Windows

[Mr D Black]

Do I need to buy a separate copy of windows xp for every computer (personal user) I have or can i use the one disk for every computer?

[Siamsal]

To be legal, you need to own a licence for each. This doesn't necessarily mean a disk, but usually does.

[Mr D Black]

But if I installed windows on both computers using the same cd disc, could miscrosoft cancel them, if both computers are connected to the net?

[Siamsal]

I do not know for sure, but I would say 'no'.

[dodgyshirt]

Each installation would need to be activated by Microsoft and unless the hardware is identical on each PC this would prevent use on multiple units as Windows is licensed for use on only one.

[yellowjohn]

it is highly unlikely that microsoft would pick up on 2 serial keys the same.what they usually pick up on are the serial keys posted on the net that every one with a pirate copy of xp looks for and uses. thyen when these numbers crop up over and over again they are logged as pirate so that when someone tries to use windows update it does not allow them to do so.also when they reformat they will not be able to reinstall but they cannot stop you using it once installed.
so if you dont give your key to anyone you should be quite safe with one serial for 2 or 3 pc's.

[taichiwawa]

With regard to yellow john's post.
I had a copy of XP on my PC which I installed on my laptop, and it was telling me the laptop version was illegal and therefore wouldn't let me download updates, but there's always a way around it. That's the power of t'internet

[dodgyshirt]

Yellowjohn, highly unlikely or not, when you go through the process of activation on-line, the MS site actually interrogates the hardware of the PC in question and can tell for instance, if an OEM version of Windows intended for a Dell computer is being installed on a non-Dell PC.
Likewise, attempts to activate multiple installations of a single use licensed copy where the hardware differs from PC to PC will result in rejections by MS.
The serial key is not the only means of identification.

[dodgyshirt]

Just found this site which explains it fully

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article03- 200

[kwicky]

http://www.bsa.org/uk/press/newsreleases/Repor t-Illegal-Software.cfm

Not such a good idea for business users though!