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My father is buying a copy of Windows XP Home OEM CD.
I would like to take a copy of it (for backup) purposes.
Does anyone know if it is possible to copy the CD fully using say Nero CD copy ?
I have heard that some files may not work if you do this.
I cannot see how this is possible !
Regards
Digby
NZ
It should work, no reason why not.
You can copy the CD but still will work on only one PC. The activation system will not work on a second PC.
So it it's for backup purposes then you should be fine. I would copy it with something like Clone CD. http://www.slysoft.com/en/clonecd.html
It would be a lot easier just to download a copy of it. That way you will get the Pro Corp version, won't have to activate anything and could install it on as many computers as you wished to.
Dont give away ur backup copy cause of ur unique activation.. But if ur using it for personal backup reasons then it should be ok.
I have made many back ups with Alcohol 120%Quote:
Originally Posted by digmen1
No problems at all.
Thanks for the replies guys,
But you did not really answer my question.
I want to know if I can do an exact copy of an XP CD using Nero. I do not really want to get another program eg Alcholol unless I can avoid it.
Saying it should work is not the answer I wanted.
I Think it "should" work - I mean an exact copy of a CD should be just that.
But I have heard suggestions that some of the Windows files may not work from a copy of it ! I do not think that could be the case, but I just wanted someone to confirm this for me.
What I will be doing with the backup is installing it to another (old) backup machine. And I will get a crack for the registartion somehow.
I am on 56K dial up so getting a copy of the Corp version downloaded is a hard option.
Thanks
Regards
Digby
NZ
The backup you make will only work on the one computer that Windows is currently installed (Which would be your fathers).
No matter how many copies you make the CD Key & License infomation will only work on one computer. So making a backup of this cd and attempting to install on a different computer will not work.
If this "back-up" CD is intended to be used strictly as a back-up/stand-by copy for the sole PC it was originaly shipped with- then yes, by all means it will function just fine with that one PC and no other.Quote:
Originally Posted by digmen1
You are inquiring about copying an OEM copy of WindowsXP. The particular version you have is unique to the system it shipped with alone. It contains, among other goodies, your personal registration/activation information for that system in addition to the manufacturer specific software and driver files that the operating system utilizes for your unique hardware configuration. The OEM activation key contained on that disk(s) is licensed only to activate the operating system that corresponds with the hardware indentified therein.
Yes- you most likely could copy that CD exactly "as is" utilizing virtually any CD/DVD recording software you wish. You may even have some small amount of success installing that software on another machine. However, you will not be able to activate/register Windows when prompted. The process will fail. If not right away when your system is booted for the first time, then very soon after your attempt to update through Windows/Microsoft Update. Not only that, but the additional driver software also on that CD will be utterly useless on the new PC. Unless the new system is an exact clone, hardware-wise.
As it was mentioned prior, your best alternative is to obtain a copy of XP Pro Corp and a working key.
Thanks guys for all the replies
I was able to copy the Cd using Nero exact copy.
My version is not really an OEM version in that it was bought as such, but not with a machine.
I have installed it on my own computer (as welll as my father's) and got Windows XP up and running.
But now I need to activate it before 29 days !
I am not interested in getting Windows Updates as I did without any for ME for 3 years !
I am searching for a good keygen program, but many of them have viriii or are so complicated that they are hard to use !
If any one can recommend one that works ie a file name and size it would be much appreciated.
regards
Digby
NZ
Thats what we told you about, activation on home editions is a lot harder than on Pro editions. You will not be able to activate it on both computers.
@Peerzy, the activation system is the same on the Home and Pro Editions. The difference is when is when you have the Corporate Edition.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peerzy
He did initially say Pro Corp edition.Quote:
Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234
I went looking for Zed's thread on how to change xp Home to Pro it's gone ?
easy.. nero can do it