StarDestroyer.Net BBS

And while I'm fairly certain I can't, I'd like to know if I could put it on two computers. I forgot what the big EULA controversy was about when it came out.

Clean installs are always better than Upgrades. If you're determined to purchase the OS, I'd reccommend digging that bit deeper for a full version disc.

Vendetta wrote:Clean installs are always better than Upgrades. If you're determined to purchase the OS, I'd reccommend digging that bit deeper for a full version disc.

If a version of Windows isn't already installed, it'll just ask for the disk and key for a previous version of Windows at installation. At least, that's how my Windows 2k upgrade disc worked.

And no, you can't install it on two computers due to Windows Product Activation, which requires a phone-home to Microsoft to unlock Windows as part of the installation process. There are... ways... around WPA, but essentially all involve some sort of trade-off, and most will fall flat when faced with the new Windows Genuine Advantage tester (which MS requires you to use when downloading from their website now).

Uh... my key installed on atleast 2 distinct PCs, no problem. Are you sure its not limited per use? I've gotten problems now as apprently you can only install it in 5 differant hardware setups.

Ace Pace wrote:Uh... my key installed on atleast 2 distinct PCs, no problem. Are you sure its not limited per use? I've gotten problems now as apprently you can only install it in 5 differant hardware setups.

Often Microsoft will permit the installation of their software on two distinct machines with the caveat that you aren't supposed to use them simultaneously (think desktop and laptop). Read your EULA, though.

It is also possible that you have come across a Volume License Key (VLK).

Possibly, which would explain alot, I probebly would the EULA next time I install anything, which unfortunatly includes buying a new Windows key as this one ran out of possible hardware configurations a PC ago.

Ace Pace wrote:Uh... my key installed on atleast 2 distinct PCs, no problem. Are you sure its not limited per use? I've gotten problems now as apprently you can only install it in 5 differant hardware setups.

For XP Home, it'll install, but will start giving problems if it detects a configuration change five times in under about a few months' time. That's one of the trade-offs I had mentioned -- if you're willing to wait until MS's "cooldown period" passes after each installation (and regularly back up the wpa.dbl file for each computer), you can actually stick it on several machines without WPA getting in your way (EDIT: but that would still be against the EULA). It WILL give you a hassle, however, if you try to register two different computers in close temporal proximity to each other with the same key.

For XP Pro, the only way a multi-install could happen on the same key is if you used a Volume License Key, which isn't supposed to be available for anyone but corporate users.

Ah good, another note to stick on the place where I got the current PC, they gave me that kind of key.

Well, I've enjoyed it, but I don't expect it to work on the new PC, good to know.

GA is easy as hell to get around too. Just kill the IE add-on, or go here.

Now to answer the OP, no its not a good deal. Not when XP Pro can be had for not much more.

XP Pro 64-bit Edition 1 - $142 (free 3-day shipping)

XP Pro SP2 - $146 ($0.99 3-day shipping)

What's the difference between Home and Pro? I'm only using the computer for gaming, Internet, and school work.

StarshipTitanic wrote:What's the difference between Home and Pro? I'm only using the computer for gaming, Internet, and school work.

XP Pro has better administrative tools and support for ActiveDirectory and domains. You probably don't need it.

phongn wrote:

Ace Pace wrote:Uh... my key installed on atleast 2 distinct PCs, no problem. Are you sure its not limited per use? I've gotten problems now as apprently you can only install it in 5 differant hardware setups.

Often Microsoft will permit the installation of their software on two distinct machines with the caveat that you aren't supposed to use them simultaneously (think desktop and laptop). Read your EULA, though.

It is also possible that you have come across a Volume License Key (VLK).

Actually, Microsoft's policy is to add the product key to a list that won't allow any activations after the initial for 90 days. Once that's over, you're free to install it again and it will activate just fine.