Legality question.

[kevineugenius]

If I have legal Windows XP (or whatever version you want) and I use an Upgrade version of the newer Windows (in this case, Vista), do I have to maintain both copies of Windows to stay legal? Or, can I install Vista on one machine with the upgrade, then use the XP cd-key on a different machine?

[Catweazle]

Legally if you upgrade an XP installation with a Vista Upgrade the XP license becomes void. You're not allowed to use it again. Legally you have to be upgrading an XP license to be eligible for a Vista upgrade package.

Practically, though, you can use that Vista upgrade package to install on a machine and not go near (http://www.techwrighter.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=42) your XP install. Practically, you aren't likely to end up in trouble doing so. But it ain't legal, so I'm not advising you to do it.

[kevineugenius]

Alright, makes sense. Thanks.