120 day license cycle for Win XP

I have a fully legal Win XP Pro CD that was installed in my old notebook. The notebook has been reformatted and reinstalled with the original OS that it came from, Win ME. I want to install Win XP Pro CD into my new notebook and i believe I have full legal right to do that since I already remove Win XP Pro from the old notebook.

I heard that Microsoft Win XP license server recycles itself every 120 days. Meaning, every 120 days, you can theoretically install it in the 2nd computer and reactivate over the net without hassle. Is it still the case? If I install SP2, will that make any difference? I also have a fully legal Office 2002 Pro and Visual Studio 2003 Pro. Do these software have the same 120 day license refresh cycle as Win XP?

 

As long as it's not manufacturer specific, you should have no problem installing it on your 2nd computer. If, however, at any time you have that Windows XP license on two computers then you are violating the EULA.

One license = One computer

You'll know right away if it will work. If the disc is manuf. specific upon boot you'll see something referring to the computer not being a Dell (or compaq, HP, Sony, Gateway...etc).

 

Thanks. This is the retail version, not manufacturer specific or OEM. Bought it from my campus bookstore. BTW, does Windows Genuine Advantage Program (GAP) have any influence with the 120 day license cycle? I heard that GAP "phones" home every day to make sure you have the original one.

 

No. As long as you have a legal license, and it's not OEM, you're fine. WGA is a pain, but you really don't notice it at all. I think people get mad just knowing that it's there.