Can I install XP pro twice ?

TerryFox · 2005/11/13

Hi ... I am curious I have 2 hard drives install master/slave , My question is can I install windows xp pro on both hard drives ? Thanks

PeteC · 2005/11/14

You can install two instances of XP if you so wish, but you should be aware that legally you require two copies of XP. This is a slightly grey area - the EULA clearly states that you may install your copy on one computer, but MS publish instructions on how to make a parallel installation - under certain circumstances ....

Infrequently, startup files and critical areas on the hard disk become corrupted. If you are mainly concerned with salvaging readable data files and using the Backup tool to copy them to backup media or a network location, you can perform a parallel Windows XP Professional installation.
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Performing a Parallel Windows XP Professional Installation

See also here for Home and Pro ....

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxphome/installxpcdparallell/index.htm

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxppro/installxpcdparallell/indexfullpage.htm

TerryFox · 2005/11/14

Hi ... Thanks for your input , I was only concern if my original installment was to ever get corrupted , I could reinstall on a different drive and do as suggested , Thanks

oshwyn5 · 2005/11/19

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx

I sent this request for clarification of the EULA on windows XP.

On our Tech Support forum we frequently see questions asking if you are allowed, under the EULA, to install windows XP more than once on the same computer.
It will install and activate , but we wish to know is this legal. Having read the EULA several times I still cannot make up my mind.
I have searched the microsoft site extensively and cannot find clarification.

Here is what I am referring to . Can you install one copy of Windows XP to your primary partition C: on hard disk 0 , a full standard install. Then take the same copy and install it to the D: partition of the same drive on the same computer as a custom minimal install for gaming? Only one install would be in use at any given time and it would only be on a single computer. As noted above, windows XP appears designed to do this, and some people see the EULA as allowing this, others say it is just unclear, and others seem to feel it is not allowed. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
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This is the response I received from microsoft in response to a direct inquiry .

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Online Customer Service.

I understand that you wish to know whether it is legal to install Windows XP on two drives of the same computer. I realize your concern and look forward to providing you the required information.

I would like to inform you that according to the EULA, there should be only one installation of Windows XP on one computer.

I hope you find the above information helpful. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for using Microsoft Products and Services.

Easwaran
Microsoft Online Customer Service Representative
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So , it is not allowed to intall it twice , even on one computer.

However, if one install becomes non functional; it is allowed to install again on a different drive (or in parrallel in a new folder on the same drive) in order to recover your data ; since the non functioning install is not counted against you.

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Can I install XP pro twice ?

TerryFox Well-Known Member Thread Starter

PeteC SuperGeek Staff

TerryFox Well-Known Member Thread Starter

oshwyn5 Inactive

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Can I install XP pro twice ?

TerryFox Well-Known Member Thread Starter

PeteC SuperGeek Staff

TerryFox Well-Known Member Thread Starter

oshwyn5 Inactive

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