Installing Windows on multiple computers

JohnJSal

JohnJSal

Active Member
Two questions:

1. Can you install an OEM version of XP on multiple computers? Is there anything physically preventing you from doing this? i.e. the disc just won't work on the second attempt?

2. Can you install the retail version of XP on multiple computers?

Thanks.
 
Both, actually. The license for a plain copy of Windows specifically says that you can only install it on one computer unless you have what's called Volume Licensing, and that's for businesses with many computers. You pay a certain fee per computer.

If you try to install a plain single copy of Windows on more than one computer, Microsoft's database already has the product code you used as being installed already on one computer. When you try to install it on a second PC, the database will say you can't do it because the Product Code is already in use.

I forget exactly if this happens when installing or trying to activate it within 30 days.
 
OvenMaster said:
Both, actually. The license for a plain copy of Windows specifically says that you can only install it on one computer unless you have what's called Volume Licensing, and that's for businesses with many computers. You pay a certain fee per computer.

If you try to install a plain single copy of Windows on more than one computer, Microsoft's database already has the product code you used as being installed already on one computer. When you try to install it on a second PC, the database will say you can't do it because the Product Code is already in use.

I forget exactly if this happens when installing or trying to activate it within 30 days.
Click to expand...

Ah, that makes more sense. But what if it's uninstalled from a computer before it's reinstalled on another? Is there a way for MS to know the product code isn't in use anymore?
 
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