Computer Guru's I have an XP question?
 

Do any of you people have more than one computer but only one copy of Windows XP? And if so did you install the one copy on more than one PC?
The reason I ask is because I have just bought a new PC with Windows XP and I also have a laptop that I would like to install XP on but I'm not about to buy another copy of XP to install it on my PC.

I'm sure you're all aware that Microsoft doesn't want you installing software you own on more than one machine. That's like buying a car and the dealer telling you you can only use it to drive to the store? Anyway, any idea of how to install xp on both my systems. It's pretty sad I have one copy of Windows XP, one copy of Windows ME, and one copy of Windows 98 that I have payed for and are right here in front of me and I can't install the newest copy on more than one machine :banghead: Any ideas?

Nope no ideas here. I can tell you one thing though. Some candyass is getting fired today. Bastards ate a 5 gal. bucket of Halloween candy in one day. WTF!? :mad:

Ouch lol

How long have you had it on your primary computer?

I've only had it on there about 3 weeks.

see my smoke signal

...look for some help from China....
:evil:

First, unless the two computers 'talk' to one aother there shouldn't be a problem. Just choose the 'contact customer service by phone' when it asks you to register the installation and it won't bother you again.

If the two computers do talk to one another just change the serial number. I have at least 4 SNs laying around.

In other words yes, there are several ways around this problem if it even is a problem. Post or PM if you need more help.

This is totally incorrect. Windows XP has an activation feature. Once you activate the one copy on the first machine, you can not activate it on the second machine. You can use a different serial #, but if that serial number has been activated anywhere else on a different machine anywhere in the world, you are in the same boat.

The "talking to each other thing" is only relevant if you are trying to install a ghost image of the same install with the same SID.

First, READ WHAT I WROTE.

You sound like your talking from theory. I'm willing to bet money your are as a matter of fact. I've done this myself and know it works.

I have the machines to prove it.

And your "anywhere in the world" serial statement is wrong too. Microsoft disabled that because too many legitimate users were being denied updates and what not because of all the hacked serial numbers.

Chill out. Your're the one who is wrong.

You don't have to register anything at all, it can be bypassed and the only conflict that will arise is if 2 machines with identical serial numbers are networked.

So they disabled activation? That doesn't seem right.

They didn't disable activation, users are still being asked to activate the product when its installed.

Maybe I'm being unclear here. Let me wake up and re-visit this.

Whenever I change hardware in my PC, I often have to re-activate my copy of windows because it thinks its running on a different computer. The first question they ask is "Are you installing this on more than one PC?" , when I use the same serial #.

Google it!

Actually that's like getting one license plate and wondering why you can't use it on all your cars.