what is windows xp professional "corporate edition"? 2

[marc100377]

i have xp pro on a machine and am thinking of upgrading four to five boxes on a wired network. potentially will go to fifteen machines on the network (may upgrade to
wireless - if you needed to know that).

what exactly is the difference between xp pro and xp pro corporate edition?

 

[traycee]

The only difference that I am aware of is that Windows XP Pro requires WPA (Windows Product Activation) and Windows XP Corporate Edition does not require WPA. That's because you purchase an open license for multiple computers. I'm not sure, but I believe you need to purchase a minimum of 5 licenses, but it could be much higher than that.

 

[bcastner]

There is not, and never has been, a "Corporate Edition" released by Microsoft, although the hacker sites often refer to an early set of DLLs and other files used in the orignal VLK of XP PRO in cirumventing activation.

It looks like you need to buy 14 licenses, but for five or more the Microsoft VLK program may be a good fit.

Note carefully the hardware you intend to upgrade. XP is fairly demanding, and Win2k or even staying at Win98 might well be a more appropriate choice in your circumstance.

The VLK program can be accessed here:

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default.mspx

 

[traycee]

Sorry...by corporate edition, I just assumed he meant the VLK which is usually used by corporations.

 

[bcastner]

traycee,

Not a big deal. I just wanted a "point of clarification" as it were for the site.

Your advice was perfectly apt.

Bill

 

[marc100377]

thanx for the info ... that helped out quite a bit
i will stick with xp pro