Re: Windows XP Desktop & Laptop Same CD

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Scorpion6000 wrote:
I have a windows xp pro cd I recently bought few months back and I have it installed in my desktop computer and I would like to know if I can use the same activation for my laptop that I used this cd to format and install windows on.


No, you may not. You need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on which you install it. As long as you have multiple identical licenses, it doesn't matter if you use the same CD for the installations, as long as you use a different license (Product Key) on each installation.

Just as it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating systems, it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S. copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which it is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to determine final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which WinXP licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is that Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft mechanism, Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more difficult) multiple installations using a single license.

One can buy additional licenses, assuming one already has a retail license. Naturally, Microsoft cannot sell additional OEM licenses. Be aware, however, that you'll probably pay more this way than you would if you were to buy a second copy of WinXP from a discount retailer; Microsoft will only offer you a 15% discount off their MSRP.

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp



I did have a copy of windows media center edition that I used when I first bought this desktop computer but lost that cd and needed to format my desktop so I had no choice but to buy another windows cd.


No choice? Of course you had a choice. You could have easily obtained a replacement CD from the vendor. You simply chose not to do so.


This is why I feel to buy another windows cd for my laptop, which I recently was given by a friend who got it from a friend, would be a waste of my money when I am the single user of this windows.


No, the "waste of money" occurred when *you* chose to unnecessarily purchase WinXP Pro to replace a CD that *you* misplaced. (Besides, since when is paying for the consequences of one's own actions truly a "waste?")


Purhaps there is a way to be sent another copy of windows media center edition to use that cd key I have,....


Of course there is. Simply contact the computer's manufacturer for a replacement CD.


.... or if I am allowed to use the same windows xp activation key for the laptop .


Nope.


What is the best course of action because I do need to use my laptop when I am not home and need to use the a conputer for work and other needs of mine away from home.


Contact the manufacturer of the desktop and obtain a replacement WinXP MCE CD, removed WinXP Pro from the desktop, and install it on the laptop. Assuming that what you purchased was a retail license, that is. (If you had chosen for the much cheaper but non-transferable WinXP Pro license, it cannot be moved to another computer.)


--

Bruce Chambers

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