Is it okay to install an OEM version of XP home on more than one computer?

BadAssKeith · 18-12-2008, 08:03 AM

I heard that Microsoft keeps track of which computers OEM has been installed on by the motherboard firmware. I already install XP on one computer, and I want to use it to install on another one. Will Microsoft accept that when I register the computer and how should I contact Microsoft on this issue? I went to their official website to see if this question was in their FAQs, but I couldn't find anything like this.

Sniper · 18-12-2008, 07:39 AM

unfortunately you need to have a license for each computer which means you need to buy another copy or alternatively you can give Linux a try

BadAssKeith · 19-12-2008, 02:41 AM

I have installed the same OEM version of Windows XP on several hard drives, but never on harddrives connected to different motherboards. Is the motherboard firmware where microsoft keeps record when you register?

thomas234 · 19-12-2008, 02:48 AM

I think it's based on all your hardware... If you change a lot of components in your PC at once, then sometimes it can need re-activating.

I've managed to transfer OEM licences to other PC's before (removing XP from the original pc first), but I had to activate over the phone, as the internet method wouldn't work.

DaRuSsIaMaN · 19-12-2008, 11:15 PM

Wow, you have actually been problems with this, thomas?? I thought they mostly just *say* you can't install it on more than one comp, but they won't actually do anything or find out if you do...

thomas234 · 20-12-2008, 02:13 PM

Yeah the online activation refused to work

But I rang up, and a robot asked me a few questions, like how many computers I was using it on etc, and then they told me a code, and it was activated!

Wasn't that hard, I think it's just to put people off transfering liceses to other PC's.

Fred · 20-12-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas234

Yeah the online activation refused to work

But I rang up, and a robot asked me a few questions, like how many computers I was using it on etc, and then they told me a code, and it was activated!

Wasn't that hard, I think it's just to put people off transfering liceses to other PC's.

I can vouch for that. If they are suspicious it is on more than one computer, you will have to talk to a human to get your copy activated. They only ask some very simple questions, but if they are sure it is on more than one, I'm positive you will not end up with two activated copies

18-12-2008, 08:03 AM	# 1 (permalink) Top
BadAssKeith Geek Trainee Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 9 Status: Offline	Is it okay to install an OEM version of XP home on more than one computer? I heard that Microsoft keeps track of which computers OEM has been installed on by the motherboard firmware. I already install XP on one computer, and I want to use it to install on another one. Will Microsoft accept that when I register the computer and how should I contact Microsoft on this issue? I went to their official website to see if this question was in their FAQs, but I couldn't find anything like this.

19-12-2008, 02:48 AM	# 4 (permalink) Top
thomas234 Big Geek Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 18 Male Posts: 847 Times Helpful: 38 My Mood: Bored Status: Offline My Computer	I think it's based on all your hardware... If you change a lot of components in your PC at once, then sometimes it can need re-activating. I've managed to transfer OEM licences to other PC's before (removing XP from the original pc first), but I had to activate over the phone, as the internet method wouldn't work. __________________ Nikon D40 + Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 + Nikon Speedlight SB-600 HTC TyTN II (Kaiser)

19-12-2008, 11:15 PM	# 5 (permalink) Top
DaRuSsIaMaN Geek Comrade Join Date: Nov 2003 Age: 23 Male Posts: 882 Times Helpful: 14 Status: Offline My Computer	Wow, you have actually been problems with this, thomas?? I thought they mostly just say you can't install it on more than one comp, but they won't actually do anything or find out if you do... __________________ Not all those who wander are lost. -J. R. R. Tolkien

20-12-2008, 02:13 PM	# 6 (permalink) Top
thomas234 Big Geek Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 18 Male Posts: 847 Times Helpful: 38 My Mood: Bored Status: Offline My Computer	Yeah the online activation refused to work But I rang up, and a robot asked me a few questions, like how many computers I was using it on etc, and then they told me a code, and it was activated! Wasn't that hard, I think it's just to put people off transfering liceses to other PC's. __________________ Nikon D40 + Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 + Nikon Speedlight SB-600 HTC TyTN II (Kaiser)

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18-12-2008, 07:39 AM	# 2 (permalink) Top
Sniper Administrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Age: 26 Male Posts: 4,832 Times Helpful: 137 My Mood: Blah Status: Offline My Computer	unfortunately you need to have a license for each computer which means you need to buy another copy or alternatively you can give Linux a try

19-12-2008, 02:41 AM	# 3 (permalink) Top
BadAssKeith Geek Trainee Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 9 Status: Offline	I have installed the same OEM version of Windows XP on several hard drives, but never on harddrives connected to different motherboards. Is the motherboard firmware where microsoft keeps record when you register?

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