XP Pro on multiple computers?? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

X_cody_X · 05-02-2003, 07:21 AM

I bought Windows XP Pro a while back for a computer that I was having problems with and installed it just fine. I just recently purchased a used computer with Windows ME on it and I want to put Windows XP on this one also. Would I be able to use the same disc with the same serial number and not encounter any problems with the Activation process? Or is there any way to disable the activation process? I really don't want to have to go out and buy a copy of XP everytime I buy a new computer. Any help or suggestions is appreciated. Thanks.

Cynthetiq · 05-02-2003, 07:48 AM

you really don't want to and neither do it.. but it's the way that it's supposed to work.

while this isn't a warez forum look around on other boards and maybe you can find something to aid you as a workaround.

I run XP Pro Corp at home so I didn't have that problem.

termnl · 05-02-2003, 08:00 AM

You could always try out an alternate OS since you aready have one PC with XP on it.

Just a thought.

billege · 05-02-2003, 11:34 AM

See, the whole point to the activation process is to prevent you from doing EXACTLY what you are wishing you could do. That is, if I'm understanding you want to run the same copy of XP on two computers at once. That you can not do.

However, you might have a shot at explaining this one to MS and getting them to let you do it. You ARE going to have to call MS to activate the new XP install on the ME box.

IF this is the situation you had, you COULD do this: You had old computer, it died. That should not affect your XP license, the comp died, not the license. Now you've PAID for the XP license like a good doobie, now you've ALSO paid for a ME license, again, good. If you explain that you want to put the XP on the ME machine because the OLD XP machine is dead, I think they will let you activate.

I've heard MS is supposed to be reasonable, and besides, as long as you are NOT running the same XP on more than one computer, you are not breaching the terms of the EULA.

Um, the previous advice was my understanding of your problem: the old computer had problems, and you bought a new one but don't like the OS it came with.

If you just want to run the same XP on two computers you'd be a pirate as soon as you do, which the activation won't let you anyway.

Buy a "white box" copy of XP, it's about 129.99; see if any idiot will give you a dollar for ME (if it's even legal to sell used software?).

X_cody_X · 05-02-2003, 11:51 AM

well that sucks, maybe I'll just call MS and tell them the situation I'm in and see what they say. I did happen to find a way around it via Google, so if they say no, I might go around it instead. Thanks again for all the help.

UnnDunn · 05-02-2003, 12:38 PM

How long ago did you activate XP the first time?

Your activation record is erased from Microsoft's servers after six months, so if it's been that long, you should be able to activate on the new machine, no problem.

poof · 05-02-2003, 01:40 PM

Cody, I will have to agree with Billege.

You can activate over the phone. They will ask if you have activated this before. I explained my situation, (many upgrades) and I was given a new key.

Don't try to bullshit them, they have heard it all before. Just make sure part of your key isn't "oem".

wg2000 · 05-02-2003, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billege
see if any idiot will give you a dollar for ME (if it's even legal to sell used software?).

If it's was a store-bought copy and you have the actualy proof of license (EULA and certificate of authenticity), you can legally sell it to somebody else, no matter what MS wants you to think. There's years of case law establishing the right of first sale.

However, if it's an OEM copy (the license key will say OEM something-or-another), the license is tied to the computer and can't be re-sold or transferred to another.

Software licensing sucks and is a major headache. I push for open source at work not because of the cost difference, but simply because it's not a pain in the ass to figure out how many you have to buy / install.

Phaenx · 05-02-2003, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billege
See, the whole point to the activation process is to prevent you from doing EXACTLY what you are wishing you could do. That is, if I'm understanding you want to run the same copy of XP on two computers at once. That you can not do.

However, you might have a shot at explaining this one to MS and getting them to let you do it. You ARE going to have to call MS to activate the new XP install on the ME box.

IF this is the situation you had, you COULD do this: You had old computer, it died. That should not affect your XP license, the comp died, not the license. Now you've PAID for the XP license like a good doobie, now you've ALSO paid for a ME license, again, good. If you explain that you want to put the XP on the ME machine because the OLD XP machine is dead, I think they will let you activate.

I've heard MS is supposed to be reasonable, and besides, as long as you are NOT running the same XP on more than one computer, you are not breaching the terms of the EULA.

Um, the previous advice was my understanding of your problem: the old computer had problems, and you bought a new one but don't like the OS it came with.

If you just want to run the same XP on two computers you'd be a pirate as soon as you do, which the activation won't let you anyway.

Buy a "white box" copy of XP, it's about 129.99; see if any idiot will give you a dollar for ME (if it's even legal to sell used software?).

The old "I switched motherboards and now it won't install" trick works as well.

VeXteR · 05-02-2003, 11:23 PM

Might as well get used to it. Anti Piracy measures are only going to get better...

slacker00 · 05-03-2003, 06:39 PM

There is a version of XP that is floating about the net. It is XP pro that has had the corporate activation removed. If it is only temporary you can find that version, it is modified by I think devilsown.

poof · 05-03-2003, 06:58 PM

Get another legal copy, or try <a href= "http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874">this<a/>. The link I gave will help you change the number of a "corporate" copy of XP. Goto the link, read it, see if it will work for you. Really though, your going to have to suck it up and buy a genuine copy. Read my post above about getting a legal oem copy.

My post about buying oem products was on another forum. Just buy some hardware, anything, mouse, ram, keyboard, motherboard, any hardware. Then purchase oem software at the same time. Try newegg.com or mwave.com, You will get no support, but, you will save lots of dinero (money).

05-02-2003, 07:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
X_cody_X Tilted Location: Brandon, FL	XP Pro on multiple computers?? I bought Windows XP Pro a while back for a computer that I was having problems with and installed it just fine. I just recently purchased a used computer with Windows ME on it and I want to put Windows XP on this one also. Would I be able to use the same disc with the same serial number and not encounter any problems with the Activation process? Or is there any way to disable the activation process? I really don't want to have to go out and buy a copy of XP everytime I buy a new computer. Any help or suggestions is appreciated. Thanks.

05-02-2003, 07:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	you really don't want to and neither do it.. but it's the way that it's supposed to work. while this isn't a warez forum look around on other boards and maybe you can find something to aid you as a workaround. I run XP Pro Corp at home so I didn't have that problem. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

05-02-2003, 08:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
termnl Tilted	You could always try out an alternate OS since you aready have one PC with XP on it. Just a thought. __________________ Read the date on the outside of my cocoon. It specifies my release... but im running out of room.

05-02-2003, 11:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	See, the whole point to the activation process is to prevent you from doing EXACTLY what you are wishing you could do. That is, if I'm understanding you want to run the same copy of XP on two computers at once. That you can not do. However, you might have a shot at explaining this one to MS and getting them to let you do it. You ARE going to have to call MS to activate the new XP install on the ME box. IF this is the situation you had, you COULD do this: You had old computer, it died. That should not affect your XP license, the comp died, not the license. Now you've PAID for the XP license like a good doobie, now you've ALSO paid for a ME license, again, good. If you explain that you want to put the XP on the ME machine because the OLD XP machine is dead, I think they will let you activate. I've heard MS is supposed to be reasonable, and besides, <b>as long as you are NOT running the <i>same</i> XP on more than one computer, you are not breaching the terms of the EULA.</b> Um, the previous advice was my understanding of your problem: the old computer had problems, and you bought a new one but don't like the OS it came with. If you just want to run the same XP on two computers you'd be a pirate as soon as you do, which the activation won't let you anyway. Buy a "white box" copy of XP, it's about 129.99; see if any idiot will give you a dollar for ME (if it's even legal to sell used software?). __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

05-02-2003, 11:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
VeXteR Crazy Location: Missouri	Might as well get used to it. Anti Piracy measures are only going to get better... __________________ If its not broke I'm prolly not done yet.

05-02-2003, 11:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
X_cody_X Tilted Location: Brandon, FL	well that sucks, maybe I'll just call MS and tell them the situation I'm in and see what they say. I did happen to find a way around it via Google, so if they say no, I might go around it instead. Thanks again for all the help.

05-02-2003, 12:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
UnnDunn Upright Location: Havana, Cuba	How long ago did you activate XP the first time? Your activation record is erased from Microsoft's servers after six months, so if it's been that long, you should be able to activate on the new machine, no problem.

05-02-2003, 01:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
poof Psycho	Cody, I will have to agree with Billege. You can activate over the phone. They will ask if you have activated this before. I explained my situation, (many upgrades) and I was given a new key. Don't try to bullshit them, they have heard it all before. Just make sure part of your key isn't "oem".

05-03-2003, 06:39 PM	#11 (permalink)
slacker00 Tilted	There is a version of XP that is floating about the net. It is XP pro that has had the corporate activation removed. If it is only temporary you can find that version, it is modified by I think devilsown.

05-03-2003, 06:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
poof Psycho	Get another legal copy, or try <a href= "http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874">this<a/>. The link I gave will help you change the number of a "corporate" copy of XP. Goto the link, read it, see if it will work for you. Really though, your going to have to suck it up and buy a genuine copy. Read my post above about getting a legal oem copy. My post about buying oem products was on another forum. Just buy some hardware, anything, mouse, ram, keyboard, motherboard, any hardware. Then purchase oem software at the same time. Try newegg.com or mwave.com, You will get no support, but, you will save lots of dinero (money). Last edited by poof; 05-03-2003 at 07:06 PM..