I need to install Windows XP home edition on multiple computers that currently have no operating system installed. I have one copy. Is it legal to install this copy on each computer?
2006-10-23 04:12:26 · 11 answers · asked by almask 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Nope, one license per computer...Thus the Windows Genuine Advantage will get you...
Why not install Linux on one of them:
http://www.opensuse.org
is a good one.
2006-10-23 04:16:43 · answer #1 · answered by John K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you must purchase a copy for each PC
Starting with Windows XP and newer operating systems:
Each copy must be activated through Microsoft. This must be done either over the Internet or by phone
Microsoft keeps track of which software keys are used so they can not be re-used.
If Windows is not activated in 45 days, it will quit working. You will need to re-install
You need to have a valid, activated copy to get any new features and most updates.
There are some cheats to get multiple copies of Windows to install but I wouldn't recommend it. First, it is illegal. And you won't be able to validate your copy so you won't be able to get most updates.
Your only choices are to:
Install Windows using the disks that came with each computer. If these are older copies of Windows, you will need to purchase an upgrade to Windows XP for each PC
Install Linux on each PC. This operating system is free.
Purchase a full copy of Windows for each PC.
If you want Windows XP, unfortunately there is no cheap way out.
2006-10-23 04:30:35 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cheapest option, if you are determined to have Windows XP, is buy a cracked copy of Windows from www.warezstore.com - this will be supplied with license number and cracks to totally disable WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) etc, so it will not be limited to 30 days. You can install this version on every computer you have! Enjoy ;)
2006-10-23 07:18:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each PC requires a license. Any Windows updates required by the PC means a visit to the Microsoft Update site. It is at this stage that the license is checked. It only takes a second to compare the PC host name against the license key. Multiple hosts with a singular will result in the key becoming invalid.
2006-10-23 04:24:42 · answer #4 · answered by Mark T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have a copy of XP Home with multiple product keys, I would say NO. Once you hit up Microsoft update, and run the Validation tool, that product key is considered "being used" and will result in the others being considered as counterfeit.
2006-10-23 04:19:40 · answer #5 · answered by pfc_weiss 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it not legal (read the eula when installing)
and it won't actually let you register it more than twice anyway...
if you can find a copy of win 2000
it will let you, and it does not need to be activated on the net,
and its very similar to xp, even the same drivers.
2006-10-23 04:21:01 · answer #6 · answered by papeche 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not, you will not be able to register the 2nd, 3rd, 4th computers so they will not work after a month or so, I would enquire at the suppliers first.
2006-10-23 04:21:59 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think its legal, but no one really cares.
Read the EULA thingy if you really want to know.
2006-10-23 04:16:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will not work, well it will for 30 days and they they will be locked out,you have to get extra licence's
2006-10-23 04:18:54 · answer #9 · answered by **Xp_mAn_Xp** 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is as you need a licence for the amount you need. You will get away with it....as you have the original
2006-10-23 04:15:50 · answer #10 · answered by Quintus T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋