Windows XP question

compnub2 · 12-03-2006, 01:35 AM

Sorry if this is posted already, I could not find it.

I was wondering how many computers can you use the same Windows XP cd on,
I've heard 1 and 3, thanks.

PC eye · 12-03-2006, 02:17 AM

Legally it will depend on the license. It the disk was bought retail it will be for one machine only. However Microsoft does have licenses available for home and small businesses for upto 10 to 15 machines. You would have to contact Microsoft directly to purchase one of those. Any other discussion is banned by forum rules.

Bobo · 12-03-2006, 02:18 AM

Generally only once. If you don't know which you have, call Microsoft.

PC eye · 12-03-2006, 02:48 AM

Microsoft initiated the one cd for one machine policy to fight software piracy with XP requiring product activation for each copy of Windows sold. After a certain amount of hardwares changes which Microsoft knew would be seen with eventual hardware upgrades you have to go back to Microsoft if that number is exceeded before a certaim amount of time has passed. When installing XP the installer itself takes a snap shot of the current hardwares at that time. That creates a unique code for the one machine.

compnub2 · 12-03-2006, 03:25 AM

Thanks, well it is only $90 on newegg and that comes with a vista coupon

PC eye · 12-03-2006, 03:36 AM

If you run a search you can find lower prices on XP at other vendors sometimes while that still is about the expected price with Vista soon to appear. Hopefully you are getting a full installation and not just an upgrade disk there.

compnub2 · 12-03-2006, 02:03 PM

I think this is XP and not an upgrade to, I am not 100% sure though.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Sp2b 1pk w/Upgrade Coupon for Vista - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116169

Mattu · 12-03-2006, 02:13 PM

I think the OEM version requires (by Microsoft) that you need to buy a piece of computer hardware with it, like for example a new CPU or hard drive.

compnub2 · 12-03-2006, 02:44 PM

Does that only apply for the Vista coupon? If so I'm not to worried about it, seeing that Vista hinders gaming as it is now, I don't plan on Vista for a year, year and a half.

If it applies to the disc it self, does a keyboard count =P

Mattu · 12-03-2006, 03:43 PM

I don't know if a keyboard would count. Here's something that tells you a little more on OEM versions: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm

I bought an OEM version of XP home when I built my computer; I bought my CPU along with it though.

12-03-2006, 01:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
compnub2 Bronze Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 62	Windows XP question Sorry if this is posted already, I could not find it. I was wondering how many computers can you use the same Windows XP cd on, I've heard 1 and 3, thanks.

12-03-2006, 02:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mattu Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 431	I think the OEM version requires (by Microsoft) that you need to buy a piece of computer hardware with it, like for example a new CPU or hard drive. __________________ My Home Built Machine: Intel Pentium D 925 3GHz 1024MB DDR 2700 RAM Nvidia GeForce 7600 512MB

12-03-2006, 03:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
Mattu Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 431	I don't know if a keyboard would count. Here's something that tells you a little more on OEM versions: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm I bought an OEM version of XP home when I built my computer; I bought my CPU along with it though. __________________ My Home Built Machine: Intel Pentium D 925 3GHz 1024MB DDR 2700 RAM Nvidia GeForce 7600 512MB

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12-03-2006, 02:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,730	Legally it will depend on the license. It the disk was bought retail it will be for one machine only. However Microsoft does have licenses available for home and small businesses for upto 10 to 15 machines. You would have to contact Microsoft directly to purchase one of those. Any other discussion is banned by forum rules.

12-03-2006, 02:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bobo banned Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pittsburgh Age: 16 Posts: 6,623	Generally only once. If you don't know which you have, call Microsoft.

12-03-2006, 02:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,730	Microsoft initiated the one cd for one machine policy to fight software piracy with XP requiring product activation for each copy of Windows sold. After a certain amount of hardwares changes which Microsoft knew would be seen with eventual hardware upgrades you have to go back to Microsoft if that number is exceeded before a certaim amount of time has passed. When installing XP the installer itself takes a snap shot of the current hardwares at that time. That creates a unique code for the one machine.

12-03-2006, 03:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
compnub2 Bronze Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 62	Thanks, well it is only $90 on newegg and that comes with a vista coupon

12-03-2006, 03:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,730	If you run a search you can find lower prices on XP at other vendors sometimes while that still is about the expected price with Vista soon to appear. Hopefully you are getting a full installation and not just an upgrade disk there.

12-03-2006, 02:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
compnub2 Bronze Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 62	I think this is XP and not an upgrade to, I am not 100% sure though. Microsoft Windows XP Home Sp2b 1pk w/Upgrade Coupon for Vista - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116169

12-03-2006, 02:44 PM	#9 (permalink)
compnub2 Bronze Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 62	Does that only apply for the Vista coupon? If so I'm not to worried about it, seeing that Vista hinders gaming as it is now, I don't plan on Vista for a year, year and a half. If it applies to the disc it self, does a keyboard count =P