clueless O wrote:
> we need to upgrade the 2 computers at our little office from xp home to xp
> pro. We bought the xp pro Upgrade at the store.
>
> (1) Does it only work on 1 computer? Do I need to get one for each of the 2
> computers?
>
You need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer on
which you install it.
Just as it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating
systems, it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which it
is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to determine
final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which WinXP
licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is that
Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft mechanism,
Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more difficult)
multiple installations using a single license.
One can buy additional licenses, assuming one already has a retail
license. Naturally, Microsoft cannot sell additional OEM licenses. Be
aware, however, that you'll probably pay more this way than you would if
you were to buy a second copy of WinXP from a discount retailer;
Microsoft will only offer you a 15% discount off their MSRP.
Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp
Additional Licenses for Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp
> (2) I read somewhere that we'll need the actual original xp home disc from
> each computer during the upgrade, is that true? (xp home was preinstalled on
> the computers and I don't know if we actually have the discs - we have the
> licenses).
>
You'd need the original WinXP Home installation CDs only if you want to
perform clean installation of WinXP Pro using the Upgrade CDs.
Otherwise, you'd start the upgrade process from within the existing
WinXP Home installation, and won't need the WinXP Home installation disks.
--
Bruce Chambers
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