Windows licensing

Hi all,

This is my first post and I don't know what keywords to use to google my answer so here I am =)

I have 3 notebooks with the following licensed O/S

Gateway MX6710 - XP Home (Recovery CD) bought new
Averatec 3250 - XP Home (No CD) bought used
IBM Thinkpad R40 - XP Pro 1-2 CPU (No CD) bought used

I was wondering if I am allowed to move the OS around. I would like to switch the OS between the IBM and Gateway. Also, since I don't have the recovery discs for the 2 used notebooks, I'd like to know how I can re-install the OS on them. Can I just use a friend's XP disc and use my own serial or am I screwed?

Also, I am a bit confused about the IBM license. It says it's 1-2 CPU on the Serial tag... what does this mean? Can I use the serial for 1-2 notebooks?

Any help would be appreciated as all 3 machines are starting to bog down and are in desperate need for a format. I prefer to install XP from scratch and load the drivers manually over using a recovery CD (hate the software that comes with it).

Thanks to anyone who can point me in the right direction!

Cheers

 

It looks like the Gateway is an OEM copy of Windows. That means it is only licensed for the Gateway notebook and can't be transferred onto other systems. It's key will likely be useless even if you tried it.

Retail copies of Windows can be transferred to another system if it's been uninstalled from the original system first. It's a one-at-a-time sort of deal.

 

If the key on the Gateway is useless, then why do they paste it on there? I would like to avoid using the recovery disc if possible b/c I don't want crappy software included with it that I don't use.

What about my Averatec and Thinkpad? Are they OEM too? How can I find out?

 

I meant that the key on the Gateway would likely be useless if you tried to transfer the Windows from it to the other systems. If it is in fact Gateway OEM, it is probably Gateway-specific anyway.

Unfortunately, discussion about circumventing Microsoft's EULA is not allowed on these forums.

You could try contacting the manufacturer's support team to see if they can help you with copies of the OS.

 

*edited by moderator* The Windows XP Pro key can be used 3 times. That means you can install onto two other computers other than your own. *edited by moderator*

 

Yes, if you have multiple licenses for your Windows copy, you can put it on 3 systems at the same time. Retail versions of Windows allow for one installation at a time.

 

As far as I know all OEM Windows XP Pro lincenses have 3 uses. The OP has a Thinkpad with XP Pro so that can be used to install XP Pro on the other two laptops legally.

 

Hi sorry for replying to this thread so late. I don't have a XP Pro disc but I can acquire one from my friend. I'm not sure if it's OEM but I'll use it anyways and we'll see what happens.

My plan is to ghost my drive on my Averatec 3250 and use the serial from the Thinkpad and see if it works. If not I'll just restore the ghost and start back from square one.

I'm hoping any old XP Pro disc will work but if not I may have to contact IBM/Lenovo to get a disc from them.

Will keep you all posted on the results ;-)