Re-Use XP disk on second machine ?

[chgo29]

I’m confused on this business of installing Windows on a reformatted machine. This is my story. 4 years ago I built my own computer (my first build) with a lot of help from PC Mech forum “Build your own computer”. That computer is still running great. I bought all of the stuff from Newegg including a copy of Microsoft XP Home SP2 OEM (disk, product key and COA). Now, my wife’s old machine ( a Powerspec - Micro Center’s store brand) has become hopelessly messed up. Mechanically it’s fine just terribly messed up software. So I’m thinking I should reformat and install XP from the CD I used when I built my machine. Trouble is I’m been reading posts on this forum and I’m confused if I could use that XP Home CD and if so, how I would do it. One post said the product key is not imbedded in the disk - it’s just a “key” that belongs to you for that one machine - and if you use that disk to install Windows on a second machine you have to buy a second license. That would seen logical. If Microsoft had anything to say about it I don’t think they’d like me to use that one disk I bought 4 years ago to install Windows on a lot of other machines. But, maybe it’s OK if it’s an old reformatted machine - because from reading these posts it seems like everyone is doing that. Anyway, even though I built a computer successfully, I’m still a newbie - as you can tell. Can anyone educate me a little on this question. Can I use my XP Home disk to reformat my wife’s old machine? Also, does anyone know of a good article or tutorial on “How to Reformat your Hard Drive”? I’ve never done that before. Thank you to anyone who will take the time to make me a little smarter. Cliff

[trulad]

XP will format and partition the disc for you,however,an oem copy is to be used only on the machine it was first installed on.
trulad

[doubledragon5]

You can use the cd, but you need to purchase a sepeate key. I would suggest you go and buy another copy, as they are no longer being sold my MS, I do believe.. But there are still pleny of copies available.. I myself have 4 one for each of my 3 desktops and one laptop..

[Panama Red]

If her machine has an XP Home Product Key sticker on the side, you can safely use your oem disk to reformat and reinstall. Just be sure to use her key so it will be properly Activated. Which disk you use is immaterial. It's the Activation of the Product Keys that MS keeps track of as it relates to a hardware configuration. Just a word of caution here. If you are using a 4 year old disk, it most likely does not contain Service Pack 2 (SP2). Make sure you install SP2 before you attempt to install SP3. Also, after SP2 is installed use Windows Updates to install the newest Windows Installer 3.1 BEFORE downloading/installing SP3. It will save you a bunch of grief.

[glc]

Bottom line - each product KEY may only be used on ONE machine at a time.

[chgo29]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. Especially thanks to Panama Red and GLC - your advice was so specific and helpful. Cliff

[mplsmelo]

Originally Posted by glc Bottom line - each product KEY may only be used on ONE machine at a time.

But, but, but....I just installed xp on a Dell using my own copy and my own key. It activated with no problems.

Should I be expecting a knock on the door from Bill asking me to fork over some $$$ for using my copy on two different machines?

[glc]

No, but you may have problems on the original machine if it ever has to validate again. I'd recommend you find a Dell reinstall CD for the Dell.