XP Activation Issue

[SARGE]

How many times can I install my retail version of XP before there is a problem "activating" it and have to call MS? I've already used it on 2 different drives. Same mobo. I have another drive I'd like to use it on as well. These are all my own drives, and NOT going to anyone else.

[FLG]

You are only allowed to install XP on one machine. When i installed XP on a PC and then a day later had to RMA the mobo, i had to call MS and explain what happened and used the "over the phone" method for activating windows.

[SARGE]

Originally Posted by FLG You are only allowed to install XP on one machine. When i installed XP on a PC and then a day later had to RMA the mobo, i had to call MS and explain what happened and used the "over the phone" method for activating windows.

So one can use it many times (like re-installing, etc.) but only on one motherboard, right?

[FLG]

Correct, though if you install windows on the same PC but have changed the mobo, and you call up MS, and inform them what you did; usually you can get it activated over the phone.

[glc]

One machine at a time, Sarge. You can't legally have it on more than one at the same time.

[clroberts]

You can purchase the License rather than multiple copies of XP.

[SARGE]

Originally Posted by glc One machine at a time, Sarge. You can't legally have it on more than one at the same time.

I know. But I can have install it on 2 harddrives I'll be using, right? Am currently using a Maxtor SATA and want to put XP on a regular Maxtor. I can't have both drives connected (one being SATA) as master/slave. Not trying to do anything illegal.

[glc]

Can you explain in more detail why you want to do that? You certainly CAN use an IDE drive as an additional data drive when you have a SATA OS drive. Master/slave has nothing to do with this. The ONLY thing master/slave means is when you have 2 IDE drives on one cable, one must be master and the other must be slave.

[SARGE]

Originally Posted by glc Can you explain in more detail why you want to do that? You certainly CAN use an IDE drive as an additional data drive when you have a SATA OS drive. Master/slave has nothing to do with this. The ONLY thing master/slave means is when you have 2 IDE drives on one cable, one must be master and the other must be slave.

When I bought the SATA I was told I could only have one drive versus what I once had - 2 drives. Perhaps I misunderstood.

[flanzig1]

You can swap XP from a SATA to an IDE with what every method you choose. Then you have to remove the old XP from the SATA drive reformat it and use it as a storage drive. Then you can add as many HDs as you PC will support.

[glc]

Originally Posted by SARGE When I bought the SATA I was told I could only have one drive versus what I once had - 2 drives. Perhaps I misunderstood.

You misunderstood. It's one drive PER CABLE.