XP Pro x86 and x64 activation

[itr]

I bought XP Pro from my school's bookstore and they included both x86 and x64 versions. I've already activated the x86 version but I haven't opened the x64 version yet. Can I still register and use the x64 version of XP or is it somehow tied to my already registered x86 version? Both versions of XP come with different serials.

[heatlesssun]

The way I understand it is that you can use one or the other but not both at the same time, but I don't know if its tied into activation.

Unless you have 4GB of RAM or more, I wouldn't even bother with the x64 of XP. 64bit driver support for XP isn't all that great and you can nothing really on a system with less than 4GB.

[anthrex]

if they have different log in keys shouldn't he be able to install both?

[Catweazle]

There should be no functional problem at all, irrespective of whether you wipe and install the alternate, or if you add the alternate as a dual-boot.

Likelihood is that you'll need to ring and activate, and informing the activation centre person that you've reinstalled and that you only have Windows on the one PC is all you'll need to do. If, for example, you have 32-bit Vista installed and then put 64-bit Vista on a different drive or partition, the 32-bit install won't get de-activated.

Trying to use them on two different machines is a different matter, though. You aren't allowed to do that, and shouldn't be trying to.



Edit: Topic poster hasn't said he has two Vista product keys. He mentioned that XP x86 and x64 used to use different keys.

[svet-am]

64bit driver support for XP isn't all that great and you can nothing really on a system with less than 4GB.

where does this drivel keep coming from? x64 driver support sucked in 2005, yes. But, in 2007 driver support is just as mature as x86 XP. If you've got a device with no x64 driver, then you probably ought to replace that device anyway. I've got x64 XP as my daily-use OS and no driver issues whatsoever. It's even got native support for my PS2-USB gamepad adapter and my CH Products flight stick and pedals.

However, if you're not doing something that _needs_ the extra support (large memory like me), intensive 64-bit operations, or using Photoshop/Maya a lot, then you should stay on x86. However, _driver support_ is _NOT_ a reason to stay away from it anymore. People just like to re-use the same two-year-old complaints without bothering to see if they're still valid.

[itr]

Trying to use them on two different machines is a different matter, though. You aren't allowed to do that, and shouldn't be trying to.


but will it work? that's all i want to know. :)

[svet-am]

but will it work? that's all i want to know. :)

if they're not Professional Corporate editions, then you're probably going to get caught becuase the Activation process will generate _wildly_ different hardware hashes.

[itr]

if they're not Professional Corporate editions, then you're probably going to get caught becuase the Activation process will generate _wildly_ different hardware hashes.

Basically, Microsoft knows that the 2 serials (1 for x64 and 1 for x86) is only for 1 license?