Is it true you can ONLY format a # of times?

[epu]

I have WinXP OEM and want to reformat my entire system. I heard that you can only install WinXP on your machine 5 times at the max for security reasons (copy protection). Is this true? I also plan on getting another PC. Could install my same Win XP SP1 on that machine as well? I ask this sill question so I don't end up having an unuseable version of Win XP on CD.

Thanks

[Bastiaan]

It is true, and yet it isnt.

When installing windows the installer creates some unique signature for your system. When you are registering/authorizing/unlocking with microsoft it compares that signature with the previously stored signature. If stuff changed to much you will use up one of the five installs you have. If nothing has changed...nothing gets changed (so i've been told by a microsoft employee...). If you change your system every now and then (add a harddrive, change cd-burner to dvd-burner, get a new mobo, new cpu...) it will decide one day you used it all up. Then you need to call Microsoft and name some numbers, and they give you back an even longer number to authorize winxp...

[jazzmandan]

I will add that you will not be able to move the XP install disk from one machine to another without that phone call to microsoft trying to explain why one contract agreement is being used on two different machines.

jazzmandan

[Bastiaan]

Jazzmandan is right. I didnt read your post to well i'm afraid....

MS is not going to allow that.

[dadio2002]

Please tell me this is with home

[jazzmandan]

In terms of the contract agreement, no difference between XP Home and XP Pro Editions

jazzmandan

[JMS40]

Actually, I've found M$ to be quite lenient on this issue.
On several occasions, I've had to do complete system change outs, which prompted a phone re-authorization.

You explain the situation... they'll ask you to confirm that you are only using that license on a single system... then they give you a new activation.

I'll also say that, much to my surprise, I once did a complete motherboard/CPU change out and the auto-online activation process went on without a hitch.

Bottom line, if you're prompted to make the call... don't think twice. It's really quite painless, and fair.

[bossa]

Yes, I found Microsoft to be Ok with it when I changed PCs. Didn't even ask a question, just gave me a big bunch of numbers to input, even at 11am at night...guess they are outsourcing! It is just a bit annoying that you have to go through all that to lawfully use something that you paid good money for... Patience is a handy thing in this situation. Actually, gee...it seems to be a virtue you simply HAVE to develop when ever dealing with computers!

Shaun

www.houseofbossa.com

[Aoede]

Yes, I found Microsoft to be Ok with it when I changed PCs. Didn't even ask a question, just gave me a big bunch of numbers to input, even at 11am at night...guess they are outsourcing! It is just a bit annoying that you have to go through all that to lawfully use something that you paid good money for... Patience is a handy thing in this situation. Actually, gee...it seems to be a virtue you simply HAVE to develop when ever dealing with computers!

Shaun

www.houseofbossa.com

11am at night? Wow! where do you live?

[Bastiaan]

Even if they don't pick up the phone at 11 pm you can still continue. You get a "grace-period" or something along those lines of 30 days i believe. More then enough time to call at a time they are there...