Re: Reinstalling Windows XP on Multiple PCs

From: Carey Frisch [MVP] (mrxp2004_at_nospamyahoo.com)
Date: 03/08/04 

Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 17:15:59 -0600

Each Product Key is language specific. In other words, a Product Key
for a Spanish version of Windows XP will only work with the Spanish
Windows XP installation CD. One cannot use a Spanish Product Key
with an English version Windows XP CD and vice versa. And each
installation of Windows XP, installed on a different computer, requires
its own Product Key, otherwise Product Activation will fail and you'll
be in violation of the End-Users License Agreement.

Cannot Upgrade or Install a Different Language Version of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;282089 

-- 
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Be Smart!  Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"PeterT" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message:
 news:A8F75512-720E-4AE9-A37D-6C630F0915C9@microsoft.com...
| Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply. Unfortunately I am still stumped.
|
| I understand from your first point that I need to somehow acquire a separate licence (Product key) for each 
PC.
|
| 1. Does this mean that I need to buy a separate licence of the English version for each PC, or once I have 
the English version CD, or could I use the Product keys that relate to the OEM Spanish versions of Windows XP 
Home that I acquired when I bought the PCs? If so, how do I find them?
|
| I also followed the various links that you sent.
|
| I found that
|
| 2. The link
| Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Product Activation
| http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302878&Product=winxp
|
| led to a page which could only really be exited through a link to 'Microsoft Licencing', where my seach for 
'Language: English', 'Region: Spain' revealed no matches.
|
| 3. The link
|
| HOW TO: Change the Product Key at the Time of Activation
| http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&Product=winxp
|
| Lead me through a menu that told me to
| "Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Activate 
Windows.
| Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next."
|
| Unfortunately I could not find "Activate Windows" in the Spanish version of Systems Tools. Otherwise it told 
me that someone could only purchase a second licence for the retail version of Windows XP if called a number 
which was only accessible to customers based in the US.
|
| 4. The link
|
| Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition
| http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp
|
| Led me to a site for where I could purchase through Microsoft's retail partners only in the US & Canada.
|
| 5. The links for transferring files and setting up direct cable connections looked very useful for when I 
backup files, but I still not clear on your answer to my original question which was whether I will have any 
software conflicts related to having files created in the different languages version of Windows XP and other 
installed software, eg. on the software for my broadband (ADSL) connection router will stil work, etc. etc.
|
| 6. Finally, I was still not clear on your answer on MS Applications software. Can I use the same licences 
across multiple machines, provided that I am just a home user?
|
| Finally
| 7. If you are unable to answer any of these questions, can you provide the contact details of a 
representative of Microsoft (preferably, but not necessarily, who can speak English) here in Spain to sort 
this out.
|
| Thanks for being so helpful. Just looking at this bulletin board I saw 5 or 6 enquiries related to foreign 
nationals buying PCs with in Spain with Spanish software, (which is hardly surprising given we make up 8 
million of a Spain's population of 38 million), so I guess there will be a lot of interest in your answers. It 
stills seems strange that when I press on my Spanish version of Windows XP for support I come to this bulletin 
board which is all in English, but I cannot get English versions of the software or access to Support in 
English from an American company like Microsoft, just because I live in Spain.
|
| Regards
|
| PeterT

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