Dell and windows XP

[Vogel515]

I bought a dell with windows XP professional 4 years back and I'm now thinking about building a new PC. Can I install the XP Professional on the new PC? or transfer the harddrive from the dell that boots windows XP to the new computer?

 

[bruceb]

Not legally .. you have a Dell OEM copy of XP Pro which is Legally tied to the
original Hardware .. so no, you can not, without being in violation of the
Windows XP EULA

 

[networkman]

Read the EULA very carefully. Under some Compaq EULAs with Windows 2000, you could actually transfer the license a single time to another machine so long as all of the software/manuals/rights were transferred with it. I have several of those and purchased them solely for that reason.

But unless the EULA specifically allows it, no, you can't legally do what you're asking.

 

[LouPoir]

It will work on another computer, it just won't be legal.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: LouPoir
It will work on another computer, it just won't be legal.

It will install but the machine will not activate with the Dell CD key. And again it is not in keeping within the guidlines of the EULA.

pcgeek11

 

[BladeVenom]

Who cares about the EULA? They are hardly more than after market extortion and their validity varies by state and court. If it installs and Microsoft activates it, then they've agreed to your terms.

 

[Lemon law]

It probably won't work---at least the one that I got foisted on does not because the hardware in a dell and what on your new computer will be radically different---but it also will depend on version--be it upgrade, OEM, or full.---but its my understanding that the OEM license marries the install disk to the motherboard.

But as Blade Venom points out---if microsoft lets you activate it--you are in pretty good shape. And will never rise to the occasion that at 2 am they will come for you and maybe break an arm or two. Unlike the mafia goonish tactics of the RIAA.

 

[Vogel515]

Hah, thanks for the responses I appreciate it. I may or may not give it a try when the new computer comes. Most likely I will be buying Vista.