How to transfer Windows XP to a new computer?

[weshuang]

I really have two questions, at least, related to the same issue.

I have two computers in a home network, both of which have Windows XP Home installed. I am in the middle of upgrading the mobo and CPU on one of them.

My understanding is that I need to call MS to transfer the OS to a new motherboard. Can someone tell me how this works? Right now, all I've done so far is swap the mobo and CPU. I get some sort of failure when it tries to start Windows, but I don't get any kind of number to call. What do I do?

I guess my other question is, how can I tell which copy of XP is registered to which computer? When I go to my other computer that is still up and running, and go to Computer/Properties, I get a Microsoft registration number that bears no resemblance to either Product Key for my two copies of XP Home. Is there a way to tell which copy is which?

 

[Bloodstein]

My understanding is that I need to call MS to transfer the OS to a new motherboard. Can someone tell me how this works? Right now, all I've done so far is swap the mobo and CPU. I get some sort of failure when it tries to start Windows, but I don't get any kind of number to call. What do I do?

Ok, if ur asking for Microsoft's number, look in the phone directory (or maybe in the booklet that came with the OS or behind the box). I'm sure it's not that hard to find MS's number.
If u've got a legal copy of WIn XP on the machine, call them and tell them ur gonna change ur CPU/mobo, I'm sure they'll be of help.
The reason why Win XP only works with a particular cpu,mobo,etc is cuz Win XP hashes itself against some of ur PC components (I suspect one of them being the CPU reg no). When u change any of the components, the resulting hash code changes and hence, it doesn't work.....

I guess my other question is, how can I tell which copy of XP is registered to which computer? When I go to my other computer that is still up and running, and go to Computer/Properties, I get a Microsoft registration number that bears no resemblance to either Product Key for my two copies of XP Home. Is there a way to tell which copy is which?

In Win 98, the way it worked was MS gave u one product key, which would allow u to install ur Win 98. The problem with this was that ppl could very easily copy the Win 98 cd and use the same product key to install it...

Now, in an attemp to fight soft piracy, MS introduced two keys with Win XP. One is the product key (which u find on the booklet or box or whatever). The other is the license key (which u find in ur Win XP properties). You type in ur product key when installing XP. But that doesn't complete the installation process. U still need the license key to finish the process. To get the license key, MS forces u to "activate" ur copy of Win Xp. Upon activation, ur license key is generated. You can't tell which copy of XP is on which computer by looking at the product key. Again, call up MS and tell them u forgot which product key u used on which computer (and assuming u've got two legal copies of XP), MS would probably help u out.

 

[weshuang]

OK, this all would be fine, but today is Saturday, and the 800 number that is in the Win XP install manual says they are only available M-F. After all, why would users of XP Home be inclined to do anything on the weekend?

Since my initial post, I have read elsewhere that MS claims you should be able to swap the motherboard without having to re-activate XP. Is this the case?

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: weshuang
I really have two questions, at least, related to the same issue.

I have two computers in a home network, both of which have Windows XP Home installed. I am in the middle of upgrading the mobo and CPU on one of them.

My understanding is that I need to call MS to transfer the OS to a new motherboard.

If your OS needs to be reactivated it will prompt you with a new set of digits to give to the MS rep and will give you in a dropdown box at that time the 1-800 #

Can someone tell me how this works? Right now, all I've done so far is swap the mobo and CPU.

swapping parts is fine but still should have blew out proprietary software (controller sets such as from Intel to Via to SiS etc..) and possibly might need to slave the troubled drive to your existing running unit to retrieve stuff(documents and such..) even might end up having to reformat

I get some sort of failure when it tries to start Windows, but I don't get any kind of number to call. What do I do?

you might wish to remove the drive ..slave pull your data and then place in your new rig again and then run Recovery Console/Repair booting from the WinXP CD

I guess my other question is, how can I tell which copy of XP is registered to which computer? When I go to my other computer that is still up and running, and go to Computer/Properties, I get a Microsoft registration number that bears no resemblance to either Product Key for my two copies of XP Home. Is there a way to tell which copy is which?

At the time of installation you should have marked/placed the COA sticker/ piece of paper inside the appropriate rig ..how you wish to proceed is up to you on which copy goes where ..

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: weshuang
OK, this all would be fine, but today is Saturday, and the 800 number that is in the Win XP install manual says they are only available M-F. After all, why would users of XP Home be inclined to do anything on the weekend?

If a reactivation/conflict occurs ..at any time that prompts the OS to give a reactivation window ..it gives you a 24hr ph # ..weekend or not

Since my initial post, I have read elsewhere that MS claims you should be able to swap the motherboard without having to re-activate XP. Is this the case?

as always YMMV in this regard ..sometimes yes sometimes no ..

 

[Lord Evermore]

Depending on how long it was since the original activation, you may not even need to call. After 3 months, Microsoft doesn't care if you reinstall it. They basically mark the CD key as "okay to activate again", because they mainly care about stopping people from installing it on several machines as soon as they get a copy; not many people are going to wait and upgrade one machine at a time every 3 months using the same copy. So when you swap the hardware, Windows will say "okay, you've changed so many items you need to activate again". You may not get that prompt though, because Microsoft changed exactly the how many items and in what combinations causes a reactivation.

When it tries to activate, the first attempt is done via a network connection. If it can't connect (if the network drivers aren't working yet) then it will tell you to either call MS, or try again later. You can then skip the step right there if it doesn't work. Once you have the system up and running again, you can then activate over the Internet.

If the first activation was too recent, you'll be told you need to call. But if it was more than 3 months ago, it will simply activate over the Net the same way as if it was the first install.

KeyFinder will let you get the CD key from each machine.