Windows Licencing

[bigdods]

Just bought a second hand PC for one of the kids but it has Windows 2000 Professional installed (with a genuine licence key). I want to swap over to XP Home edition - yes I know its better than XP but its what they are familiar with both here and at school. Does anyone know if the Win Pro licence will activate XP ? I am almost certain it wont , just trying to avoid shelling out £50 + VAT .

[aldi]

No it won't, the keys are very specific e.g. an XP home upgrade key won't even activate an XP home full or OEM CD.

[Muncher]

Nope, it will not.

[JamieBeeston]

Just to clarify,

having a KEY does NOT mean you have a valid Licence.

Keys simply let you install the software, licenses are what you NEED to use the software.

Never confuse having a key with having the Licence / Certificate of Authenticity.

[Wildfire]

Nope you're best bet is to purchase an upgrade edition to XP home from 2000. Or reinstall again from a genuine XP CD. I can't remember how many computers you can run on an XP license, it could only be one.

[BliarOut]

XP Home :shudder:

[JamieBeeston]

Wildfire said:

Nope you're best bet is to purchase an upgrade edition to XP home from 2000. Or reinstall again from a genuine XP CD. I can't remember how many computers you can run on an XP license, it could only be one.

Standard consumer license is one, regardless of how many are turned on simultaneously etc.

[agent006]

JamieBeeston said:

licenses are what you NEED to use the software.

You missed the world "legally" out of that sentence.

[JamieBeeston]

agent006 said:

JamieBeeston said: licenses are what you NEED to use the software. You missed the world "legally" out of that sentence.

giggle