windows xp

[oh-sherbert!]

i have xp on my computer that is legal and above board. if i obtain another computer in my house can i use the same discs to load xp or is this illegal?

[AussieGeoff]

G'Day

If you are asking if you can use the same disk to install XP onto two computers at the same time - No that is illegal.

If you have a retail version and you want to install XP onto the new computer after removing XP from the old computer - as far as I know that is legal - it is no different than having a computer die and installing it onto the replacement, that I have done in the past with no problem.

If you have an OEM (preinstalled) disk, using the disk to install onto another computer is also illegal - the OEM version is tied to the original computer - although how they can enforce this I am not sure.

If you have a Recovery/Restore disk, you wont be able to use it on another computer at all.

Geoff

[mattie]

Basically, one licence per computer, but if you buy a new one, it should already have a licence.

[boobesque]

you can buy a 2nd lisence for use with your windows os. you can buy it from the microsoft shop. all they will give you is a 2nd lisence key for use when you install xp.

you can also buy 'for oem' retail installation discs. i saw one in maplins for �280. it is basically windows xp but comes with multiple lisence keys for people who make and sell computers. its cheaper than having to buy a seperate copy of windows for each machine. the one in maplins had 10 lisence keys. which is much cheaper

[oh-sherbert!]

well that seems fairly conclusive - not the answer i was hoping for though!

thanks very much for your help