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Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers
December 4th 05, 09:02 PM
Hi Wayne,

The license is one copy of WinXP for each machine. Yes, MS thinks that you
should purchase one copy of Windows for each machine you install it on, just
like your local Motor Vehicle department wants you to purchase one set of
license plates for each car you own and operate on public highways. Each
machine that is licensed can have the same copy reinstalled, or the hardware
upgraded as often as you like, though at a point your number of activations
will begin to prompt phone activations - but you will still be able to
reactivate.

> I'm afraid your going to tell me one license for one machine. Can't I
> just tell MS about what I have in way of personal machines and that the
> license should be for ME and my hobbie not for ONE machine?

I don't disagree, and I have lobbied for a "home" license, but MS is
sticking to the one copy per machine format.

> On a fresh install ..... do you now have to put in the CD key that came
> with the XP Pro you bought ... are they tied together some how that the CD
> and Key must match?

Yes, but they are tied by type, not specific CD+key combinations. In short,
you must have a retail Pro Product Key to install a retail copy of WinXP
Pro, a OEM WinXP Home Product Key to install an OEM version of WinXP Home,
etc. They are not interchangeable.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"Wayne" > wrote in message
...
> I've broken down and spent Good Money for a legal copy of windows XP Pro
> and have the following questions?
>
> I own 4 computers that I tear apart and upgrade constantly. Not to
> mention the computers I have for my kids. Is this going to be a problem
> with the new anti piracy security in windows XP Pro?
>
> Am I aloud to move my one legal copy of XP Pro around on the 4 machines I
> play with?
>
> I'm afraid your going to tell me one license for one machine. Can't I
> just tell MS about what I have in way of personal machines and that the
> license should be for ME and my hobbie not for ONE machine?
>
> Does MS seriously think I should pay more $ than the several hundred
> dollars I paid for my one copy to have the operating system on my 4
> machines?
>
> On a fresh install ..... do you now have to put in the CD key that came
> with the XP Pro you bought ... are they tied together some how that the CD
> and Key must match?
>
>
>

aljernon805
December 11th 05, 04:27 PM
i have inherited an xp pro system at work.

i tried to update the os.

i got an error message that stated the code key was invalid. (a temporary
one or something about as lame)

the question is the directions only stated i needed to get a valid os key,
so how do i do that?
i could get an oem disk with a valid key but what then? do i have to
install something or can just use the key when trying to install the updates?

i know from reading other posts (here and other sites) that reinstalling on
top of xp pro is not recommended. so what do i do, and the simpler the
instructions the better!

Jupiter Jones [MVP]
December 11th 05, 08:48 PM
A Repair Installation is a good option as far as making the license legal.
Windows XP installs on top of itself very well.
But since the computer is new to you, it is better you perform a Clean
Installation with whatever operating system you choose to install.
This cleans out all garbage the previous owner knowingly and unknowingly
installed.

To get a new key you need to purchase Windows XP or whatever OS you
determine best suits your needs.

Also see:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"aljernon805" > wrote in message
...
>i have inherited an xp pro system at work.
>
> i tried to update the os.
>
> i got an error message that stated the code key was invalid. (a temporary
> one or something about as lame)
>
> the question is the directions only stated i needed to get a valid os key,
> so how do i do that?
> i could get an oem disk with a valid key but what then? do i have to
> install something or can just use the key when trying to install the
> updates?
>
> i know from reading other posts (here and other sites) that reinstalling
> on
> top of xp pro is not recommended. so what do i do, and the simpler the
> instructions the better!

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