View Full Version : Using Windows on 2 computers
I'm just wondering if you can use the same copy of Windows and its serial on two separate computers. I have Windows XP on my current computer and my friend just gave me his old one so I want to install it on there too. I'm just afraid that if I use the same serial number on both computers (even though it's genuine) that Microsoft will think that it's fake and prevent me from getting updates.
If anyone knows anything about this please respond. I just don't want to make a genuine copy of Windows useless. Thanks.
bchur83
11-06-06, 10:16 PM
It is illegal. You will need to buy another license for the 2nd machine.
cornbread
11-06-06, 10:18 PM
Nope, according to Microsoft's EULA agreement you can only use one copy (License) per PC. So if you want to install XP on two different machines, technically it's against the EULA agreement.
SeasonalEclipse
11-06-06, 10:21 PM
It WILL make your copy unusable.. or rather unlawful to use.. So I suggest you DO NOT do it.
Thanks everybody for the quick response.
Antillian
11-07-06, 10:03 AM
Now hold on, there are 2 computers in my house running the same copy of XP Pro. I bought it from my school's e-academy website. I installed it on my laptop, then installed it on my desktop. I couldn't activate the desktop install at first, but I called them, explained I had installed the copy on my laptop and my home desktop. As long as you're not a business entity or something, I don't think they'd gripe too much if you called them about activating the second install.
The most they can do is tell you that you'll have to buy another copy, but it's worth a try. Give them a call and explain your situation and see what they say.
Didn't it use to be that you could make two (or more?) installs, but not run them at the same time? So since only one user was ever using Windows at any time, only one licence was required?
chilly charlie
11-08-06, 02:50 PM
Now hold on, there are 2 computers in my house running the same copy of XP Pro. I bought it from my school's e-academy website. I installed it on my laptop, then installed it on my desktop. I couldn't activate the desktop install at first, but I called them, explained I had installed the copy on my laptop and my home desktop. As long as you're not a business entity or something, I don't think they'd gripe too much if you called them about activating the second install.
The most they can do is tell you that you'll have to buy another copy, but it's worth a try. Give them a call and explain your situation and see what they say.
I agree what is the worse thing they can say??? NO:eek:
AFAIK some licenses cover a desktop and a laptop - it may be the case for student editions.
bchur83
11-08-06, 03:10 PM
Yes, I believe if they are Student editions, they are able to be installed on one desktop and one laptop at the same time. This is different from OEM and Retail copies where they can only be on one machine at a time, and with OEM, the license is tied with the Mobo.
Midnight Dream
11-08-06, 03:57 PM
Yes, I believe if they are Student editions, they are able to be installed on one desktop and one laptop at the same time. This is different from OEM and Retail copies where they can only be on one machine at a time, and with OEM, the license is tied with the Mobo.
I just went through the Windows XP Student Edition EULA, and there is no mention of restriction on one laptop AND/OR desktop.
Antillian
11-08-06, 03:58 PM
I just went through the Windows XP Student Edition EULA, and there is no mention of restriction on one laptop AND/OR desktop.
Yeah, I've never heard of such.
Office does have that exception, but not Windows as far as I know. You might have just got lucky and caught someone who was having a good day and just let everything slide and get activated. As far as I know it is one license per computer end of story for Windows.
But as mentioned if you call and explain the situation honestly what is the worst that could happen, you get told it is against the EULA?
Hold up guys, correct me if im wrong, but i believe what the EULA states is that it cannot be RUNNING on anymore than one computer at a time. You can install it on multiple i guess...but only one can be run at a time.
You won't be able to activate it on more than one computer.
Antillian
11-09-06, 08:59 AM
Hold up guys, correct me if im wrong, but i believe what the EULA states is that it cannot be RUNNING on anymore than one computer at a time. You can install it on multiple i guess...but only one can be run at a time.
That's just silly. My desktop and my laptop run simultaneously all the time. How can they really check for that? Most of the time they are on a network together as well, with the desktop running ICS. Most of the time if you call them on tell them you are installing it on 2 computers you OWN I don't think they'd have a problem with it. More than 2 I couldn't be certain, I bet they wouldn't go for that.
From the EULA:
1.1 Installation and use. You may install, use, access,
display and run one copy of the SOFTWARE on
the COMPUTER. The SOFTWARE may not be used
by more than two (2) processors at any one time on the
COMPUTER, unless a higher number is
indicated on the COA.
Nowhere does it say you cannot have it installed on 2 computers running at any one time. It just mentions multiple processors. It also does not say if you install it on 2 computers they won't allow you to activate if you own the computer.
bchur83
11-09-06, 10:06 AM
I guess I was mistaken about the Laptop and Desktop. That is with Office, not Windows.
Antillian
11-09-06, 10:18 AM
I guess I was mistaken about the Laptop and Desktop. That is with Office, not Windows.
No problem. That you are correct about.
They are a little more lenient though with Office. (EULA quotes come from Office 03 EULA)
1. GRANT OF LICENSE. Microsoft grants you the following rights provided that you comply with all terms and conditions of this EULA:
1.1 Installation and use. You may:
(a) install and use a copy of the Software on one personal computer or other device; and
(b) install an additional copy of the Software on a second, portable device for the exclusive use of the primary user of the first copy of the Software.
Alternatively...
1.2 Alternative Rights for Storage/Network Use. As an alternative to Section 1.1(a), you may install a copy of the Software on a network storage device, such as a server computer, and allow one access device, such as a personal computer, to access and use that licensed copy of the Software over a private network. You must obtain a license to the Software for each additional device that accesses and uses the Software installed on the network storage device, except as permitted by Section 1.4 of this EULA.
1.4, Of course, deals with tech support.
1.4 License Grant for Remote Assistance. You may permit any device to access and use your licensed copy of the Software for the sole purpose of providing you with technical support and maintenance services.
leaddraft
11-09-06, 03:46 PM
You won't be able to activate it on more than one computer.
Wanna bet money on that?
Yes, I read about the EULA issue concerning Laptops and Home PC's running one Key,, it is legal....
LD
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