Advice with windows xp

[drifter106]

am ready to load another OEM version on the old computer. The "old" computer is still running the retail version but since that is not legal I must put another OS on. Am not familiar with steps necessary to utilize the new disc (I am thinking that this can be done without a reformat and partioning). Is it possible to put in the new numbers without deleting all my files on the hard drive?

Any thoughts would be appreciated....

 

[Robor]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe an OEM version is tied to the computer it was purchased with so you can't do what you're saying unless the OEM version you're trying to load was purchased for that system. If legality is your concern it would be illegal anyway. IMO, if it's working right now just be happy.

I have my retail WinXP Pro key on my desktop and laptop at the same time. Am I technically legal? No. Do I care? No. I paid for a retail copy and an OEM copy (with my IBM) and it's not my fault IBM doesn't give me a 'clean' CD to reload with. I blew away my IBM's hard drive including the restore partion and loaded it with my retail copy. And guess what? Microsoft knows this because I had to call them when I activated my laptop. I told the truth and they gave me the OK. 🙂

 

[vanvock]

I thought that was alowed, to have it on 1 desktop & 1 mobile if it's the same owner.

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: vanvock
I thought that was alowed, to have it on 1 desktop & 1 mobile if it's the same owner.

AFAIK it's not allowed but I could be wrong. If so then I am legit! 😀

Of course, I'm dual booting Ubuntu & WinXP Pro using Ubuntu as the primary OS so it's a formality at this point.

 

[drifter106]

Originally posted by: Robor
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe an OEM version is tied to the computer it was purchased with so you can't do what you're saying unless the OEM version you're trying to load was purchased for that system. If legality is your concern it would be illegal anyway. IMO, if it's working right now just be happy.

I have my retail WinXP Pro key on my desktop and laptop at the same time. Am I technically legal? No. Do I care? No. I paid for a retail copy and an OEM copy (with my IBM) and it's not my fault IBM doesn't give me a 'clean' CD to reload with. I blew away my IBM's hard drive including the restore partion and loaded it with my retail copy. And guess what? Microsoft knows this because I had to call them when I activated my laptop. I told the truth and they gave me the OK. 🙂

The retail was on the first system and then I put it on the second...purchased a OEM and want to put it on the 1st.. When I built the system I had to purchase the OS and I bought a retail...retail is perpetual, you can move it to other machines.

Sounds like I am in a similiar situation as you are in...