Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

I just built my first computer. It's your basic AMD, sem-gaming setup. My buddy gave me a 6-1 install disc for Windows XP, and I installed a home edition, since I only have a key (from my laptop) for that version. I got everything going here, and it's asking me to "activate" my version of XP. It's still at SP1, so will I be okay to run my laptop and desktop on the same XP cd key? Otherwise, what's the cheapest way to get a new key? I know Vista is out, so hopefully XP will get retarted cheap. Thanks guys,

Colin

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

thats english ???? i live my computer building gateway and intel :P

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

While I saved quite a bit of money for the DIY and got a better product. Thanks though.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

I am almost positive that as long as its a legal copy, you can install it on all of the PC's that you own. If you have 3 PC's at the house I know you only have to buy one office and you can install that on all three as long as its home use and not business. I would assume the same for Windows. and no one should use Vista for at least another year or two so they can work the kinks out IMO.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Sounds good. It activated just fine and is downloading all the updates, so I assume there's no problem. I hear Vista is a memory hog. I see no reason to upgrade yet.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

its fine if you dont download updates, but to late on that. Your other computer's mac adress has been droped off the list for being able to update windows from your XP key. Windows updates are for suckers anyway, sp1 is <3 sp2 is only ok if you disable everything that makes it sp2.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Doesn't SP2 have that file fix for the sasser and blaster virus though? (your right though windows firewall/pop-up blocker is ----)

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

You really should install sp2... Im not going to go into it,,.. but its neccesassary as far as network security. All critical updates are a good idea to, as for the optional updateds... You dont need those. if you need a key, I have aome relief for you if you need help but i dont want to talk about it here. PM me, and ill help ya out.


Signed....
A Microsoft slave lost in the whirring fans of your computing future.... nig nogs..... hahaha

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Thanks for that, but I found an old desktop that had XP on it. So I used that. Now to explore overclocking :l

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

When you authorize an XP install the information is sent to MS's database. After 90 days the info is deleted. I know this because I called up MS's tech support one day because I had to format a few weeks after a fresh install because of DirectX issues. The tech guy told me and sure enough I tried to activate the same key a few months ago and it worked. So MS doesn't keep the stuff on record forever, just 90 days.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

I would recomend Sysandra, CPU-Z and CPUFSB for overclocking. Not saying they are the best but i have used them and they are pretty easy to pick up if you are new new to the Overclocking game. I got my Dell with OEM MB to 3.2 from 2.8 using a fucked up PLL. Fun ----.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Yes.

Download a torrent client from www.bitcomet.com and then go to www.thepiratebay.com and search for TinyXP. You'll need a CD burning utility that can handle .iso files, Nero or the like work very well. It's a really stripped down version of XP, comes in a variety of updates and SP2 already included in most of them. I run rev02 on a couple of my boxes (~13 processes, 42MB of RAM used by OS, makes older PCs seem lightning quick until you do something processor intensive) and rev03 looks even better but it comes bundled with a bunch of juarez (that you'd probably want) and is annoying to strip it down to a bare .iso.

Since you're into gay-ming (:)) it might be lacking a few Windows bits you need/want, but I'm pretty confident installing all the up to date drivers and utilities for your motherboard/video card is all you really need for gaming.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Or if you can obtain a copy of XP Pro Corporate that hasn't been flagged for being used more times than a hooker, that's the way to go. They're specifically used for multiple-computer applications for big companies so they don't have to have unique keys for each computer.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Reasons? To me SP2 is nothing critical, I have no problem manualy removing anything from my computer and as it stands right now is pretty secure.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Find a copy of windows xp student edition, it's the same as corporate except you don't need to activate and all updates will install fine (i think it's the same way for corporate)

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

SP2 has a bit more to it than just a firewall and popup blocker.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

WZC and networking in general is more robust.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

I dont use wireless and the only time im on a network is when I'm hooked up to a switch playing friends in FPS games.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Excuse me?

Maybe random-strike's opinion of you is valid after all. :3

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

I dont have a laptop and wireless sucks as far as having a decent ping goes. Local network file transfer speeds on wireless are also dog slow.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Depends.... (as does pretty much everything)...LOL

Maybe wireless 802.11b... N is about four times faster than G. I have a wireless 802.11n setup and its fast as ----....
Its a bit early to jump on the n wagon, but not only is it fast (200Mb/sec...) Its more secure as well...Also with MIMO better range is attainable as well; 2.4-5 GHZ

Also:

An 802.11 access point may operate in one of three modes:

Legacy (only 802.11a, b, and g)
Mixed (both 802.11a, b, g, and n)
Greenfield (only 802.11n) - maximum performance.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

My son bought a computer from his school, a barebones IBM for $25 since the school changed to Macs.

Came with XP disc and "school" code

John Q. Public is the username :)

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

802.11g transfer rate is as fast as any HD short of SATA 300. Advertised speeds are burst speeds NOT actual transfer speeds. Further, if you had a wireless router that wasn't a toy and had the backplane to support your transfer demands you wouldn't think it laggy. Get one of the WRT54G/S that has a real amount of flash and RAM, set up QOA, and welcome to Joey World.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Yeah my wireless network is pretty slow even at full signal, using wrt54gs... I'm gonna wait for the "finalized" 802.11n and then i'll hook it up.

g should still be fast enough to stream hd

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

thats what i was gonna say. i use xp pro on my laptop and ive reformated 3 times already because i experimented with linux and its never asked for a cd key. i love it. corporate edition for the win!!!!

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Is that the A/G router??? Those work fine for streaming HD,I agree. We useallkinds of em in the lab, but the Linksys are probably the least issue prone.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Its still not practical for me. I live in the country and don't own a laptop. So, I've got no need to buy the gear. Maybe one day I'll contribute to society enough to be able to afford a laptop.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Uh, that isn't a... stock... WRT54GS, is it? :3

Laptops are given to the more deserving members of society.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

why, yessir... it is. I've heard about modified firmwares for the router...are you saying there's a good one out there? What one?

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

www.dd-wrt.com

Follow the instructions in the wiki. Among other things, you can turn up the broadcast power of your router to 251 mW; due to the circuitry being unshielded this actually hurts transmisiion quality, but you can go as as far as 84 mW (three times stock power) with no losses. 84mW will give you a full signal bar outside in your driveway.

There are also some overclocking features, but be very careful with those; read in the forum to see other's results, and tinker with the idea of heatsinks and fans if you go more than 10-15 Mhz over.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Yeah I downloaded this last night, and goddamnit installing the firmware did something weird. The router works perfectly fine, except the webgui doesn't exist anymore. After it asks to login for the settings, it'll just go to a blank page. Gotta do a reset and try to flash again. Looks interesting though.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

WOW ....i never thought about that....what was i thinking?? ,....and all this time i thought they kept everything on file to check anytime.........lol....i guess that was kinda stuid to think like that.....i guess if they wanted to do something like that they'd need like three computers to be running 24/7 365?...and thats just impossible...huh?

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

uhm.. really, cuz 802.11g is rated @ 108megaBITs / sec = 13.5 megaBYTES a second. any modern hard drive can easily outperform that, at sustained transfer rates. ::) Modern hard drives still do not fully utilize ATA-100 without Raid modes but easily kill the 802.11g standard.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/...nsfer_diagrams

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

Alright, I suck at bit/byte conversions.

Kill me, please. :3

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

lol it's not very often you are wrong. i feel the need to point it out everytime :P

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

I'm good with general theory, and I'm great with applied theory elbows deep in a project, but I ---- up simple math like clockwork. And my habit of taking firm stances on grey areas that cannot be disproved is me being a successful technical debater, NOT me being right.

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

lol

Re: Multiple computers on one XP key?
 

microsoft says that its 1 cd per computer...---- that.
i installed windows on 6 different computers with the same CD. all you gotta do is call the phone activation number, tell them something like "i had to format cause i had a virus". then the person you are talking to gives you the key,and bam, activated. oh yeah, 3 computers are on 1 ip, then there is 3 others all on seperate ip's, all of which download all the current updates.