Window's activaiton

September 29, 2005 9:49 AM

What's the scoop on software activation for window's xp and other microsoft software?

I wanted to update my laptop from windows ME to windows XP with the software I have for my desktop. After doing so I realize that with their new activation process you can only load the software on one computer. Is there anyway around this, is it copyright infringement to use software on more than one personal computer?

Thanks.

posted by retro88 to computers & internet (6 comments total)

1. It's infringement based on the terms of the license.

2. There are ways around it, and I believe it depends on the version of XP you have.
posted by selfnoise at 9:56 AM on September 29, 2005

Just try installing and activating it. I have a legitimate retail copy of Windows XP Pro that I first used on my desktop, which had been reinstalled and activated multiple times, even after drastically changing the hardware (CPU, motherboard, and HD swaps). When I got a laptop, I installed it on that and activated it over the internet without a hitch.
posted by zsazsa at 10:34 AM on September 29, 2005

You will not be able to install using the same serial number again. Your best bet is an upgrade edition.
posted by phearlez at 10:44 AM on September 29, 2005

I must note that I used the same serial number for all the installs I did above.
posted by zsazsa at 10:57 AM on September 29, 2005

Microsoft supposedly dumps the records from the registration database after 120 days or so....
posted by pjern at 11:09 AM on September 29, 2005

I had a laptop that I upgraded from W98SE using a retail XP Home upgrade. When I got a new laptop, also with W98SE, I removed XP from the old laptop, and used the same disk and serial number to upgrade the new laptop. The internet activation caught that the serial number had been used before and told me I had to activate by phone. Phone activation was pretty easy - I just had to tell them I was swapping it from one laptop to another. Both laptops had their own COA's, though.
posted by rfs at 11:19 AM on September 29, 2005