Windows XP Licensing FAQs and common misconceptions

[Burnsy2023]

Revision 1.6.5

What are the differences between XP home and XP Professional?

Windows XP Professional is geared to a business environment whilst Home is as you’d imagine, built for the standard home user. Professional edition can do everything that home can do and more. Its main advantage is its ability to integrate into a Windows domain, allowing the computer to get group policies from the domain as well as remote software deployment and roaming profiles. Professional can also use offline file access and remote desktop. Apart from the networking accessibility, Professional also supports up to two physical processors, where as Home only supports uni-processor systems. Professional Edition also supports NTFS encryption which may be needed for people who keep confidential files on their computer.

In most situations Home Edition is sufficient for most applications in the home and small office and is cheaper then Professional Edition.

I have an original disc, so I have a legal version of the software, right?

Wrong. When purchasing software there is a key concept to understand: you are purchasing the right to use the software under the terms of the End User Licence Agreement (EULA). Even though you may be able to install a product and activate it, it still may be unlicensed. Also, if you break the terms of the EULA, your license is usually revoked. Also, some software EULAs may allow you to use a backup copy of the software from somebody else as long as you are properly licensed; just because you have a copied disc doesn’t necessarily mean that you are using illegal software.

I can activate Windows; therefore I have a legal Windows installation, right?

No. Windows Product Activation is purely a technological means to prevent unlicensed software. It is possible for Microsoft to allow you to activate even though you are not licensed. For example you have changed a motherboard for performance upgrades rather then under a warranty claim.

What is Windows XP x64? Should I install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows?

There is a full FAQ written by Otacon on this subject. Please look at this:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6369301&postcount=36

What are the differences between Windows XP and Windows Media Center Edition 2005?

Designed to become the central digital media hub in any entrainment system, Windows Media Center 2005 brings new features to the operating system such as: HD TV Tuner Support, Dual TV Tuner Support, Enhanced DVD-Burner / DVD Writer Support including Direct to DVD Recording, Caller ID (Screen Pop) support which aren’t included in XP as standard. Another key feature is remote control support, so that you can have a customisable remote interface.

Windows MCE is a superset of XP with only one exception. As with Windows Home Edition, a MCE system cannot be a member of a Windows Domain and therefore isn’t usually suitable for an office environment.

Windows MCE is only available as an OEM edition, which means you do not get the flexibility of a retail license. It also means that as you are technically a System Builder and must adhere to the OEM System Builder License as well as the MCE EULA (if it’s your system). It also means there is no upgrade variety of MCE.

With the fact that if you purchase MCE with the intention to install it on your machine and therefore a ‘System Builder’ kept in mind; you need to realise a key drawback: there is no end user support from either the reseller or Microsoft, other than what they have on their website.

 

[Burnsy2023]

What are the differences between OEM and Retail editions?

With an OEM edition of Windows there are certain restrictions in the EULA which differentiate it from the full retail version.

Firstly, the OEM license is said to be ‘non-transferable’. This means that once the license has been attached to a particular PC, it cannot be moved to another, even if the OS has completely been removed from the first computer. The full retail version is slightly different. With the retail edition you are granted one concurrent license. This means that you can move the OS from one machine to another as long as you remove it from the first machine. It also means that you can change the hardware within the computer without it affecting the license validity.

Also, with the retail license you are entitled to free technical support from Microsoft. The OEM edition has support provided by the OEM itself and support may not be complete or free.

What components can I change in my system before I invalidate the OEM License?

There is a general consensus that the OEM license is paired with the motherboard. You can generally change any other component bar the case where the COA is attached. If you change a significant amount of hardware you may be asked to reactivate, but this doesn’t mean that you are necessarily unlicensed.

However, you can change the motherboard under a warranty claim if the motherboard was faulty. But, if you are simply upgrading for feature or performance enhancements, you would need a new OS license.

What is a COA?

A Certificate of Authenticity is a small sicker that contains your product key.

It is compulsory, under the terms of the OEM licence agreement for the system builder to affix the COA to the system it is licensing. However, the COA isn’t definitive proof of a license.

The full OEM license is the COA, the edge-to-edge CD (or from a Direct account, a restore CD), and the manual.

But it is a good indication if the PC is licensed.

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a label that helps you identify genuine Microsoft software. A COA is not a software license – it is a visual identifier that assists in determining whether or not the Microsoft software you are running is genuine.

However, it is possible you have a fully licensed version of Windows without a COA, if you are under a Volume License Agreement or similar.

On the COA it says “1-2 CPU”. What does this mean?

This means that the License allows either one or two physical CPUs to be installed on the system. A dual core machine would only have one physical processor.

 

[Burnsy2023]

What is the different about an Upgrade License?

The upgrade license is available to user who has a previous qualifying Windows product and withes to upgrade to the current version. Because you are using the same product, you are generally rewarded by having a cheaper upgrade license then a full retail or OEM license. To use a Windows upgrade CD, you must have either a genuine previous version on accessible media such as a CD or DVD or have an existing installation. You must have a legal and licensed version of the previous version for the upgrade to also be legal. If you have an existing installation, all of your current settings and applications will usually stay intact unless there is an incompatibility.

What is the Genuine Advantage Program?

The Genuine Advantage Program is Microsoft’s initiative to curb piracy of Windows without having a public relations disaster. Microsoft has been actively seeking to forcibly prevent people from using unlicensed software by adding a particular update to Windows Online Update Service. The update validates the user’s Windows installation and users who have been detected to be using an illegal copy of Windows are offered to purchase a retail license of Windows XP Professional under a special deal of £92 or £61 for XP Home. However, if you have a professionally pirated version of the OS, you can get a free license of Windows. However, you will need to send the CD or DVD to Microsoft as well as saying where it was purchased. Under the scheme, users can change their existing installation to a legal, licensed Windows installation. If a user chooses not to buy a legal copy, the system prevents them for getting programs and services from Microsoft such as OS updates and utilities such as Windows Defender and Windows Media Player 11.

Do we get media with the Genuine Advantage Program?

Yes. When you have purchased a retail license from Microsoft’s GAP site, you are issued with a new license (product) key and a software tool that allows you to change the assigned licence key to your existing installation. A Genuine Advantage Kit CD will also be posted 4-6 weeks after the confirmed order.

What is XP Corporate?

‘XP Corporate’ is the name commonly used to describe a set of media usually bought by large organisations on a Volume Licensing Agreement with Microsoft. This set of media is unlicensed unless you are covered by your companies licence and should only be distributed by your companies IT department. This version of XP does not require activation and is therefore distributed illegally online with an associated VLK (Volume License Key). Any organisation that has a Volume Licence Agreement with Microsoft has a duty to keep the VLK confidential under the terms of license. If an organisation leaks it’s VLK into the internet through negligence they are breaking their license and therefore all clients using that Windows under the Volume Licence have their license revoked. Therefore this media is seldom distributed to employees without the VLK integration into the setup package (therefore keeping it secret). VLKs that are distributed and caught by Microsoft are blacklisted and any client using an unlicensed OS will be offered to buy under the Genuine Advantage Program.

If I have an XP Professional License could I run Windows 2000 Professional legally?

Yes. Under the terms of the XP license you have the right to downgrade to the following versions legally: Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT Workstation version 4.0, Windows 98 (Second Edition). However, you not provided with the media or product keys and Microsoft are not obligated to provide them to you. If you are running XP Media Centre Edition or XP Tablet PC Edition, you are not granted any downgrade rights.

Common Myths

Q. Can I install the same copy of Windows XP on more than one computer in my own house? Can't I install one copy on my desktop and my laptop?
A. No, this has never been permitted by the Windows license. You can install Microsoft Office XP on both your desktop and your laptop, but Windows has always allowed only one installation per copy.

Q. Is there an upper limit to the amount of times I can activate a licensed copy of Windows?
A. No, you can activate a licensed product as many times as you wish, albeit after the first few times automatic online activation will fail. If automatic activation fails phone up activation support on the phone number provided.

Q. Isn’t the Windows license distributed on the Genuine Advantage Program an OEM version? Isn’t that about the same price?
A. As has been said before, the license granted on the GAP is the Full Retail License worth about £160 for Home and £250 for Professional.

Q. What hardware qualifies to purchase an OEM license?
A. It used to be a piece of non-periperal hardware, but Microsoft have since relaxed thier licensing policy with this and OEM licenses no longer need to be sold with hardware.

Q. Do I need to reinstall if I take part in the Genuine Advantge Program?
A. If you use the electronic key tool that MS will provide a link to, you can legalise your installation without the need for a format and reinstall.

 

[Burnsy2023]

Actually, that is a bit of a lie. The EULA for Server 2003 Enterprise R2 allows another (2?) installations of the same OS to be virtualised on the same hardware.

Are you sure?

An additional license is required if you install another copy of the Server Software on the same Server (whether in a separate partition, by using server emulation software, or otherwise) or to install or run a copy of the Server Software on a different Server (for example, a Server employed for backup or fail-over support).

Virtualised with emulation software right?

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Possibly could do with some information about the differences between windows mce and xp 64 edition as well.

Yes I really should, there are some key differences in the MCE EULA.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

I lied a little, seems it's actually 4 instances

That is very useful to know...

But maybe too specific for a thread like this? I could go deep into server licensing if people wish...

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Oh it's well out of the scope of what you were trying to achieve, just being a pedant to myself. When you're happy with the content we'll merge the neccesary posts into the existing sticky and leave this thread for discussion

It could be a few days before I have it finalised, I think i'll put in differences with X64 and things like that etc so you may need to bare with me.

Thanks

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

One nb, you can activate xp upto 10 times (i believe).

I'm going to do a little bit on common misconceptions and this is a prime example.

You can activate a licensed product as many times as you wish, abeit after the first few times automatic online activation will fail. But with a phone call you will be sorted out.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Completed some updates.

If anyone has any questions they think would be useful to include, then I'd be very greateful.

Burnsy

Edit: And come on guys, give me some stars

 

[Burnsy2023]

Xp media centre info.

In progress......

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Q. Can I install the same copy of Windows XP on more than one computer in my own house? Can't I install one copy on my desktop and my laptop?
A. No, this has never been permitted by the Windows license. You can install Microsoft Office XP on both your desktop and your laptop, but Windows has always allowed only one installation per copy.

As I understand the MS FAQ you cannot do this for the cheaper OEM versions of Office. They are one installation per copy.



Please correct me ifd I'm wrong, it will save me some £.

I'll need to check on the specifics, get some quotes from the Office EULA and add that to the FAQ.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Because the machine hardware hash sent to ms will have changed significantly.

Indeed especially if you have an onboard network interface.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Got a question about server licensing for you all...

When you buy a server operating system from Microsoft, say Server 2003 Standard x64 like I have, you have to purchase a CAL for each machine that will access it. Now I'm struggling to work out what they mean by 'access it'- does it mean that every client I join to the domain needs a device CAL or every machine that plugs into the network and I access, say the server manager directory at \\server\mgr$, does that need a device CAL as well even if it isn't joined to the domain?

It definetly needs a CAL if it is a member of the domain, as to just acessing a share, i'm not sure. Otacon might know or I could find out.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

sorry for thread jumping but i was wondering if i should go for the OEM version of windows or the retail? Its just there is quite a steep difference between 50 quid and about 140 quid and i want to make sure i get the right one. . And with the windows vista coming out in the future it will only be the case of paying for an upgrade rather than a whole package again yea?

~cheers

Do you want the extra flaxiblity that the retail license provides? If yes then Retail of not then buy OEM.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Updates.

Any more questions worth answering before this becomes set in stone?

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Really? Is there a way round this? Since you can buy OEM with other hardware legally, not just a MOBO. Surely the licence can be transferred with major upgrades??

If you have a look at the misconceptions you'll see that the License isn't tied to the hardware it's bought with (indeed you no longer need to purchase it with hardware). It is attached to the system as a whole and changing the Motherboard changes the system according to MS.

The only way around this is to purchase a retail license, which isn't tied to the machine as is explained above.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Too late for that!

So if I upgrade my MOBO, RAM, Video card my Xp is not in licence as an OEM version? Does this apply to the OEM small business office Xp I have too? That's a very expensive upgrade.

Obviously if I had known about this I would have found the extra for the retail versions.

If you upgrade your MOBO then you'll not be licensed for Windows. You can upgrade the RAM and Graphics card without problems though. As for Office, i'm not sure and i'd need to look at the EULA. Unfortuently, I'm having some DNS issues and can't look it up.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

http://digg.com/software/Microsoft:_Upgraded_Motherboard_=_New_Windows_Licence

Interesting reading, a broken MB will allow you to transfer the OEM licence. I don't know if this is true or current.

This is current, as if you read the FAQ I did mention it.

However, you can change the motherboard under a warranty claim if the motherboard was faulty.

Which is why i specially said if you upgrade the motherboard, then you invalidate the license. I think i'll highlight that point.

Yes it is, if you upgrade an oem pc you just tell them that your motherboard broke.

You do realise you are condoning the breaking of the EULA and therefore committing software piracy, which is illegal.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

It's just because it's largely untested doesn't mean it wont hold up. Plus if a EULA related case ever made it into court, there are few companies/institutions that could match the resource of Redmond when it comes to fighting a case.

I do believe there are chunks of the EULA that probably wouldn't stand up in court, but I can't afford a legal battle with MS and I doubt anyone here could.

Thats why I am properly licensed and suggest that everyone here is too.

This is a big can of worms which is why I kept it out of the FAQ.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

Question is though, does it specificaly mention your not allowed to change the motherboard or just say your not allowed to transfer it to a computer?

The motherboard is specifically stated.

Burnsy