Hallo, thanks for the reply.
The XP SW is on the PC en is working well.
There is a MS licence nr. and we will receive a CD.
I was informed that my son meanwhile bought already the PC.
Currently he has not yet an internet connection so we can´t check out the
update.

We were informed that it is possible that we got a message that the licence
nr is in use and if so we have to contact MS to make it free.
Is this all true? And what procedure do you have to follow in that case?

Regards
Huib

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> Huib wrote:
> > I am intended to buy a second hand PC with XP on it.
> > I will receive a licence number.
> > Can this cause any problems during teh MS update sessions and if yes
> > what do i need to do.
>
> With any Second Hand PC - it is best to reinstall using the installation
> media sold with the PC. If the PC is not being sold with installation media
> (a way to reinstall the operating system (Windows) in case of a problem) -
> then don't bother buying it.
>
> Although having a computer with Windows XP already installed on it and
> working and that can currently visit windowsupdate.microsoft.com and scan
> for/install any update there is okay - for now - if something drastic
> happens and you have no way to reinstall (because you were sold no CD to
> reinstall from) - then you have an expensive paperweight until you get a
> legal copy of Windows to install on it.
>
> And reinstalling from the CD when you first get it protects yourself and the
> seller. That way you know what is on the machine and they know they did not
> leave anything on the system. You know the installation media works and you
> also know there is not any "bad things" left on the system - tracing your
> every move.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
>
>