Limit on Windows XP cd use?

S

spazz31585

New Member
i was just curious. i had heard at work quite awhile ago that you are limited on the amount of times that a windows xp cd can be used.
does anyone know if this is true?

i was just curious because i like to reinstall windows quite regularly to keep everything running smoothly.
and i am also having to constantly reinstall winodws on my dad's system due to his inability to understand NOT to click on banner adds

i was just curious if anyone could answer this for me.
thank you
 
Windows XP is only designed for one computer. If you have just the retail or OEM version, you can only re-activate once in a certain period of time. If you go over that, it will say the CD Key has exceeded the number of times it can be activated, and you must call Microsoft to get a key over the phone.
 
the OS disc itself can be used as many times as you need to as long as you keep it in good condition. The product key that came with it, may only be activated on one machine, unless you buy some more licenses.
 
spazz31585 said:
so it's the cd key and not the cd itself then?
Click to expand...
Yes. They are forgiving for a while and will let you use the same product key on two or perhaps three different machines, but any more and the key will expire and you won't be able to activate Windows online. That said, phone Microsoft and they'll activate it for you nonetheless, but that's a different story.
 
i appreciate all the info.
like i said, i was kind of worried because i reinstall windows quit a bit at home.
i'm constantly installing and uninstalling programs and it gets to running pretty sluggish and there's always a bunch of junk i know i don't need
but, i don't have internet at home, so would that limit on the product key still affect me?
 
yes. if you cant activate it over the internet, then it will give you a number to call to activate it. and it still counts toward your limit.
 
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