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486
 
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BJM (25/07/2008)
wyliecoyoteuk (25/07/2008)
Actually, I think that even then there are limits.
In theory, you can move retail XP to a new machine as long as you have removed it from the first.
In practice, I would be surprised if you can activate it infinite times.
Plus, once XP is no longer supported, I expect activation will eventually cease to work, full stop.
Vista retail limits you to 1 transfer of license only.
Of course if it is games you're after, you'll probably have to cough up for a license, if you can find somebody that is still selling XP, that is.
Other than anti-M$ biased FUD, do you have any evidence to support those statements?
Only common sense, personal experience, and Microsoft press releases 
For example, in theory, you could install XP , activate it, disconnect it from the internet, install it again and insist that you have removed it from the previous machine, and repeat.
I think that it is common sense to suggest that there would be a limit beyond which MS may choose to disbelieve you.
Discontinued products eventually cease to be activated- activation is a lot older than XP.
Try activating an old copy of some software products that cost a LOT more than Windows XP (and I have, in one case, the software cost £1200 and was 4 years old) - the server is no longer available (even though the software is still on sale in a newer incarnation).
(PM me if you want a list) 
MS will not support XP for ever- but they never said that they would, did they?
The Vista activation limit was widely reported example here - unless they recanted on that, but it is still in their EULA, last time I looked, and it is present in the documentation we receive as partners. (It may surprise you to know that I actually sell MS products on behalf of my company. Although where possible, we offer Open-source options too.)
I think it is plain where the true bias here lies.
EDIT: MS did, apparently backtrack on the Vista limit, after industry protest, but it was too late to remove it from the EULA. not sure if it still applies to home editions or not.
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486
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spike09 (25/07/2008)
has spare xp home licenses here and local supplier has plenty, at work we are still getting support for win 2k nice to know they don't want to pee off the UK military just yet 
Depends a lot on your clout, Windows 3.1 embedded only just got dumped, mainly because a lot of Xerox copiers ran it
Big customers get support long after the little man has lost it.
With embedded OSes and critical systems especially, , 10 years is not long enough.
(and win2k was my favourite MS OS, actually)
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286
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Octo-core Atom @ 233GHz (ES)
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I have given my reason to you in a PM (as you know). If you want to take it further, please contact MM's editor.
Classic PCs
Original IBM PC (4.77MHz 8088, 256KB RAM, monochrome) · Original IBM PC XT (4.77MHz 8088, 512KB, 10MB HDD, monochrome) · Original Compaq Deskpro (7.14MHz 8086, 640KB, 20MB HDD, CGA graphics)
Home Computers
Commodore VIC-20 · C64 original · C64 Terminator edition · C16 · Amiga 500 · Amiga 600 · Amiga 600 HD · Amiga 1200 Acorn Electron · A3010 (Archimedes) · A4000 (Archimedes) Others Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K · Dragon 32
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186
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Well, this thread has grown way past what I would have predicted when I asked the original question. And in an interesting way too. Thanks to all who have taken the trouble to respond.
An interesting point that has been raised in the discussion is the question of 'no longer supported' OS's and activation. What happens in this case? I really need to do a bit of reading in the ULA! I am imagining a situation where a seller could say,
I don't support this software anymore.
I don't issue activation keys either.
So, you will now have to buy a new license for the new version or everything else you own goes down the tubes.
I mean, when 'end of support day' comes round, what REALLY happens to someone who has a hard drive failure and has to re-install everything?
As I say though, I should read the ULA. Perhaps I will take my laptop with me next time I go to the small room...
Once more, thanks to all who responded to my question...
Allan.....
Only nuts eat squirrels.....
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