Windows XP experts! What can I do? MultiCPU XP problem?

Question

A friend give me his "old" workstation with Linux as operating system.
But I like to run this computer with Windows XPpro!
But i got a problem. After switching on the display show me this:
initialize prozessor 0
initialize prozessor 1
initialize prozessor 2
initialize prozessor 3
prossesor are means CPU? I ask this, because on the lizenceplate of my new Windows XPpro stand 1 - 2 CPUs!

It is true and neccessary to buy Windows 2003 version or will XPpro also run on a computersystem with 4 CPU's?
May I have two processors without license?

Please help - I like to install XPpro on this weekend!
is a four cpu version of xp avaible?
Or is only a software driver needed?

I was posting this question also in th german YC, but I think, there are only amateurs :(

Thanks!

Answer 1

It might have dual HT processors which are really only two CPUs emulating four. Give installing Windows a try. You can always put Linux back onto it. I recommend http://www.ubuntu.com for an easy-to-use build of Linux.

Answer 2

First - you do not license the processors. I have built many computers in my day, and if it were me, I would simply boot from the XP CD and load it up WITHOUT being connected to the net for activation. At that point, look in the hardware manager to see what was discovered and in the system event log to see what had a problem initializing.

Load up a benchmark program of your choice and see if it meets your needs. If so, go through the activation and update process.

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