Windows XP

[MethodMan]

When Windows XP is installed it must be registered within 30 days. Does anyone know if you can use the same product key on two computers? I did the call in register, and I entered my number, and it gave me another one, which I entered. Does anyone know if I call again, and enter the same number, if it will tell me that it is already registered?

[TravisS]

It doesn't have to be registered, it has to be activated.
Registration is optional and seperate.

And you can only activate one copy of XP on one computer.

[Crimpy]

When Windows XP is installed it must be registered within 30 days. Does anyone know if you can use the same product key on two computers? I did the call in register, and I entered my number, and it gave me another one, which I entered. Does anyone know if I call again, and enter the same number, if it will tell me that it is already registered?

No, you can't. If this scares you then send XP to the bit bucket and go get Linux.

Cheers!

[ober]

STFU

[Sayeh]

It doesn't have to be registered, it has to be activated.

It's the same thing in this case. Microsoft is trying to get everyone shifted to centric computing-- Every year, your software will stop working unless you pay the "activation fee" to keep it running. This is where MS is trying to head with all their business applications (MS Word, Excel, Windows anything, etc).

Take XP back to your dealer, make them eat it. Tell MS to screw off.

XP also copies a crapload of your registry and other personal, "secret" information off your computer and sends it to Microsoft. As does RealPlayer, and a few others. It also installs spyware on your computer which passes out all kinds of additional information to anyone who queries your browser.

For God sake-- get a soft firewall- like ZoneAlarm, and don't let windows explorer indiscriminantly distribute your personal info...

[GaPe]

Get a pirate copy and you're done.