Windows XP validation check

[Ben_]

is there a way to check my licence for windows xp to see if it is already in use? meaning i put the code in a box somewhere and it tells me if its being used or not, before i install it? thanks

[Bluecube]

Doubt it. Only M/soft will have access to teh database of all the serial numbers being used unless someone has half inched it.

Looks like you'll have to buy a legal version

[Ben_]

erm i do have a legal version. in fact i have about ten. and i have one which i think isnt in use, but i need to check.

[Zak33]

could you check the other 9 versions on the other 9PC's and get a serial number checker...then by eliminating them you'd know which was free to use

[chuckskull]

During windows activation you have the option to change your product key, (under the phone options), install it once and go through all the keys until one activates.

[IAmATeaf]

Checking the others to decide which is the unused is the only way I can think of.

[Ben_]

the key will activate it just wont validate for patches (if its one thats in use)

[IAmATeaf]

the key will activate it just wont validate for patches (if its one thats in use)

Don;t think you'll have a problem getting patches TBH if the same key is used, the suggestions above were just for piece of mind.

[chuckskull]

If it's already being used as soon as you use auto-update, it come up with WGA crap and make you wait to load windows etc.

[EtheAv8r]

Product Key Finder will let you enumerate the key of the installed copy of XP on each installed machine so you should easily be able to identify the one not in use.

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