windows xp

[trem1]

i have my original discs for my desktop which is running windows xp, and a laptop which is running vista. Can i install xp on the laptop? if as i suspect, i can, how hard is it to do????? anyone know how i would go about it and what could i screw up

[Charlie]

Microsoft will only allow you to register a copy of Windows once (unless you buy a multi-user licence) so no, ya cant install an already installed copy to another machine. Microsoft will not validate it.

[bettyswollocks]

Unless you get a copy

[trem1]

right then, awhile ago my desktop needed a new motherboard and the local pc shop did the work and said everything had been wiped and they had re-installed windows BUT i didnt give them my discs

so how do i find out if they installed a 'copy' and if my desktop is running a 'copy' does that mean i could install my original xp on the laptop






@ Betty...we gonna have to change your name to 'knock-off nige'

[bettyswollocks]

Try it and see

Nigel

[trem1]

what would i do??just put the disc in the laptop ???

[Charlie]

The chances are if the engineers repaired your PC, they will have used a generic copy of windows to install the operating software - but the crucial bit which is the activation key, they will likely have taken from your PC. It probably has a label on it somewhere.

There are ways to illegally install windows operating systems, but most forums are not big on them being described in the public area. For the simple reason that moderators and administrators of said website are legally responsible for all that is said on it. If the mods on here are not aware of that fact, they would be wise to take the info onboard ......

Should anyone from Microsoft become aware of an illegal software procedure being detailed, they can (and have done so in the past) take action against the staff running the website.

I wont allow any of that on my own forum - we've had similar litigation problems in the past, following illegal material posted by forum users which cost us a chunk of money and hassle to sort out.

Bottom line is - each windows operating system is legally licensed to work on one machine only at any one time. If you subsequently have reason to install to another machine as in hardware upgrades, you need to contact Microsoft via telephone before they will authorise and activate it. When/If they do that - they discontinue the previous activation.

Unless you have a system hack or are very au-fait with computers - it will not work on another machine. If you attempt to install an already installed copy - you will only end up with a machine that is unusable ......

[Charlie]

Duplicate

[bettyswollocks]

I would never condone the using of duplicate copies of anything on an open forum ,but what happens in your home town with your computer shop is a matter for yourself .

[juDGEY]

pm me and ill help you