Switching XP OEM to a new machine

GhostlyPea · 22 Sep 2007 at 14:50

My current rig I built around 3 years ago, if I bought a new machine would XP allow me to install it fresh on a new HDD or would this not be possible to activate as its OEM?

thanks IA

- Pea0n

point decay · 22 Sep 2007 at 14:58

OEM is tied to the MB as far as im aware

GhostlyPea · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:00

Aye thought as much. This is what I was expecting, just hoping I was mistaken. Looks like its a Vista upgrade then >.<

- Pea0n

flasher · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:11

Changed my MB and CPU a couple of weeks ago, reinstalled XP with no problems at all, went through fine with activation via the web
Using XP home oem.

GhostlyPea · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:13

Hmmm, could be worth a try I guess, I don't have anything to lose. My original plan was to upgrade my PC, then donate my old GFX card and CPU to my brother, i'm pretty sure the new GFX card wont get him to re-activate, but will changing the CPU?

- Pea0n

Datamonkey · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:30

it may go through fine lads, but its not legal.

The oem license is tied to the motherboard or pc it was bought with.

Its that simple really. MS will activate a copy in most cases though, but ya wont be legal.

stickroad · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:36

Yes it may go through but you will be using that copy of windows XP ilegally. Weather that bothers you is a different matter.

GhostlyPea · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:48

Righteo, new copy for me then, looks like Vista it is >.< To check that tho, its tied to the MOBO so changing the CPU wont make any difference?

- Pea0n

stickroad · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:49

Pea0n said:
Righteo, new copy for me then, looks like Vista it is >.< To check that tho, its tied to the MOBO so changing the CPU wont make any difference?

- Pea0n

Yes that is correct. You can change anything other than the motherboard.

GhostlyPea · 22 Sep 2007 at 15:51

Righteo, thanks

- Pea0n