Can I use a Dell cd-key on another computer?

[DougoMan]

Will this work? I remember the Dell backup CD's are locked to Dell computers, but if I use a retail XP disk I have laying around.. will it work? Is it legal?

Will just be using the key as part of a Win 7 update. Not sure if that makes any difference.

 

[corkyg]

Technically it would not be legal. OEM keys are tied to the OEM.

All you can do is try it and see for yourself. If Win 7 rejects it, it's back to the drawing board. If it accepts it, it will move on and you win.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Probably won't work. If the Win XP disc is retail it would require a retail key. The Dell key is OEM. The retail disc won't accept the OEM key.

 

[bruceb]

It would likely work, since all Win 7 will do is check to see a prior installation. Then after you do your install / upgrade to Win7 you activate that
with your legit license key. But as mentioned, the Dell OS may not even try to install on a Non Dell computer.

 

[DougoMan]

jeez I wish Microsoft would just do away with this upgrade nonsense on retail copies. It was not a big deal with XP since you could upgrade from '95.

 

[RebateMonger]

Is it "legal"?
No.

Microsoft's licensing policies say that using an OS "upgrade" disk requires that you have a license for a previous OS for the PC that you are upgrading. But you don't have a license for the new PC because Microsoft says you can't "legally" move the Dell license to another PC.

Also, your XP Retail CD won't accept the Dell COA Key from the side of the box, so you won't be able to install XP with that Key with that unmodified disk. With that Key, it won't get past the early part of the XP installation process.

 

[phoenix79]

Win 7 won't upgrade from XP Text

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: DougoMan
jeez I wish Microsoft would just do away with this upgrade nonsense on retail copies. It was not a big deal with XP since you could upgrade from '95.

Don't we all?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: phoenix79
Win 7 won't upgrade from XP Text

Wait a second. During the Win7 upgrade pre-order spree, I was pretty sure that it was advertised that you could upgrade from XP.

Are you talking about no upgrade at all from XP (doesn't qualify as a license to upgrade from), or just that it will not allow in-place upgrades (have to specify custom, and blow away old windows in process)?

Well, this comment was posted below:

Definition of unsupported in this scenario Jane Colman | Edit | Show History
Please Wait
"Unsupported" in this case refers to inplace upgrades. Anyone who has a qualifying licence (XP, Vista) is entitled to purchase an Upgrade Edition of Windows 7, but would have to clean install.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: phoenix79
Win 7 won't upgrade from XP Text

An XP license qualifies for an "upgrade" to Windows 7. But the upgrade must be a "clean install", which means the XP goes "bye-bye" during the upgrade process. You have to rer-install all your applications and data.

 

[corkyg]

Yeah - this is confusing people. Yes - you can qualify for the upgrade price from XP to Win 7, but! You cannot do a SYSTEM upgrade directly. It must be a clean install.

 

[VinylxScratches]

You need a OEM based disc. I believe you can easily mod a disc. Look at the second part of this article.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/...olume-license-channel/

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
Is it "legal"?
No.

Microsoft's licensing policies say that using an OS "upgrade" disk requires that you have a license for a previous OS for the PC that you are upgrading. But you don't have a license for the new PC because Microsoft says you can't "legally" move the Dell license to another PC.

Also, your XP Retail CD won't accept the Dell COA Key from the side of the box, so you won't be able to install XP with that Key with that unmodified disk. With that Key, it won't get past the early part of the XP installation process.

Errr. Yes, and no.
Technically you can "upgrade" your old Dell with parts and still use your Dell key. The issue is what exactly constitutes an "upgrade".

One very specific situation was posted by Microsoft a few years back. It had to do with the question does buying a mouse from a retailer fit the description of "qualifiying" hardware to purchase oem software. And MS said yes.

In fact, if you search the web you will see MS has been very, very vague as to what parts you can upgrade and have it still be the "original" computer. Basically MS rules out nothing, and in actuality you can upgrade any parts you want. As long as some of the old computer is in the "upgraded" computer.

In reality many, many people just move one piece of hardware, perhaps an IDE cable from the old computer to the new and then they can call MS and get it activated on the "upgraded" computer.

I can't find anyone of any authority to say it can't be done, nor can I find any Microsoft prohibition on the amount of hardware you can "upgrade" and still use the same key.

As a Microsoft partner and oem they will answer my specific questions only, such as if I upgrade my motherboard can I still use the oem key. I have never yet heard them say no to any single piece of hardware or mulitple pieces of hardware.

My personal feeling is the whole idea that the machine is licensed and you don't own the software it is a vague area in the law and MS doesn't want to make in issue for fear that the whole concept will be found illegal by a court.

 

[RebateMonger]

There's NO question about how Microsoft now interprets its XP OEM EULA licensing terms. For several years now, Microsoft has interpreted it to mean that the MOTHERBOARD is the component that OEM XP is "married to".

Several years ago, Microsoft modified its rules about the purchase and use of OEM XP software. The OEM packaging is now sealed and has the sales terms on the outside of the packaging. The terms now allow OEM XP software to be purchased and used by ANYONE and no purchase of hardware is required to purchase the software. But as soon as the OEM software package is OPENED, it must be installed and tied to a complete system. Opened OEM XP software cannot be sold by itself. It must be sold as part of a complete system (which Microsoft defines as containing original motherboard).

I've attended several Microsoft OEM Licensing seminars, and Microsoft's interpretation is always the same.

===========================

An example of how Microsoft interprets its XP OEM licensing terms.

"Since computer parts are easily added and removed, Microsoft had to decide what the core part that Defines the computer as a whole. (Meaning if that part was changed, a new computer would be created). Microsoft decided that the Motherboard was the most logical part.

Those two paragraphs come togeather to mean that if you have a computer with a OEM copy of Windows installed and the Motherboard is changed, then that OEM copy of Windows is no longer Licensed to run on that computer.

The only exception to this rule is if the Motherboard was changed out due to Warranty service. The motherboard must be changed out, usually by the manufacturer of the computer, for the same or equivalent model motherboard. Only in this exception, would the OEM Windows still be licensed to run on the computer even after the new Motherboard was installed.

If your situation does not qualify under the exception to the OEM Licensing Terms, then the OEM software that was installed on your friend's computer (before the motherboard change) is no longer licensed to run on the computer once the new motherboard is installed. In other words, the OEM's Licensing expired at the same time the Motherboard burnt out.

I have inclided links to the OEM End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) for both XP Home and Pro.
In both EULAs you can find the relevent information under section: "1. Grant of Licensce", see paragraph 2 that starts " Software as a Component of the Computer - Transfer..."

OEM EULA for XP Home: http://download.microsoft.com/...ments/UseTerms/Windows XP_Home Edition_English_c38be9c0-616c-4879-826a-9daf62123a7a.pdf

OEM EULA for XP Pro: http://download.microsoft.com/...ments/UseTerms/Windows XP_Professional_English_0983ff38-f3c7-4a61-b0e0-579b807a3e26.pdf"

=========================

If you are a Microsoft OEM Partner, you should be able to access Microsoft's OEM pages discussing OEM licensing:

Microsoft OEM System Builder licensing FAQ

"Q. My customer bought a new PC and wants to move their OEM software from the old PC to the new one. Can't they do whatever they want with the software?

A. The OEM software is licensed with the computer system on which it was originally installed and is tied to that original machine. OEM licenses are single-use licenses that cannot be installed on more than one computer system even if the original machine is no longer in use. The end user license agreement (EULA) accepted by the customer before they use the software, states that the license may not be shared, transferred to or used concurrently on different computers. The System Builder is required to provide end-user support for the Windows license. A System Builder can not support a license that has been moved from a PC they manufactured to one that they did not ? this is a fundamental reason why OEM System Builder licenses can't be transferred."

=========================

Comment by RebateMonger:
I don't work for Microsoft, nor do I necessarily agree with all of Microsoft's rules. But an examination of Microsoft's public statements about licensing and discussions with MS' licensing people will show exactly what MS' OEM licensing policies are.

 

[ecom]

Originally posted by: bruceb
It would likely work, since all Win 7 will do is check to see a prior installation. Then after you do your install / upgrade to Win7 you activate that
with your legit license key. But as mentioned, the Dell OS may not even try to install on a Non Dell computer.

You can use a Dell XP disc to install XP on to any machine. But if it's not a Dell, it will ask for a CD key and will not automatically activate like when it's installed on a Dell machine.

 

[dawp]

for what it's worth, I was able to install XP with a OEM CD from NEWEGG with a HP key, but that was on a HP system for someone who didn't have the install disk. not sure how different the OEM is from the retail tho.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: corkyg
All you can do is try it and see for yourself[...]

I worked on a friend's lappy for a couple of weeks, and had to replace the HDD, amongst other things. BTW, I returned it to him 3 days ago, so these war-stories will stop soon (I promise)

He bought this lappy used, and didn't know its history.

This was a Toshiba A35, but it had a Dell OEM COA (packaging) taped to the bottom cover, sooo... as corkyg said... I gave it a try, to see for myself, and it validated/activated just fine!

I was shocked that it worked, actually. He had a genuine XP Home SP2 OEM CD, that he had purchased at Newegg in 2008 (for another machine), so I used that to do the install, along with the Dell OEM COA, and... wallah. It worked!

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
There's NO question about how Microsoft now interprets its XP OEM EULA licensing terms. For several years now, Microsoft has interpreted it to mean that the MOTHERBOARD is the component that OEM XP is "married to".

Several years ago, Microsoft modified its rules about the purchase and use of OEM XP software. The OEM packaging is now sealed and has the sales terms on the outside of the packaging. The terms now allow OEM XP software to be purchased and used by ANYONE and no purchase of hardware is required to purchase the software. But as soon as the OEM software package is OPENED, it must be installed and tied to a complete system. Opened OEM XP software cannot be sold by itself. It must be sold as part of a complete system (which Microsoft defines as containing original motherboard).

I've attended several Microsoft OEM Licensing seminars, and Microsoft's interpretation is always the same.

===========================

An example of how Microsoft interprets its XP OEM licensing terms.

"Since computer parts are easily added and removed, Microsoft had to decide what the core part that Defines the computer as a whole. (Meaning if that part was changed, a new computer would be created). Microsoft decided that the Motherboard was the most logical part.

Those two paragraphs come togeather to mean that if you have a computer with a OEM copy of Windows installed and the Motherboard is changed, then that OEM copy of Windows is no longer Licensed to run on that computer.

The only exception to this rule is if the Motherboard was changed out due to Warranty service. The motherboard must be changed out, usually by the manufacturer of the computer, for the same or equivalent model motherboard. Only in this exception, would the OEM Windows still be licensed to run on the computer even after the new Motherboard was installed.

If your situation does not qualify under the exception to the OEM Licensing Terms, then the OEM software that was installed on your friend's computer (before the motherboard change) is no longer licensed to run on the computer once the new motherboard is installed. In other words, the OEM's Licensing expired at the same time the Motherboard burnt out.

I have inclided links to the OEM End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) for both XP Home and Pro.
In both EULAs you can find the relevent information under section: "1. Grant of Licensce", see paragraph 2 that starts " Software as a Component of the Computer - Transfer..."

OEM EULA for XP Home: http://download.microsoft.com/...ments/UseTerms/Windows XP_Home Edition_English_c38be9c0-616c-4879-826a-9daf62123a7a.pdf

OEM EULA for XP Pro: http://download.microsoft.com/...ments/UseTerms/Windows XP_Professional_English_0983ff38-f3c7-4a61-b0e0-579b807a3e26.pdf"

=========================

If you are a Microsoft OEM Partner, you should be able to access Microsoft's OEM pages discussing OEM licensing:

Microsoft OEM System Builder licensing FAQ

"Q. My customer bought a new PC and wants to move their OEM software from the old PC to the new one. Can't they do whatever they want with the software?

A. The OEM software is licensed with the computer system on which it was originally installed and is tied to that original machine. OEM licenses are single-use licenses that cannot be installed on more than one computer system even if the original machine is no longer in use. The end user license agreement (EULA) accepted by the customer before they use the software, states that the license may not be shared, transferred to or used concurrently on different computers. The System Builder is required to provide end-user support for the Windows license. A System Builder can not support a license that has been moved from a PC they manufactured to one that they did not ? this is a fundamental reason why OEM System Builder licenses can't be transferred."

=========================

Comment by RebateMonger:
I don't work for Microsoft, nor do I necessarily agree with all of Microsoft's rules. But an examination of Microsoft's public statements about licensing and discussions with MS' licensing people will show exactly what MS' OEM licensing policies are.

THANKS! The last time I had discussed this with MS was at the Vista launch events, so it turns out my info is outdated.

I just wonder, how can MS retroactively change the terms of the EULA? or ar they just "interpreting" it differently?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: techs
I just wonder, how can MS retroactively change the terms of the EULA? or ar they just "interpreting" it differently?

That's one of those questions that will drive you crazy if you worry too much about them.

Actually, I have a vague recollection that, at least in the past, MS would publish "amended" EULAs that you'd have to agree to as part of accepting certain Windows Updates. I might be wrong about this, but that's my recollection. I haven't noticed this recently, and it could be my imagination.

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: techs
I just wonder, how can MS retroactively change the terms of the EULA? or ar they just "interpreting" it differently?

That's one of those questions that will drive you crazy if you worry too much about them.

Actually, I have a vague recollection that, at least in the past, MS would publish "amended" EULAs that you'd have to agree to as part of accepting certain Windows Updates. I might be wrong about this, but that's my recollection. I haven't noticed this recently, and it could be my imagination.

Well, MS unilaterally changed the terms of the Action Pack. All of a sudden they said you wouldn't get the physical disks anymore, you would have to download the software. Or you could pay an additional fee to get the disks.

 

[Chiropteran]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Those two paragraphs come togeather to mean that if you have a computer with a OEM copy of Windows installed and the Motherboard is changed, then that OEM copy of Windows is no longer Licensed to run on that computer.

The only exception to this rule is if the Motherboard was changed out due to Warranty service. The motherboard must be changed out, usually by the manufacturer of the computer, for the same or equivalent model motherboard. Only in this exception, would the OEM Windows still be licensed to run on the computer even after the new Motherboard was installed.

If your situation does not qualify under the exception to the OEM Licensing Terms, then the OEM software that was installed on your friend's computer (before the motherboard change) is no longer licensed to run on the computer once the new motherboard is installed. In other words, the OEM's Licensing expired at the same time the Motherboard burnt out.

I still see a gray area. "Warranty service" is determined by the manufacturer of the computer. If it's a home built computer, you are the manufacturer. You can choose to "service" the motherboard in any way you choose and the OEM license would have to remain valid.

edit: obviously this wouldn't apply to a computer manufactured by Dell or HP or anything, but it does show how an OEM copy could be "moved" from one PC to another.