Broken laptop with Windows XP license, can I use the license on another system?

DanTheMan · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:08

My Acer laptop has died on me and I'm not going to bother repairing it as I'm due to build a new PC on payday. I was planning on buying a Windows 7 copy for the new build but I was thinking, can I now use the windows license from the laptop on the new build if I can get hold of a CD copy of XP?

It means I could then wait until I start college in September and get a discounted Windows 7 upgrade.

RJC · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:26

As it would be a OEM license, this lives and dies with the motherboard it was first installed on.

So no you can not re-use the license.

Duke · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:27

Technically yes, legally no.

Dano · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:36

Technically yes, in accordance to the EULA no.

roger_37 · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:42

simple no

DanTheMan · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:48

Do you reckon there's much chance of getting into **** if I was to go ahead and do this?

Dano · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:51

DanTheMan said:
Do you reckon there's much chance of getting into **** if I was to go ahead and do this?

Almost none given that at most you'd have to call the MS activation line and will not be asked any questions that would require you to lie, still doesn't make it right though.

lazer46 · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:56

It can be done effortlessly but it is against the eula. Depends how you feel about being honest or not.

DIABLO · 12 Jul 2010 at 22:57

Technically no, but when you ring the automated activation line they will activate it anyway if you say it is installed only on 1 machine.

thecremeegg · 13 Jul 2010 at 11:58

Just do it

Netguy · 13 Jul 2010 at 22:48

Dano said:
Technically yes, in accordance to the EULA no.

Same with Win 7?

stoofa · 13 Jul 2010 at 23:10

It is the same with all OEM licenses.
They are tied to the motherboard they were first installed on.
If your motherboard is swapped via a "Warranty repair" then you can legally reactivate your license.
If your motherboard fails outside of warranty or you upgrade it then your OEM license is no longer legal and you will need to buy a new one.

This is why:

1. OEM licenses are cheaper
2. You're not supposed to buy OEM licenses

If of course your OEM license came with a complete PC - then I can understand you owning it.
But if buying Windows, buying OEM makes no sense.
Retail lasts the life of the OS, OEM the life or the motherboard - no brainer.