win XP reinstall---

[eshort]

Purchased winXP and installed on one of me desktop machines.

Want to install on mynother desktop computer--but--the installation program will not accept the "key" ID nunmber?

Is there a solution to this? I understand XP has some type encryption which may not permit installation on a different machine than originally used?

Dont want to break any rules but am wondering if installation on my other machine is possible?

thanx.

[doctorgonzo]

That doesn't sound right. First of all, there is no way that the XP cd can figure out that it has been installed on another PC and therefore refuse to install on another PC. You must activate XP to use it, but that comes after everything is up and running.

As you sure you have the right info? What is the error message you are getting, and when does it happen?

[sdkfz]

Could you have switched cd sleeves and are trying a older os key instead? The keys are unique to the operating system type so if you swapped sleeves by mistake and entering say a win98 key it would reject, other than that like the doctor said it don't make sense

[raftero]

i did that and no problem.must be some other cause,cant think what it could be though.

[eshort]

the problem occurrs when the install. program asks u to fill in the key id numbers in the boxes..i do so and it says the key ID is not valid??

Im sure im using the correct ID/Key number.

[Tuf]

It thinks you are not using the correct one.

You are not mistaking the letter"O" for the numeral zero "0" or something similar are you?

If not call M$ and tell them your key doesn't work. I'm not exactly sure what they will do but one way or another they will help you.


This is a retail version or a boxed oem version and not an oem version that came with a computer correct?

[Confused]

You can install it but keep in mind that you can only use it for 30 days. At that time it has to be activated or it will quit working. It can only be activated on one PC.
Chas

[eshort]

I found the answer:


You can only install XP once on one computer---you can reinstall on SAME computer if needed--

BUT--

If you want to install on a different machine, you have to obtain a license from Microsoft ($170)!!!

Ill go back to Win 2000/98SE!!

[sdkfz]

eshort-
"You can only install XP once on one computer---you can reinstall on SAME computer if needed--
BUT--
If you want to install on a different machine, you have to obtain a license from Microsoft ($170)!!!"

Well yes this is true, you would be unable to 'activate XP' AFTER the install because it is installed on two machines, the unactivated copy would work for 30 days reminding you the whole time to activate itself, then stop working after the 30 days BUT you could install it.

So .... If we understand your question correctly

No.. you can not have the single use license installed and activated on multiple machines

Yes.. you can install the single use license on multiple machines, but you will be unable to activate it for use longer than thirty days on subsequent machines

[eshort]

I understand...

new license rq for each installation of "different" machine (if activation desired).

Interesting that second machine wldnt even accept the ID .

Trouble is--I have 5 machines

Oh well--ill go "back" to Win2000