windows xp question

[Penguin0011]

hi, i have installed a copy of windows xp on my computer and was wondering if you could use the same copy on a different computer. I know it installs and everything cuz i already installed it but i get this message saying i need to activate it within 30 days. can you activate the same copy twice?

 

[Atomic Rooster]

From a legal standpoint, no. Your copy XP can only be installed on one computer.

 

[Penguin0011]

thanks for the quick response,
but is there any way around that from an illegal standpoint?

 

[01001010]

Not allowed to discuss illegal activities around here.

 

[Computer Head]

Technically you need a CD key for every computer it is installed on. Microsoft started using anti-piracy religiously in Windows XP with the activation process. The only other way is to go through Volume Licensing, but that is expensive and you still have to buy per computer (also reserved for organizations I believe). So you will be going against Microsoft's EULA (End User License Agreement)

 

[Penguin0011]

well what happens at the end of the 30 period if you don't activate? do they try to charge you or something?

 

[Computer Head]

well what happens at the end of the 30 period if you don't activate? do they try to charge you or something?

Nope, it just won't do anything without an activation key properly obtained from Microsoft. That is how they compare the CD key to the hardware in your computer.

 

[Penguin0011]

we built the computer and it works with the xp but what if we never activate it will something go wrong at the end of the 30 days?

 

[Atomic Rooster]

Nothing will go wrong, you just won't be able to login until it's activated. Meaning you wont be able to use you comp until you do so.



You really need to check your PMs.