Hi, didn't see anything in the Q and A (though I honestly didn't go through all the pages, only checked the first few). Quick question with regards to the Registration Key for Windows XP. I've got a friends wife with multiple computers in their house now.  I know with 98/95 I was able to use one copy to install on both my computers back home. Am curious if this can still be done with XP.. rather then buying a complete second copy of XP. Since now you need to register it Online where as with the earlier versions that wasn't mandatory.

If it's not possible... rather then spending a WHACK of cash unneccesarily on another XP copy, is their a way of using the same install CD and purchasing (legally) another registration key cheaper? The computer is for her son and school, she's buying it for X-Mas but was curious if this was possible prior to spending a bunch more money to purchase another XP O/S. She then thought she'd ask me, since I'm slightly (not much!) more computer savy. Being the nice guy that I am, I said I'd Inquire about it.. and WELL here I am!

Thanks in advance!Well, when you did that with Win 95/98, your use was illegal.  And, that's PRECISELY why Microsoft implemented Windows XP's product activation procedure.  

I found this old article about Microsoft selling additional family-use licenses, but the savings was really not very significant and I doubt that the program is no longer being offered.  At least, I never hear anything about it in computing forums, so I suspect it's basically been abandoned.  The article: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,72863-page,1/article.html

So, your friend does, indeed, to purchase a separate copy of Windows for each computer.

Well, apparently volume licensing is not dead.  Here's a Microsoft web page with info: http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/default.mspx.  I still don't see anything there that you can really count on to save much money in a home computing environment.If you want more information on the activation process then take a look at
http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ProductActivation.htm

As you can see from the terms of the EULA, what you are suggesting would be illegal.

There is some interesting stuff about being able to legitimately obtain more than one activation code from Microsoft after you've had to change your hardware significantly.Just get a real Windows CD for every computer. Microsoft wants it that way, and they have taken steps to insure it. You will be better off in the long run.I don't know about America (assuming you live there), but in Australia the internet activation is not mandatory, and can be done over the phone. When you do this over the phone, and try to activate it again using the same serial number, it will not work, henceforth putting you on to a customer service representative, in which case you can explain your situation and they will give you an activation code.
phoenix910-We sure are lucky you became a member.

I think everyone will learn from you.

Thank You,for the help you provide. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

RobertCheers man, and no worries. Glad to be of some help. I've got time to spare, might as well use it ey? Quote

Cheers man, and no worries. Glad to be of some help. I've got time to spare, might as well use it ey?

I don't know about America (assuming you live there), but in Australia the internet activation is not mandatory, and can be done over the phone. When you do this over the phone, and try to activate it again using the same serial number, it will not work, henceforth putting you on to a customer service representative, in which case you can explain your situation and they will give you an activation code.