Can an OEM copy of Windows XP be reloaded on the same computer numerous times, say in the case of getting a bad virus and having to format the hard drive to get rid of it? I have heard that it can only be installed once and I have also heard it can be re-installed numerous times as long as you had the CD and it is a legal copy of windows xp.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks;
Hoofhearted

It can be used as many times as you want on the computer that it was supplied with.

Thanks jephree, actually this hasn't been supplied with any computer, I have built a new computer and now am ready to add an operating system so I take it that if I buy Windows Xp OEM that your above answer would also apply?

Thanks again;
Hoofhearted

OEM versions are generally supplied by a computer manufacturer (Original Equipment Manufacturer) but that being said it should work just fine as long as you have the proper Product Key and this key has not been used elsewhere (on other computers).

I would personally prefer a Microsoft full version but I assume the OEM is cheaper?

Another thought is that at the end of the month Vista will be available. With Vista Microsoft is limiting re installations on new hardware to one time. In other words you could only change your motherboard once with Vista. With XP you can do this as often as you like as long as you convince Microsoft that the old motherboard is no longer in use.

As I build and upgrade my own computer this is one reason that I will not purchase Vista.