XP, usable on two computers

When buying a laptop online and configuring it, there is a choice of whether you would like to include and buy the Operating System, such as Windows Home XP.

I have a Dell Dimension 8200 Desktop. W/ that Dell, I recieved a CD that allowed me to install WindowsXP. Not that long ago the Harddrive failed and was replaced. When I went to reinstall windows w/ the same CD, there were no problems at all, even though the CD could have known it was already distributed to another harddrive(computer).

What I'm wondering is if I could get my laptop and instead of buying the operating system, maybe I could use the exact same CD used for my desktop and install Windows XP Home that way.

Is this possible?
Thanks for your help.

 

shouldn't be a problem. Worse case is that xp will ask you to call microsoft to enter in a code to activate xp, and they might ask for a reason, which you can reply and say I just formatted my hard drive.

 

Yes, just use the product key on the bottom of your laptop. This will work as long as it's the same version (pro, home, media center) as the key is for. I was able to download XP 9-in-1 sp2 (which contains all windows xp versions) reformat my HDD and reinstall XP using the key on the bottom of my laptop.

This is legal because the key on the bottom of my laptop is my "license" to install and reinstall xp on this computer as needed. You can just use the CD provided but the factory CD contains bloatware and creates a restore partition; wasting space.

 

Jay was asking about installing the copy of XP which came with his desktop, onto a new laptop. While that may be possible (I have no clue), I don't believe it's legal.

 

Thanks, I didn't quite catch what he was asking. No, it's not legal and likely not possible. When you install it on your new computer you'll need to activate it. XP generates an activation number based on the hardware found on your computer which is then sent to Microsoft for activation. Obviously it won't match what it has been licensed for and you won't be able to activate XP.

I would suggest buying XP with your laptop if you want it since it will be the most affordable at that time.

 

Well then how come it was easy to reinstall it when my harddrive broke, and I got a new one. If what your saying is true, then why didn't it recognize that it was being put on a dif. harddrive?

 

It recognize the hardware in general and not the specific HDD. I am guessing something to do with a motherboard serial or BIOS, cause that is the most logical way to identify a system, but I could be wrong.

BTW I think it is legal to have your windows installed on a second machine, as long as you only use it on one machine at a time. BUT for activation you would have to give microsoft a ring for proof of purchase! (Not sure how helpful M$ will be when you are trying to make Bill less richer )

 

I've found that replacing the motherboard has been the only trigger to windows having to be re-validated. just my experience with it.

 

I recently went through the "install new HD and install XP" process.

At first, I was not able to find my XP CD, so I installed Win 2k Advanced Server. Of course, once I found my XP CD, I was not able to upgrade it, since 2k AS can only be upgraded to XP Professional (DOH!) After another reformat, I was able to install XP, but couldn't find the activation code (DOH!)

Upon calling Microsoft, they asked for some information off the CD (which I didn't have, because I called from Work) and said that they would be able to issue a new activation code for around $10.00 once I could provide them the information from the CD.

Luckily, I found the original activation key later that night and did not need to call them back. XP installed, prompted me to activate via the internet, which I did with no problems.

On the otherhand, I do know someone who was not able to get XP to run on their machine effectively (too many hardware incompatabilities), so they tried installing on another machine; they were prompted to call microsoft to complete the activation process. The microsoft representative asked him to explain the multiple activation attempts on different hardware. I don't know if they asked for their name and address or what, but they were able to activate and use XP after that.

 

Because there are allowances for upgrades. People upgrade thier HDD, CPU, memory, optical drives, wireless adapters, etc. all the time but NEVER all of them at one time; that's a red flag.

 

Windows XP has built in triggers that will trigger the activation process. Changing on or two components in your computer will not trigger. I read an article on this somewhere. It said that WinXP is most likely tracking the MAC, HDD serial and probably something on your motherboard. It's not really clear what will trigger it. MS won't tell us

 

Exactly right.

 

Okay so do you guys recommend I rebuy it from the reseller that I am getting my laptop from.
from bestbuy etc...
or try to ring up microsoftxp and install the exact same comp on my computer?

 

I recommend the cheapest legal route, of course.

 

I suggest you install linux

 

honestly it doesnt matter, yes its not legal but just do it, microsoft isnt that strick with xp why give them more money? ive had my cd key on numerous systems of mine and my bro and rents also numerous reinstalls with frequnt upgrades ,new mobo, hdd, etc. ive had to call microsoft twice to get it activated in past the phone people really dont care that much. its when ur os gets on like a ton of computers microsoft will flag the cd key etc.

 

With a retail version of Windows XP (not sure if there are 'specifics' to the Dell License), you can use your XP Key to install on a second PC, provided you delete the first installation. (The Dell CDs may also be keyed to specific models, which is why I'm talking about the 'generic' retail copy of XP.)

The physical CD you use is irrelevant. The CD KEY is used to continue the installation past the first few steps. An algorithm is then used to create a unique value based on your hardware configuration. That value is linked to the Key and is 'Activated' by the Windows Activation Process. Though there are some hardware changes that won't 'break' the activation, if enough things change, the system needs to be re-activated. Generally, you are given and can do a couple of 'internet' activations, but if you're activating a whole lot, you may get prompted to call and explain yourself.

Much more info on Activation, and how it relates to licensing, here:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx

 

Blast from the past!

How about running two computers simultaneously on one XP key?

For instance, I have an old Dell desktop that I plan on moving into my home office. At work though, I just purchased a brand spanking new MBP and VMWare Fusion.

Can I install Windows XP using the Dell disk and the same serial key?

Or do I need to purchase a new Windows XP disc and serial key?

 

folks, the OS disk that Dell sends out is their oem disk w/ the oem bulk key integrated into the disk- it is the same key that they use to pre-install Vista/XP on all their PC's. That's why if you haven't reinstalled and used the key off the bottom of your Laptop, it's never been used.

This is the exact reason Orev's ABR tool works is because it copies the HP key/certificate (or any oem vista installation)so that you can do a clean install w/ out ever using the key on your laptop.

These oem bulk OS/keys do not check the hardware configuration........... But they are specific to each manufacturers products.

But it IS illegal to use the Dell Install disk on a diff Dell computer.

 

You need a separate key for this. Seriously...one XP key, one PC. Isn't that hard people! (I'm referring to the seemingly endless times we have to answer this, not you)