Transfering Windows XP

Fireburst · 3 Mar 2006 at 21:19

I am building a new system and wondered is it possible to transfer a OEM version of Windows XP that came with a Dell system over to my new system?

I am suspecting not but I thought I would ask in case someone here has done so in the past.

Brian Stuart · 3 Mar 2006 at 21:20

You have answered your own question. The OEM copy is not transferable
Brian

basmic · 3 Mar 2006 at 21:23

BTW, I suggest you read the FAQ - specifically this about signatures.

Fireburst · 3 Mar 2006 at 21:34

Brian Stuart said:
You have answered your own question. The OEM copy is not transferable
Brian

I suspected as much. If I am going to have to part with more money then I may as well give Media Center Edition 2005 a spin as I have heard it's quite nice.

crashuk · 4 Mar 2006 at 16:26

have you thought of uninstalling every device then create a image then load it onto the new machine.

PinkPig · 4 Mar 2006 at 16:35

It wouldn't work, Windows product activation would notice that the hardware had dramatically changed and refuse to run even if it managed to work otherwise.

dirtydog · 4 Mar 2006 at 16:38

Yep, and Dell Windows is tied to the BIOS on Dell machines, IIRC. I don't think Dell Windows even needs activating on Dell machines because of this, could be wrong.

Fireburst · 4 Mar 2006 at 16:40

I have decided to give WinXp 64 a whirl. It comes with a 120 day trial. When that is up I will decide what to do. I am loath to buy another copy of WinXP (got 4 OEM copies on other desktops) with Vista getting so close. I will happily do a clean reinstall of XP 64 if that would take me up to Vista in which case I will buy a non OEM licence for more freedom.

All my parts should arrive early next week so I can start to build then

MikeOCUK · 4 Mar 2006 at 17:25

depends how you view the term 'User license'. personally I would

dirtydog · 4 Mar 2006 at 17:27

You wouldn't because it physically wouldn't work

It isn't just about the license.

crashuk · 4 Mar 2006 at 20:26

well i have a couple of dell serials about some where. btw i never brought a copy of microsoft in my life, right now iam setting up my new exchange server.

dirtydog · 4 Mar 2006 at 20:53

Because Dell product keys were being abused, that's why they changed it to link the license to the BIOS - so the product key on new Dells won't work on any other machine, it is worthless.