Stolen XP cd

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve
  • Start date Start date
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Steve

What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy I
may have to re-install the os.
 
Hi,

Yes, you are allowed to make and use a backup copy.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
To my way of thinking, that is exactly what the backup copy is for.
Click to expand...



You can use someone else's CD, you just have to enter your own
authorization key. Make sure it's the same service pack level.
 
The word "stolen" brings me around to a slightly different subject.

I know that a stolen Mac can be traced if you register the serial
number and ask them to trace it. Is that also possible to do with a
Windows computer (Dell)?

TIA
`````````````````
 
Steve said:
What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup
copy I may have to re-install the os.
Click to expand...

Yes you can, the XP CD is not important, it is the CD Key that you
purchased. Hopefully you made a backup of the key. If they stole the CD and
the packaging with the CD Key, then you have a problem. You will need to
convince the PA center that you are the legal owner of the CD key and not
the person that stole it. If you have the CD key and the documentation of
your purchase, you can contact Microsoft and for a nominal charge get a
replacement CD.
If you didn't backup the CD key and it was not an OEM install that was never
reinstalled, you can use the ViewKeyXP.htm link below to retrieve your CD
Key.


Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.\
Contact Microsoft.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need
http://michaelstevenstech.com/ViewKeyXP.htm
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
Yes. I have a "slipstreamed" version of my original WInXP CD that
incorporates SP1a and I use it instead of my original. Since I have 4
machines, I have had to purchase 4 licenses, but I can use the same
slipstreamed CD on all for machines. I have made stickers that adhere to
each machine with their individual activation number, so it is there when I
need it. I put one sticker on the back of each unit, and another sticker
inside the removable side panel as a precaution.

Bobby
 
AFAIK, no.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
Steve said:
What happens if my xp pro cd is stolen. Can I legally use a backup copy I
may have to re-install the os.
Click to expand...


The license to use Windows really resides in the 25 character Product
Key. So provided you still have that, you can borrow a similar CD to
use with it (it is not unique to a specific CD, the setup program just
checks it is valid for its 'style' of CD). And you can find what that
was - get the free Aida 32, enterprise edition from
http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php?bit=32
which is an excellent general System Info tool, and its Software -
Licenses page will tell you the one used for Windows and ones for
several other items.

Note that if the machine came with XP installed, this will probably give
a key used in producing an original image, then cloned to all machines
they make. So it is not the one for a reinstall. But then the key will
be on a label on the case of the machine
 
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