly different hardware, it won't activate, and you will have to call them to get a new code number to activate it. They will want to know what you did to cause the problem...("umm...my computer broke, and I had to get a new mainboard...ummm...and now it won't work....") There is also a documented method to transfer the OS to another hard drive that may work for you, details Here

 

[lti]

Ok, thanks. And what about for Windows 98 and 2000, same case? Not that I'm thinking of installing them into more than one computer Not the same day.

 

[earthman]

There is no special activation scheme for earlier versions than XP.