WinXP Upgrade: Licensing question

Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro installed on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second machine (a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

We have had a long discussion about this all day. It is my understanding
that you must have one copy for each computer. However, do not be surprised
if this turns into a whole legal post dilemma.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Brian McCabe wrote:
I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I
am able to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro
installed on it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the
box. Because of the sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro
that is installed came from an ugrade disc; that part is not
particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second
machine (a castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP
Home upgrade disc to install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have
to own ONE copy of XP home upgrade for each of the two machines? In
essense, is an owned copy of XP Home upgrade good for multiple
machines?

First off, I thought Windows 95 was not a supported upgrade path to Windows
XP..

Windows XP supported upgrade paths
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=292607

As for your question, you would have to purchase a license for Windows XP
(not necessarily another actual media copy) for every installation you wish
to do. So, in your case you need to own at least two licenses for whatever
version of Windows XP you wish to use on the two computers. What you have
that validates an ability to upgrade has nothing to do with how many
licenses you need.

One installation, one license is essentially what the EULA gives you the
rights to.

As for legalities, moral obligations, ways around such dilemmas, etc - that
is indeterminate.

--
- Shenan -
--
The information is provided "as is", with no guarantees of
completeness, accuracy or timeliness, and without warranties of any
kind, express or implied. In other words, read up before you take any
advice - you are the one ultimately responsible for your actions.

Hi Brian,

It's one license per computer. Unless the pc was sold to you with all of the
installation media, you do not possess the NT license. You will find that
this is what activation is all about, as it will not activate on the second
machine. Besides, you would have to do a clean install, as you cannot
install WinXP Home as an upgrade to WinNT or install it over WinXP Pro.

--
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

"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

If she means running the same CD on both machines at the same time, no she
can't. But if she just wants to use the other one and get rid of the
current one, she could, as long as she doesn't use both computers. And
granted the 95 is a retail version and not OEM. She will not be able to use
the NT as a qualifing OS, because it wasn't really hers in the first place.
But she could use the 95 as a QOS doing a clean install.

p.s.s. If you want to make a successful business out of this computer stuff
(which I have to admit, you sound real good at) I would find the answer to
this. You may be able to save one of your customers some $$ and they will
come back in droves. I know that you can transfer XP on a different
machine, as long as the existing one is not currently running. Ie,
uninstalled, reformatted, hard drive smashed, ect. As I have done this
myself, from my old computer to my newer computer. All it took was a phone
activation which was painless. Why else would one by the full retail
version rather than spending less on an OEM? That's one of the joys of
retail. Although, it would be nice to have one running on destop and one on
laptop, but you can't do that. (legally or ethically) I had to buy a new
version for my daughters computer, only because can't have two machines
running at the same time.

How was school? I'm thinking about going back to school for computer
repair. (I perfer the hardware side, as I'm still lost on the software
side)

Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
We have had a long discussion about this all day. It is my understanding
that you must have one copy for each computer. However, do not be
surprised
if this turns into a whole legal post dilemma.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro
installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second
machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP
home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Hi Brian,

It's one license per computer. Unless the pc was sold to you with all of the
installation media, you do not possess the NT license. You will find that
this is what activation is all about, as it will not activate on the second
machine. Besides, you would have to do a clean install, as you cannot
install WinXP Home as an upgrade to WinNT or install it over WinXP Pro.

--
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

"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Sorry guys, I meant one license per computer...

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Rick "Nutcase" Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi Brian,

It's one license per computer. Unless the pc was sold to you with all of
the
installation media, you do not possess the NT license. You will find that
this is what activation is all about, as it will not activate on the
second
machine. Besides, you would have to do a clean install, as you cannot
install WinXP Home as an upgrade to WinNT or install it over WinXP Pro.

--
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

"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro
installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second
machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP
home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

If she means running the same CD on both machines at the same time, no she
can't. But if she just wants to use the other one and get rid of the
current one, she could, as long as she doesn't use both computers. And
granted the 95 is a retail version and not OEM. She will not be able to use
the NT as a qualifing OS, because it wasn't really hers in the first place.
But she could use the 95 as a QOS doing a clean install.

p.s.s. If you want to make a successful business out of this computer stuff
(which I have to admit, you sound real good at) I would find the answer to
this. You may be able to save one of your customers some $$ and they will
come back in droves. I know that you can transfer XP on a different
machine, as long as the existing one is not currently running. Ie,
uninstalled, reformatted, hard drive smashed, ect. As I have done this
myself, from my old computer to my newer computer. All it took was a phone
activation which was painless. Why else would one by the full retail
version rather than spending less on an OEM? That's one of the joys of
retail. Although, it would be nice to have one running on destop and one on
laptop, but you can't do that. (legally or ethically) I had to buy a new
version for my daughters computer, only because can't have two machines
running at the same time.

How was school? I'm thinking about going back to school for computer
repair. (I perfer the hardware side, as I'm still lost on the software
side)

Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
We have had a long discussion about this all day. It is my understanding
that you must have one copy for each computer. However, do not be
surprised
if this turns into a whole legal post dilemma.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro
installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second
machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP
home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Sorry guys, I meant one license per computer...

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Rick "Nutcase" Rogers" wrote in message
...
Hi Brian,

It's one license per computer. Unless the pc was sold to you with all of
the
installation media, you do not possess the NT license. You will find that
this is what activation is all about, as it will not activate on the
second
machine. Besides, you would have to do a clean install, as you cannot
install WinXP Home as an upgrade to WinNT or install it over WinXP Pro.

--
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

"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro
installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second
machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP
home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well?

For an upgrade you need the full NT (or whatever) installation CD, as the XP
upgrade installation will ask for it (the full version will not, and by
"upgrade" the full version means it will try to keep your current programs
and device drivers during the operating system install). Even if you format
the HDD in the new machine.

The upgrade XP CD must not have already been registered with Microsoft. The
hardware is basically married to the very CD that was used to do an XP
installation, and only very minor hardware changes are allowed before
reactivation requirement is triggered. I'm not sure of the exact method used
(which I'm sure is propriatary) but this might not be far from the truth:
A number is computed based upon the various serial numbers hard-coded into
devices (motherboard, cpu, etc.) Another number is hard coded into the XP CD
itself. Those 2 things are examined at registration time, and it is thereby
known what the hardware configuration was and what CD was used when XP was
first registered. If things differ beyond certain trigger points as relates
to the registered CD license (such as a new motherboard or cpu, for example)
then the trigger occurs and a new activation code must be obtained from
Microsoft -- who may or may not give you one -- and meanwhile the computer
and all the data on it will be inaccessible (you are locked out).

-OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Basically, you need a separate purchase of XP for every machine that runs
it.

"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well?

For an upgrade you need the full NT (or whatever) installation CD, as the XP
upgrade installation will ask for it (the full version will not, and by
"upgrade" the full version means it will try to keep your current programs
and device drivers during the operating system install). Even if you format
the HDD in the new machine.

The upgrade XP CD must not have already been registered with Microsoft. The
hardware is basically married to the very CD that was used to do an XP
installation, and only very minor hardware changes are allowed before
reactivation requirement is triggered. I'm not sure of the exact method used
(which I'm sure is propriatary) but this might not be far from the truth:
A number is computed based upon the various serial numbers hard-coded into
devices (motherboard, cpu, etc.) Another number is hard coded into the XP CD
itself. Those 2 things are examined at registration time, and it is thereby
known what the hardware configuration was and what CD was used when XP was
first registered. If things differ beyond certain trigger points as relates
to the registered CD license (such as a new motherboard or cpu, for example)
then the trigger occurs and a new activation code must be obtained from
Microsoft -- who may or may not give you one -- and meanwhile the computer
and all the data on it will be inaccessible (you are locked out).

-OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Basically, you need a separate purchase of XP for every machine that runs
it.

Greetings --

No, you can't. First of all, WinNT is not a valid qualifying
product for an upgrade to WinXP Home. (It is, however, a qualifying
product for an upgrade to WinXP Pro.) Secondly, you have only one
license for the WinXP Home Upgrade, so you cannot use it on two
computers simultaneously.

You'll need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer
on which you install it.

As it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating systems,
it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which
it is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to
determine final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which
WinXP licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is
that Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft
mechanism, Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more
difficult) multiple installations using a single license.


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH


"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I
am able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro
installed on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box.
Because of the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed
came from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second
machine (a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home
upgrade disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of
XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy
of XP Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Greetings --

No, you can't. First of all, WinNT is not a valid qualifying
product for an upgrade to WinXP Home. (It is, however, a qualifying
product for an upgrade to WinXP Pro.) Secondly, you have only one
license for the WinXP Home Upgrade, so you cannot use it on two
computers simultaneously.

You'll need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer
on which you install it.

As it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating systems,
it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which
it is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to
determine final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which
WinXP licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is
that Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft
mechanism, Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more
difficult) multiple installations using a single license.


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH


"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I
am able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro
installed on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box.
Because of the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed
came from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second
machine (a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home
upgrade disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of
XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy
of XP Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

Hi Brian,

It's one license per computer. Unless the pc was sold to you with all of the
installation media, you do not possess the NT license. You will find that
this is what activation is all about, as it will not activate on the second
machine. Besides, you would have to do a clean install, as you cannot
install WinXP Home as an upgrade to WinNT or install it over WinXP Pro.

--
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

"Brian McCabe" wrote in message
news:LkYMc.158804$a24.128049@attbi_s03...
Hi -

I own an upgrade copy of WinXP home. Coupled with my Win95 disc, I am
able
to have Windows XP on my main machine.

However, I recently acquired a second machine that has XP Pro installed
on
it. There is a license sticker for NT on the side of the box. Because of
the
sticker, I am assuming that the version of XP Pro that is installed came
from
an ugrade disc; that part is not particularly relevant though.

Here is my question: Since I have this NT license on this second machine
(a
castoff from an acquaintance's employer), can I use my XP Home upgrade
disc to
install on this machine as well? -OR- do I have to own ONE copy of XP home
upgrade for each of the two machines? In essense, is an owned copy of XP
Home
upgrade good for multiple machines?

Thanks -

Brian Mc

"Bruce Chambers" wrote in message
...
WinNT is not a valid qualifying
product for an upgrade to WinXP Home. (It is, however, a qualifying
product for an upgrade to WinXP Pro.)

Before posting, I should have again read the small print that is hidden by
optical distortion under the clear plastic ridges of the XP package! It's
also available at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/h...ng/matrix.mspx

I thought from 95 upwards was all listed there as eligible for a direct
upgrade to XP-H or XP-P upgrade versions (assuming original OS CD's in
hand). But I now stand corrected and humbled by faulty carbon based memory.
Only 98 or 98SE or Millenium can be upgraded with XP-Home.

One thing the chart at the above link doesn't seem to make clear. One
apparently can not "upgrade" an already installed retail "upgrade" version
of XP-Home with a later newly purchased "upgrade" version of XP-Home
(basically a transfer of license). The original XP-Home retail upgrade CD
seems to be required in that case.