Installing the same Windows license on several partitions

[ptek]

Hi all,

I have a legitim Windows (XP) installed on my laptop for several years I've been managed to avoid re-installations using backups.

Nowadays it feels very heavy, I have a lot of stuff installed and configured so I thought in creating a new partition, install Windows onto it and slowly start to install only the stuff I most use, using the old Windows in the meanwhile.

My question is if I can install the same Windows license at two partitions at a time, so I would not have to phone M$ when I try to activate the second Windows or perhaps when I boot back into the first...

Does anyone have experience with this subject?

Tnx a lot
Pedro

[tribz]

Technically it would be a re-install so the second install would need activating initially.

Worst case scenario is a call to the automated activation system if it didnt activate online ok. I've never had any problems when I've needed to call up.

[Duce]

If it's XP, just grab the key via any app like Jellybean and install as you wish.

[Digiman]

Just get a corporate pre-activated XP ISO from *somewhere*. This allows you to simply install it once and copy all the files onto other partitions. Just modify your own boot.ini.

Microsoft screwed you since the day Commodore tanked in 1994, so why should we ever give them extra money back because of draconian licensing and activation policies afforded by their illegal monopolistic activities to the current day.

[ptek]

Worst case scenario is a call to the automated activation system if it didnt activate online ok. I've never had any problems when I've needed to call up.

That is what I fear, since I'm living at the Netherlands and I don't yet understand Dutch.

[ptek]

If it's XP, just grab the key via any app like Jellybean and install as you wish.

Thanks for the tip. I still have the license sticker beneath the laptop.

[ptek]

Just get a corporate pre-activated XP ISO from *somewhere*. This allows you to simply install it once and copy all the files onto other partitions. Just modify your own boot.ini.

Microsoft screwed you since the day Commodore tanked in 1994, so why should we ever give them extra money back because of draconian licensing and activation policies afforded by their illegal monopolistic activities to the current day.

Yes I undestand you but I would prefer to keep my license. Afterall I bought it (included with the laptop) and licenses from "other sources" gives some fussing with the validation (you need to do some tricks) which I can avoid just by using my legitim license.

[Duce]

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Should work for pulling the key as a usable file to avoid a re-reg.

[tribz]

Just get a corporate pre-activated XP ISO from *somewhere*. This allows you to simply install it once and copy all the files onto other partitions. Just modify your own boot.ini.

Microsoft screwed you since the day Commodore tanked in 1994, so why should we ever give them extra money back because of draconian licensing and activation policies afforded by their illegal monopolistic activities to the current day.

Who said anything about buying it again? Whats this got to with Commodore tanking? Are you feeling ok?

[ptek]

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Should work for pulling the key as a usable file to avoid a re-reg.

Tnx, but I have the key. It's on the sticker.

[Duce]

Jellybean and other keyfile pullers can pull the keyfile from the current install, allowing you to then copy that saved file to the new install and "activate" it, saving you the trouble of calling up MS to re-purpose/re-register the existing copy.

There's a number of them, but I always found Magic Jellybean to work the best, and it supports a load of apps.  Drop me a PM if it doesn't work for you and I can probably dig you up an alternative solution.

[ptek]

Jellybean and other keyfile pullers can pull the keyfile from the current install, allowing you to then copy that saved file to the new install and "activate" it, saving you the trouble of calling up MS to re-purpose/re-register the existing copy.

Great! Did not understood that before. Thanks, I'll notify you if something goes wrong.

[commodorejohn]

Just get a corporate pre-activated XP ISO from *somewhere*. This allows you to simply install it once and copy all the files onto other partitions. Just modify your own boot.ini.

This. As long as you're scrupulous about never allowing Windows Genuine Spyware Advantage through in the updates, you're in the clear. (And it's not like you can buy a new copy of XP anyway.)

[odin]

AFAIK XP doesn't check for number of activations or change in machine specs.

For Windows 7 "something" called Windows Loader is a godsend .

[ptek]

This. As long as you're scrupulous about never allowing Windows Genuine Spyware Advantage through in the updates, you're in the clear. (And it's not like you can buy a new copy of XP anyway.)

Windows Genuine Advantage (spyware?!): Yes, that's what I have now installed on the current WindowsXP was fearing from a second installation. If I am not mistaken, if you don't install WGA you cannot proceed to other updates. I guess SP3 is only available with WGA install (or is included...? well I could be wrong.)

But will Jellybean bypass this problem?