Install Windows XP on Another PC Legally?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the legality and feasibility of installing a licensed copy of Windows XP on a different PC, particularly focusing on OEM licenses and potential workarounds for installation issues. Participants explore various aspects of software licensing, compatibility, and alternative operating systems.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the legality of installing Windows XP on another PC, noting that the disc packaging states it is "for sale only with a Dell PC."
  • Another participant asserts that installation on a non-Dell computer is not possible, sharing their personal experience of failure when attempting to use the disc on an IBM PC.
  • Some participants suggest that using a set of Microsoft boot discs could bypass boot issues with the original installation disc.
  • There are mentions of using a Windows 2000 copy to avoid activation codes, though details on how this works are not provided.
  • Discussion includes the identification of OEM keys, with one participant explaining that such keys are typically restricted to the original hardware and may lead to activation issues if used on another PC.
  • Participants express curiosity about the transition to free operating systems and discuss personal experiences with UNIX and Linux as alternatives.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the legality of installing Windows XP on another PC, with multiple competing views on the implications of OEM licensing and the potential for workarounds. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the legality and technical feasibility of the proposed actions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on specific licensing terms and conditions associated with OEM copies, as well as the technical details surrounding the use of alternative operating systems and installation methods.

cepheid
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If I have a licensed copy of Windows XP on CD and I still have the produce license key on the bottom of my Dell laptop (which is slowly falling apart), can I install this version of Windows on a another PC, and would that be legal? The reason I ask is because I'm pretty sure the disc packaging says "for sale only with a Dell PC", but that could be just a directive to the retailer not to distribute the discs ad hoc.
 
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No, you can not install it on another computer. I know this from experiance. Unless there is some coding that has to be done, when the disc is in it just says that there is no bootable disc. I know that you could use the Dell disc on unlimited amounts of Dell PC's because I have done so, but not on other PCs. I tried on an IBM with no luck.
 
Damn...=D

Okay, thanks for the info!
 
No problem. I was really upset when I found that out the hard-way too :[.
 
Hmm..interesting. Okay. Maybe I'll try that...
 
If you could get a hold of a Windows 2000 copy you can bypass all of the activation codes and serial keys and such.
 
Stevedye56 said:
If you could get a hold of a Windows 2000 copy you can bypass all of the activation codes and serial keys and such.

How's that? (I don't know anything about Windows 2000.)
 
One day you guys'll have to explain to me why you put up with this, given how far free OSs have come.
 
  • #10
Your copy of windows probably has an OEM key, which is only legal to run on your dell computer.

To check this, right click on "My Computer," hit "properties." System Properties will come up. Under "Registered to:" you should see your name and under that something like 43534-OEM-2343243-234234. If it has "OEM," then if you use that cd key to install to another computer, your windows will not activate and will stop working after 30 days. If it doesn't say OEM, then if you get ahold of another copy of windows, you can install it on another computer and use that key with no problems. (so long as you don't run both computers, downloading updates. If you do that, windows will invalidate your cd key and prevent you from downloading any further updates).
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Thrice said:
One day you guys'll have to explain to me why you put up with this, given how far free OSs have come.

Compatibility? He might not be a big fan of the "root" deal.

Cepheid- is your copy of XP the reinstall disc? Or is it the actual disc used to install the software? Also the Windows 2000 thing isn't all that complicated but it does take a little time. There is a new free version of windows out called Windows Essentials 2. I have a friend who tried it out and said it was pretty good.
 
  • #12
Was my reply edited?
 
  • #13
Yes, it was edited by the Admins, the reason is on the post.
 
  • #14
Yes, my copy of Windows has an OEM key, so that's that. Thanks for the information!

BoredNL said:
Your copy of windows probably has an OEM key, which is only legal to run on your dell computer.

To check this, right click on "My Computer," hit "properties." System Properties will come up. Under "Registered to:" you should see your name and under that something like 43534-OEM-2343243-234234. If it has "OEM," then if you use that cd key to install to another computer, your windows will not activate and will stop working after 30 days. If it doesn't say OEM, then if you get ahold of another copy of windows, you can install it on another computer and use that key with no problems. (so long as you don't run both computers, downloading updates. If you do that, windows will invalidate your cd key and prevent you from downloading any further updates).
 
  • #15
Stevedye56 said:
Compatibility? He might not be a big fan of the "root" deal.

I have some experience with UNIX and Linux...but I'm no expert, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to make the leap. In any case, that is a decision I can make if and when it becomes time to buy a new laptop. (At the rate that various hardware elements are failing, that might be sooner than I first thought).

Stevedye56 said:
Cepheid- is your copy of XP the reinstall disc? Or is it the actual disc used to install the software? Also the Windows 2000 thing isn't all that complicated but it does take a little time. There is a new free version of windows out called Windows Essentials 2. I have a friend who tried it out and said it was pretty good.

I don't know. The disc is at my parents' place...in another city at the moment. I'll have to check it out when I'm next there.
 
  • #16
Stevedye56 said:
Yes, it was edited by the Admins, the reason is on the post.

Oh! There it is. I've never noticed that before.

I wasn't really "advocating" illegal activities though, I was just explaining how it is done. lol I don't condone illegal activities. (unless I'm doing them, of course. lol)
 

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