Stolen XP cd

[Steve]

What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy I
may have to re-install the os.

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Yes, you are allowed to make and use a backup copy.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Win98 Help - www.rickrogers.org

"Steve" > wrote in message
...
> What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy I
> may have to re-install the os.
>
>

[Crusty \(-: Old B@stard :-\)]

To my way of thinking, that is exactly what the backup copy is for.

"Steve" > wrote in message
...
> What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy I
> may have to re-install the os.
>
>

[Al Dykes]

In article >,
Crusty \(-: Old B@stard :-\) > wrote:
>To my way of thinking, that is exactly what the backup copy is for.
>
>"Steve" > wrote in message
...
>> What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy I
>> may have to re-install the os.
>>
>>
>
>



You can use someone else's CD, you just have to enter your own
authorization key. Make sure it's the same service pack level.

--
Al Dykes
-----------

[Jim Macklin]

If you have made a backup copy of some software, such as
Windows, Office or whatever, use the back-up for day to day
or routine use and keep the original with the documentation
in you firesafe.

Why risk the original? If it is stolen, broken, scratched
you'll have more trouble than if the backup suffers wear and
tear. In fact, you can make two backups, one to use and one
for the archive. The EULA doesn't want you to become a
supplier to the neighborhood, but having more than one copy
that is otherwise only used on one computer doesn't really
violate the EULA.


"Steve" > wrote in message
...
| What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use
a backup copy I
| may have to re-install the os.
|
|

[Michael Stevens]

Steve wrote:
> What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup
> copy I may have to re-install the os.

Yes you can, the XP CD is not important, it is the CD Key that you
purchased. Hopefully you made a backup of the key. If they stole the CD and
the packaging with the CD Key, then you have a problem. You will need to
convince the PA center that you are the legal owner of the CD key and not
the person that stole it. If you have the CD key and the documentation of
your purchase, you can contact Microsoft and for a nominal charge get a
replacement CD.
If you didn't backup the CD key and it was not an OEM install that was never
reinstalled, you can use the ViewKeyXP.htm link below to retrieve your CD
Key.


Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.\
Contact Microsoft.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP

http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

[NoNoBadDog!]

Yes. I have a "slipstreamed" version of my original WInXP CD that
incorporates SP1a and I use it instead of my original. Since I have 4
machines, I have had to purchase 4 licenses, but I can use the same
slipstreamed CD on all for machines. I have made stickers that adhere to
each machine with their individual activation number, so it is there when I
need it. I put one sticker on the back of each unit, and another sticker
inside the removable side panel as a precaution.

Bobby

"Al Dykes" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Crusty \(-: Old B@stard :-\) > wrote:
> >To my way of thinking, that is exactly what the backup copy is for.
> >
> >"Steve" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy
I
> >> may have to re-install the os.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>
>
> You can use someone else's CD, you just have to enter your own
> authorization key. Make sure it's the same service pack level.
>
> --
> Al Dykes
> -----------
>
>

[Alex Nichol]

Steve wrote:

>What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy =
I
>may have to re-install the os.


The license to use Windows really resides in the 25 character Product
Key. So provided you still have that, you can borrow a similar CD to
use with it (it is not unique to a specific CD, the setup program just
checks it is valid for its 'style' of CD). And you can find what that
was - get the free Aida 32, enterprise edition from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=3D32
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Software -
Licenses page will tell you the one used for Windows and ones for
several other items.

Note that if the machine came with XP installed, this will probably give
a key used in producing an original image, then cloned to all machines
they make. So it is not the one for a reinstall. But then the key will
be on a label on the case of the machine

--=20
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K.