Windows XP question

C

compnub2

New Member
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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