Can I use my cd key on two computers without the key getting zapped by microsoft? (Please only serious answers from those that truely know the answer)
2006-07-21 05:26:39 · 6 answers · asked by ntlgnce 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
My first PC is taking a crap slowly, it still works for now, But I want to transfer my data from one pc to the other before it dies totally, and I want to install HOME before I transfer the files.
2006-07-21 05:32:14 · update #1
If you purchased a retail copy of XP (ie an off the shelf copy, not an OEM version that shipped with your computer) you can install it on your new computer and that will give you 30 days to transfer all your files and such from your old system before Windows Product Activation will lock it down to safe mode only. To activate your new system you will have to call Microsoft and explain what you are doing and they will transfer the license. The Microsoft rep will talk you through the process. It takes about 30 minutes of being on the phone and it is a pain but it can be done.
If on the other hand your copy of XP is an OEM version then it can't be transferred. The OEM version is what you'd get with a Dell or an HP etc etc. If you bought your system from an independent or custom builder it might very well be a retail version of XP and if you're really lucky it may even be a 2 CPU license. Check your XP Certificate of Authenticity, if it says "1 - 2 CPU" then you do have a transferrable 2 CPU license. If it says retail it's a transferrable single CPU license. If it says OEM anywhere you're out of luck.
2006-07-21 08:09:07 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can do it.
Technically it's illegal. One copy of XP for one machine at a time. The whole "you can install 3 times" applies to Office products.
The only people they "zap" are big corporations (people with big contracts with them for certain #'s of licenses.) They don't go around searching for individuals using the same key on many computers like RIAA does with music. They'd have to arrest 99% of computer users I would guess. haha
2006-07-21 12:56:15 · answer #2 · answered by Me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a separate Windows XP CD for setting up installation on multiple computers. They are more pricier than the single installation disks.
I would call microsoft and tell them that you installed your windows on your computer and that you got a new computer. Ask them to give you a different key for your other computer.
2006-07-21 12:29:23 · answer #3 · answered by Sean I.T ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Yes," in quotes...and here's why:
On a legitimate copy of windows xp home, the disk and number can be used a total of three times, which means that it can be used on three different computers, or one computer on three restores.
However, if you end up exceeding the number, or showing it on two computers, and exceed the three minimum limit, forget it, because you'll end up having to call Microsoft and explaining why you are doing that and they'll deny approving it. That, my friend, is called a pain in the A$$.
Oh well...
2006-07-21 12:30:14 · answer #4 · answered by syshonblast 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but you can if you don't download the WGA nag tool through updates. (Windows Genuine Advantage) is downloaded via updates in the latest patches. It's your problem, if you really think you should pay twice then do it! Good luck!
2006-07-21 12:31:31 · answer #5 · answered by Rowdy answers 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, that is illegal. One key per PC. You need separate legal copies on each machine.
2006-07-21 12:29:11 · answer #6 · answered by thunder2sys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋