PCA Forums

Is it legal to buy 2 licenses of windows 2000 pro and before I actually recieve them through the mail to install win2k on 2 machines? This is for a client. Thanks.

my question is

how can you install the OS with out the cd keys

me

should be legal...it's called "trueing up" (spelling?) as long as you have documentation that you purchased the licenses it doesn't matter what CD key you used (which is why companies can get away with using Ghost images on pc's...all with the same CD key).

.02

As long as the customer paid for his licenses, I don't see a problem.

My only concern would be that if you used the same key on all the systems, some IT geek looking at them someday down the road may "assume" you did something illegal.

I'd recommend taping or glueing the actual license with the CD key on it to the side of the computer case(s) when they come in.

VOODOO: It's Win2K, there's no activation code. If he has a copy of Win2K lying around he can just install it on both systems using the same key.

Originally posted by VooDoo
my question is

how can you install the OS with out the cd keys

me

Actually, there's a tweak with win2k (Quick google search doesnt turn it up) but you can copy the CD to disk, edit a file, reburn the image (with the boot file, of course) and voila! no cd key requested. I know it works, cause thats what we did at work and thats how I have my win2k cd's here (everything stays in the box - no need to worry about losing a CD-key or anything, either)

Works on all versions, Pro, Server, and Advanced Server (Never tried Datacenter server hehe)

Yea my 2k pro cd went bad, then I found out my backup copy would not boot

guides that explains how to create a Win2000 CD with integrated servicepack, that also explains all require steps to make the new CD bootable like the old one.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/morgan...orials/nero.htm or http://www.bink.nu/bootcd/

You can slipstream in the new service packs, and put any extras on the cd you want also (till you have a full cd)

Nice if you have the newest drivers for your hardware, put em on your 2k cd. You will likely need the new drivers same time you need the bootable 2k disk for that new install anyway...

Also you can make it so no key is needed durring install.

What good is that key crap anyway? Pirates are smart enough to write the number on the disk, it's us that bought the stuff that forgets to do that and gets screwed!
Just a hassle to have to take the disk out and type in the key (always forget to write it down before insertig the cd, duh) or search for an hour or two for the manual or little tag that came with the disk. Depending what software it is. And what if we lose it? We still bought it and have the right to use anything we buy! I still have programs from the Win 3.1 days, but don't ask me where the manuals are?
I got em somewhere, and the key is printed on them, but I also wrote it on the disks, I know the program so I don't need the manual anymore.

Someday the Software, Music, and Movie industries will realize it is not piracy that hurts their sales, it is them harrassing us buyers so much that we stop buying thier stuff, unless we absolutely have to have it! That's another reason I plan to convert my tapes to DVD, to get rid of the 10 minute comercails at the begining! If I wanted comercails I'd watch it on tv for free and not buy the tape!