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I don't want to buy windows xp again

M

maximo12

Member
I already bought a full version of windows xp a couple of years ago. The computer that I used it in doesn't even work any more. I'm about to order parts for a new pc. Is there any way to use my copy of xp? or does microsoft require me to buy a another full version? I'll only be using that version of xp on one pc.

 
If it's an OEM version, then you can't legally move it to another computer. If it's a retail version, you can. You may have to call them to activate it, since it's already been activated on another computer. I never had to when I moved my MSDNAA copy to another computer though.

Welcome to Anandtech.
 
I think it's considered oem. I had to buy a $1 motherboard in order to buy it. So your saying since it's not retail, they won't activate it even if I call.
 
I'm actually about to order my computer parts right now and I'm needing to know whether or not to include a copy of xp. I really don't want to spend the extra 90 bucks for something I've "technically" already paid for.
 
It can't hurt to try, but don't get your hopes up. I've never tried it myself.

Originally posted by: maximo12
I'm actually about to order my computer parts right now and I'm needing to know whether or not to include a copy of xp. I really don't want to spend the extra 90 bucks for something I've "technically" already paid for.
Click to expand...

In that case, wait for someone who's actually had experience with this to answer. 🙂
 
Will it work with the new PC?

I'm sure it will.

Is it legal?

Not technically.

Is it morally legal?

Your call.
 
Just give it a try. They're supposed to be pretty cool about reactivation because they don't want to give customers a hard time about an already unpopular protection scheme. As much as I'm against software piracy, it IS pretty ridiculous to have to buy a new copy of WinXP in your situation. Although I wouldn't go as far to say that you're pirating WinXP either.
 
When I was installing 2K3 on some servers, I ended up installing and activiating one copy 3x on the same machine in the span of a couple days while trying out different configs. After the third install, you have to call and you get asked sort of off-handed why you need to install it a fourth time. No biggie. Same with Office XP, so I assume Windows XP is the same.
 
you can call and they'll activate it. i have an oem copy and i had a bad motherboard which had to be replaced. technically they consider that a new computer. however i called up and told the drone that and she issued me a code to activate xp.

if you're running it on multiple computers this is of course a no-no. but if you're simply migrating it i would have no issues morally or otherwise taking my copy of xp with me.
 
Should be no problem... as long as it's not a recovery disc from Dell, Compaq whomever... But if you built the computer and it's a full version, no sweat. Should activate fine, if you do have to call them just tell them you fryed your old system and had to rebuild. They're actually pretty decent to talk with those MS folks! ;-)
 
XP's activation resets after 3-4 months so you won't even need to ring anyone. Just install it and activate it online.
 
I think even an OEM version of XP would work on a new PC. If your hesitant, you could always just say you've done a major system upgrade in yoru current system, which is technically true.
 
I already bought a full version of windows xp a couple of years ago. The computer that I used it in doesn't even work any more. I'm about to order parts for a new pc. Is there any way to use my copy of xp? or does microsoft require me to buy a another full version? I'll only be using that version of xp on one pc.
Click to expand...
As long as you don't intend to use the same CD Key on more than one machine at a time, you can activate it again. I've activated the same copy of XP (COA/CD Key) four times now, because I've upgraded or swapped different parts of my PC.

You will get a message when (re)activating to call Microsoft, you tell a computer operator the digits of some enormous ID number that WPA generates, then a live person gets on and asks you (not in any order):

- have you activated this copy before
- why you are re-activating today
- how many times have you activated this copy
- how many PCs have this copy of Windows installed on them

Your answers should be (if truthful, of course):

- yes
- I had to replace my motherboard, HDD, etc
- n+1
- just this one

Then they give you a new activation ID number to input into the WPA screen.

I told them I swapped components all the time in order to test them because I buy and sell computer hardware, and they would be hearing from me frequently. They always say "That's ok. We apologize for any inconvenience. You can activate as many times as you need to, just give us a call."

Alrighty then! 😀
 
If it's something like an OEM version from Dell, it will not work from what I remember. If it's an OEM disk from something like Newegg where you are just required to purchase hardware in order to buy it, then there shouldn't be any problem. I can't remember for sure, but as far as I recall that's the way it goes.
 
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