Man of Honour
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 Windows Genuine Advantage Program an OEM version? Isn’t that about the same price?A. As has been said before, the license granted on the WGA 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 Windows 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. This link contains a 'Magic Jelly Bean' like diagnostics tool and the tool used to change the product key without a reinstall: http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine...20092&SiteID=25.
Q. Can you only transfer the retail version of Vista twice?
A. This was Microsoft’s policy before Vista was commercially available. This term has since been revise to be inline with XP and all sites that state this are out of date. Vista retail can be transferred as many times as you wish as long as it is only on one PC at the time.
Q. I want to upgrade the Motherboard, can't I say that my Motherboard failed?
A. You could, and MS would probably allow you to activate, but you are NOT licensed. It must be replaced under a 'warranty claim'. Here's what MS have to say:
Q. OEM software says only for installation by system builders. Am I one?
A. Most likely yes. Here is Microsoft's definition:
Q. I have read contradicting information on Paul Thurrot’s WinSuperSite, who is right?
A. Despite the large publicity that the site has drawn, there is one substantial problem : Paul Thurrott is an arse and don’t expect anything he says to have any bearing fact or reality for that matter.
Q. I've broken my Windows disc or I need to get a different version of my media, where can I get it from? (This also includes precurement of 64bit OEM media)
A. You can replace broken or lost media from here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246
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 Windows Genuine Advantage Program an OEM version? Isn’t that about the same price?A. As has been said before, the license granted on the WGA 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 Windows 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. This link contains a 'Magic Jelly Bean' like diagnostics tool and the tool used to change the product key without a reinstall: http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine...20092&SiteID=25.
Q. Can you only transfer the retail version of Vista twice?
A. This was Microsoft’s policy before Vista was commercially available. This term has since been revise to be inline with XP and all sites that state this are out of date. Vista retail can be transferred as many times as you wish as long as it is only on one PC at the time.
Q. I want to upgrade the Motherboard, can't I say that my Motherboard failed?
A. You could, and MS would probably allow you to activate, but you are NOT licensed. It must be replaced under a 'warranty claim'. Here's what MS have to say:
Microsoft said:
Q. OEM software says only for installation by system builders. Am I one?
A. Most likely yes. Here is Microsoft's definition:
By Building a PC you are a system builder.System Builder License said:
Q. I have read contradicting information on Paul Thurrot’s WinSuperSite, who is right?
A. Despite the large publicity that the site has drawn, there is one substantial problem : Paul Thurrott is an arse and don’t expect anything he says to have any bearing fact or reality for that matter.
Q. I've broken my Windows disc or I need to get a different version of my media, where can I get it from? (This also includes precurement of 64bit OEM media)
A. You can replace broken or lost media from here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246
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