Transfer XP to new build?

PhilB

PhilB

PhilB

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Joined
21 Jul 2005
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17
I have a pc with XP and the license sticker on the case.

I'm planning a new build and to use the same license XP in the new build then break up the old machine and reformat the HD and sell the spares.

Am I allowed to install XP on my new machine and wipe the old hard drive?

Phil
 
Hi, the XP OEM licence is non-transferable and can only be used on the machine you plan to break up.

You will need to purchase a new copy for the new machine.
 
Cheers Guys

So i have to add the cost of a new XP license to the new build.

How do I check to see if it's OEM?

Never mind, checked the case it's OEM.

Cheers anyway
 
Technically you are not allowed to reuse an OEM copy of XP on a new machine as the licence is for the machine you first installed it on.

However 120 days after XP was first activated you can reactivate it without Microsoft stopping activation. Useful should you upgrade certain or several parts in your pc.

BUT if the licence sticker is say for DELL, HP, PACKARD BELL etc it will probably be a pre activated licence that only works with that brand of pc, activation via Microsoft website will fail as it is sold by Microsoft to say HP to work with their brand of motherboard and never needed activating online.

If you have a retail copy of XP (you know the £200+ version sold by a well know pc retailer) the licence is different and I believe you can swap the licence to a different machine as long as you erase the first drive.
 
I've had the PC for few years, it was put together for me by a local computer store, so the license hasn't been pre-activated for a certain brand.

So it's after 120 days I might be able to reactivate it then.
 
Thanks for clearing that up. I'll plan on installing XP on the new build and wiping the old HD.

I'd be annoyed if I had to buy a new license.
 
Thanks for all your advice guys.

After all questions, when I hooked the new pc up to the router and clicked .activate windows. it activated straight away and started downloading the updates.

I'll repost back to this thread if I have any problems later, just for reference to people who might wish to do the same thing.

Phil
 
I've never had a problem re-activating XP when somethings been replaced due to failure.

Someone mentioned elsewhere that an OEM copy can only be activated on one motherboard, but I've had 2 completey different boards with mine and no problems with microsoft.
 
firewallblocked said:
If it's 120 days since first activation it will work as long as it's not brand specific i.e. a pre activated DELL version.
Click to expand...

Hello firewallblocked, it may work. However, it will mean that PhilB will no longer be using a licensed copy of Windows. :)

slowrunner said:
Someone mentioned elsewhere that an OEM copy can only be activated on one motherboard, but I've had 2 completey different boards with mine and no problems with microsoft.
Click to expand...

Hello slowrunner, activation really has no bearing effect on weather you are licensed or not. You can have an activated copy of Windows but it doesn't necessary mean that you are fully licensed.

If you go out and purchase the OEM license of Windows firstly, you should know and fully understand the licensing terms of that particular license being; You can change any system component in your system as many times as you wish apart from the motherboard and you will still be licensed. Now you may have to reactivate Windows Vista after a hardware and/or configuration change either by the online process or if it fails for various reasons, you will have to ring them up. If you do have to ring them up and speak with a Microsoft Agent, just tell them the truth, what exactly has happened and they will happily reactivate your copy of Windows for you. You will not be violating the EULA and you are still within your rights to use Windows.

Now if you change your motherboard for a performance upgrade (We are not talking about replacing your motherboard under warranty), then I am afraid you will have to purchase a new copy of Windows (License). If you wish to use the same copy of Windows with your brand new motherboard, the only way you are going to get Windows reactivated is if you ring up Microsoft. You now may be activated but you are certainly no longer licensed and would have just broken the EULA.

You now may say that if Microsoft themselves activated Windows for me, how can I off just violated the terms of the EULA? They gave you a new code because you had lied to them, if you had said the truth that you changed your motherboard for a performance upgrade, they will then say to you, you will have to go out and purchase a new copy of Windows. Their is a certain amount of trust Microsoft give its customers concerning this and if you wish to abuse this then that is up to you.

The point really being is that, just because you know that you may get away with something, doesn't necessary make it right to do.

The licensing terms of Windows is in the sticky as well, which can be found here. :)
 
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So if my 4 year old motherboard decides to pop a couple of components, and I take it as an oppertunity to upgrade the entire system, as far as microsoft is concerend in order to keep to the EULA I HAVE to buy a new copy of windows?

If they didn't charge obscene amounts for the retail versions the average person wouldn't have to buy OEM.
 
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