Member Avatar for dlh6213

I've heard that XP Pro can be installed on more than one computer and I was wondering if it's true and, if so, how many? I've tried searching the MS website but can't find an answer to this. Thanks.

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As and already pointed out, the licensing rules determine whether a single Windows XP key can be used on more than one PC. The useful additions below cover how to tell which type of license is in hand, what a lawful transfer looks like, and practical steps if activation or hardware changes cause problems.

Recommended checks and a transfer workflow:

  • Identify the license: a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the machine or documentation usually means an OEM copy; a boxed/manual or emailed receipt usually means retail; corporate purchases show volume-license paperwork.
  • For retail copies: legal transfer is allowed but only one active machine at a time. There is no software "uninstall" for Windows — removing the OS from the old machine (reformat/reinstall) or otherwise ceasing use is the required step before activating on a new PC.
  • Activation notes: if online activation fails after moving a retail license, telephone activation is the standard fallback. The activation dialog shows an installation ID to give the activation agent; keeping the COA or proof of purchase simplifies the call.

OEM and volume-license specifics:

  • OEM copies are tied to the original PC and are not intended to move to a different machine. Significant motherboard changes commonly trigger reactivation and can be treated as a new PC by Microsoft.
  • Volume licenses (sold to organizations) allow multiple simultaneous installs only up to the number purchased and are managed under the customer’s agreement.

A caveat about anecdotes: ’s experience of using a friend’s key and having it activate does not change the legal rules. Temporary successful activation can still be a breach of the EULA and may be detected later. For any multi-machine needs, the safe routes are buying additional retail licenses or using the appropriate volume-license agreement.

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Member Avatar for bentkey

The short answer is no. If a volumn licensing product is purchased, then you can install it on as many computers as you bought licensing for. You can re-install it on the same machine as many times as you want. MS Office allows you to install it on one PC and your laptop for your sole use. To verify your specific product read the EULA that shipped with it.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

If you have a retail version, you are allowed to unistall it from the first system, then install it to another. If you have an OEM version it can only ever be used on the original system it was installed to.

A volume license is required for installation on more than one PC at the same time, as mentioned above.

Member Avatar for RyanBoggs001

Well , I just reformatted over the weekend. I was lanning over at a friends house, and he was helping me reformat. I forgot my XP Home cd key, so he let me use his. It worked fine. And when I went to activate it, it also worked. So from my experience, it sound's like you can.

I think another person there said you can use the same key on up to 3 computers.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

That is incorrect information, RyanBoggs001.

I would strongly suspect that following the advice of those friends would get you into trouble sooner or later ;)

You will find out the correct information about Windows XP product activation by reading this document and its related links.

Member Avatar for dlh6213

That is incorrect information, RyanBoggs001.

I would strongly suspect that following the advice of those friends would get you into trouble sooner or later ;)

You will find out the correct information about Windows XP product activation by reading this document and its related links.

Thanks Catweazle for the link; I searched and searched and couldn't find this information. Here's a quote from MS verifying that what you and Bentkey said are, in fact, correct (in case anyone else is wondering):

"Product Activation works by validating that the software's product key, required as part of product installation, has not been used on more PCs than is allowed by the software's end user license agreement (EULA). In general, Windows XP can be installed on one PC and Office 2003 or Office XP can be installed on one PC and the laptop computer used by the user of the one PC. (For specifics, please see the EULA accompanying your product.)"

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