laptop problem

[sickcallawayc12]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

and another almost related question - does an oem license allow the end user to use the O/S on multiple machines.

Microsoft makes you buy a different license specifically for use on multiple machines (for more money of course).

[drunken monkey]

ok, y'know about registering yor product.
if your pc subsequently dies, can you recover your oem end user license from microsoft to re-activate windows on the machine?
i've got a pc that's currently running off a "illegal" copy of windows because i can't find the oem code thingy. technically, i paid for oem windows in the first place so shouldn't i be able to re-install/authorise windows legally?

[sickcallawayc12]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

ok, y'know about registering yor product.
if your pc subsequently dies, can you recover your oem end user license from microsoft to re-activate windows on the machine?
i've got a pc that's currently running off a "illegal" copy of windows because i can't find the oem code thingy. technically, i paid for oem windows in the first place so shouldn't i be able to re-install/authorise windows legally?

I don't think they'll help you if you don't have your original sticker/proof of license thing from your original XP disc. Microsoft was more lenient in the past but they've toughened up about it now.

[drunken monkey]

i guess an e-mail is in order; they should have my registered details on record.

[Oz]

Here is the low down on XP licensing:

OEM version of XP: tied to the hardware that it came with, it can't be moved between machines, and you can't have multiple copies.

Standard version of XP: can be transferred between machines, but can only be installed on one at a time.

Corporate Version: can be used on as many machines as the software license states - anywhere from 5 (minimum) to thousands of machines, and doesn't require activation (to allow companies to do imaging and mass roll outs).

All 3 versions come with a different pool of serial keys, so you can't use an OEM serial to install the Standard or Corporate versions.

[l_eclipse_l]

If you have a problem validating your license, calling tech support is usually an easy process. I have done it many times. Just make sure you tell them it is only on ONE machine and that the hard drive was replaced when they ask, and they will give you a validation code or a new key. Simple as that. I have never been turned down and never have to provide proof of ownership.

[drunken monkey]

actually, nevermind.... i just remembered what version of windows came on that pc originally.
thanks all the same.

by the way, didn't hear back from my friend today so no update on the laptop situation.

[mr_mushroom]

here's what i did.
put in o/s disk.
reinstall o/s.
when asked what to do with the existing partitions, tell it to leave them alone, not to erase them.
partitions are like tupperware that the machine keeps data in, you can install an entire o/s around them without erasing them.
if that doesn't work, hook the drive up with the aforementioned converter (it never hurts to have one, computers are always messing up)
back it up onto another machine
beware!
this is all probably a result of some type of malware on the affected computer.
that's what happens when you pirate a lot of shit.
try not to spread it onto the other machine when backing up the data.

and best of luck. computers are annoying sometimes. 'specially lappys.

[Oz]

So he will have a working copy of XP alongside his non functioning one, losing all that space, have to reinstall his apps, take ownership of all his data and migrate it across and not solve the original problem?


What a great solution.