Licencing question

[Chris Wilson]

If I buy a used laptop off an auction site that has no OS installed, and it's advertised as licensed for Windows Vista, can I install my copy of XP Professional on it with no issues? Probably a daft question, but this is not something I have come across before, and I don't understand the implications.. Thanks.

 

[Kreeeee]

Yes, just format the drive and you can install any OS. Make sure XP drivers are available though.

 

[CaptainCrash]

If you have a retail copy of XP, yes, no problem (as long as it's not also on another PC at the same time, obviously).

If it's an OEM copy - ie it came preinstalled on a PC or you bought a system builder's pack - then you'd be breaching the terms of the EULA, which states: "The software license is permanently assigned to the computer with which the software is distributed", although it would almost certainly install and activate OK anyway.

If the laptop has a Vista licence (presumably with the product key on a CoA sticker), why not (re)install that instead? All you need is a Vista disc, any one will do.