Cheapest Way to get XP

I'm about to build a computer or two and I need to re-format some of my friends PC's... However, I have no copy of Windows XP Home... I also don't have $150... so what is the cheapest way for me to get XP home that I can use multiple times and such? All these guys but one already have XP home but no disc. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated

Try EBAY! But you wont be able to use it multiple times b/c of the activation stuff. So, still means buying multiple copies.

if you can get ahold of a corporate copy, you dont need to do all that activation stuff ;)
erm,,, I mean. Buy multiple copies... :D

edited:

Please take warez discussions elsewheres. Thank you

- Admin Council

Thanks for the tips guys, I've got it worked out but thank you very much for all the feedback!

you can register and activate multiple home's

i've used my same home XP cd and activated each one online for all 6 of my home network computers

the only time microsoft starts denying activation is if they notice a home edition suddenly tries to register like 20 copies or more

these are all kinda warez posts any use of a one license cd more then once is illegal it's the vlk's which only company's buy wich can do that..

Actually, Microsoft does allow multiple use of the XP Home license up to a certain number of copies, under the assumption that you can't be on all your computers at the same time. However, installing it even once on a computer that does not belong to the license holder is a violation of the license.

Actually being this has to do with my "professional" job. You are technically NOT allowed to install on more than one machine. However there are exceptions such as volume licensing as somewhat mentioned above. You may use the same media (CD) to install on multiple computers but in order to be legal you must purchase additional licenses with cd keys. My last place of employment was almost audited by the BSA, and I have also attended some seminars put on by them.

interesting - so:

If you buy xp home you may install it on your own personal computers *I have 4 comps*?

BUT if I want to help a buddy out by re-formatting his system - even though he HAS XP home already on his system... I have to buy a new copy to do that ?

I'm just curious about how Microsoft does this wacky licensing business because I have four comuters myself - one cheap old Dell for word processing and net surfing, one old crappy Dell for music, one old latitude laptop for taking to class and word processing, and my new rig that i build this summer for living on. :)

EDIT: sorry spoke before reading the above post... you can only use XP home on one computer unless you get a volume license?