Windows XP Home OEM

Hello to all the experts and friends! I hope none of you think this is a stupid question but........ I am not 100% sure so I knew I would be able to get the answer on MG's I bought XP Home OEM and I just want to make sure that I can install it on another computer without a MS license. Am I correct in assuming that I can? Thanks in advance and look forward to all replies KathyM

 

no matter what you are going to need a key (to get it registerd, before 30 days is up, otherwise it'll lock your comp). was there no coa provided with your disk? i'm not sure if the key is inserted for you, and you don't have to type it in. either way, you should have a coa sticker (that you would normally put on your comp, or not). - sos

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/content.aspx?pg=coa&displaylang=en <-- How To Tell

 

I do have the product key and I have the registration number. Yes, I do have the sticker - does that mean that I cant put this OEM on another computer?? Thx!!

 

legally you can only have the software on 1 comp (your license key). if you put it on another comp (same key), i don't think you can get them both registered (which would be illegal anyway). nowdays, you have to register your software (within 30 days, or it locks your comp, until you do register it).

now, if your other comp was xp home, and you had a key for it and needed to reinstall your os, then you should be ok using your disk to reload your os, and use the key that was on that comp.

i hope i explained that right (or made sense). - sos

 

I thought that buying an OEM that it comes with no support of anykind...is that correct? Also, when it is registered upon installation I am assuming that it registers and recognizes the IP address of the computer, is that correct also? Thanks again for your quick replies

 

No and no.

OEM support does exist, it justs costs. There is no warranty support. When activated, Windows is bound to your hardware by means of a unique key created from the hardware in your machine.

 

As I understand the EULA you can have a copy of Win XP on one desktop and one laptop. If you install it on two desktops you might find your copy flagged as a pirate version and have both shutdown by MS. They do allow you use it a second time if you call them up and pay the licensing fee. I'd be careful here, as MS is very protective and a pain to deal with once they impose anything.

One of the definitions of a OEM copy is it can not be transfered to another computer, once you have installed it that is where it stays, for life. I'm not too sure about the laptop clause, either way, but there are a lot of people more knowledgeable about this than I am.

After post edit, Adry beat me to it by minutes. He's one of the more knowledgeable people I was talking about. You might call MS and ask about the license if you are determined.

 

Thanks so much for the info......I need to check out getting another OEM MS Home disk....it is alot less expensive that getting a license from MS....Thanks again!! KathyM

 

I don't quite understand this "Windows is bound to your hardware by means of a unique key created from the hardware in your machine"
What exactly does that mean? Thanks

 

that quote is a from microsofts website (link below). - sos

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx <-- MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP HOME EDITION (RETAIL) END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT SOFTWARE

 

Well, I guess it is time for me to shell out some dollars for a new OS for this beat up Windows ME Thanks to all of you for your help, I appreciate it very much! KathyM:wave