Re: Windows XP on another computer

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Blipbloop wrote:

> I can't remember exactly what I did when I installed it on my
> computer but I am pretty sure there was a registration key that I
> typed in when installing it. When I do that, it doesn't register my
> machine with Microsoft? It's just a key code that allows it to
> continue installing without any communications with Microsoft via the
> internet??


No, it's a product key and it was used to "activate" Windows XP, not
"register" it.

This is a common source of confusion. Activation is an anonymous procedure
that associates your hardware (not you) with that product key. Registration
identifies *you* as an individual person using Windows XP.Activation is
required. If you don't do it, after 30 days your computer will stop working
except in Safe Mode.

Registration, on the other hand, is entirely optional. It's basically just
used by Microsoft for marketing purposes.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


> "Shenan Stanley" wrote:
>
>> Blipbloop wrote:
>>> My old computer was upgraded to windows XP from Win98 SE a long
>>> time ago. Recently that computer died and I have since purchased a
>>> brand new computer. My friend who still uses his old computer at
>>> work would like to use the XP upgrade CD that I have since my
>>> computer died. Is there a way to unregister my old computer to
>>> allow him to use the disk on his computer now?
>>
>> Unregister?
>> No - you likely never registered it.
>>
>> Upgrades are retail versions - if it is not installed anywhere else
>> - you can install it anywhere you want.
>>
>> --
>> Shenan Stanley
>> MS-MVP
>> --
>> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


.

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