How many installs?

Forum Windows XP : Windows XP General Discussion - How many installs?

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I recently bought a new system from a custom builder and had them install Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 on the system. When I received my new system, it came with an OS recovery disc (as usual) and a Product Key for my OS, but no install media.

I am currently building a new (second) system from scratch (my first build) and I'm wondering...

How many installs of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 am I allowed with the one Product Key that I own? Will I be able to install the same OS on my new (second) system using the same Product Key? (that is, if I'm able to get my hands on the actual install media)

Thanks for your advice! :D

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One install per Product Key. You'll have to buy another copy.

Grumpy

Reply to Grumpy9117

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info. 8)

Reply to TotalNoob

Quote :

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info. 8)



I'd suggest getting the OEM version and save some money, it's exactly the same as the retail version

Reply to g-paw

What if you trash the first system? Is the license tied to the machine or the user with XP?

It's MS, so I'm sure it's tied to the system but hope to be wrong.

Reply to MattJD

Quote :

What if you trash the first system? Is the license tied to the machine or the user with XP?

It's MS, so I'm sure it's tied to the system but hope to be wrong.



I've replaced the CPU, mobo, and RAM in a computer, for all intents and purpose it was a new machine, and installed OEM XP that I had run before the changes. All I had to do was call the Activation number and verify it was only running on one machine, which it was. Took about 5 or 10 minutes to Activate. Irritating you have to call MS to activate something you paid for but what are you going to do?

Reply to g-paw

Thanks for the post. Glad to know there's a way, even if they make it difficult.

Reply to MattJD

Quote :

Thanks for the post. Glad to know there's a way, even if they make it difficult.



Really not that bad, a 10 minute international call on MS's dime

Reply to g-paw
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