Install WinXP Home from one HP PC to another HP PC?

[Lcarvone]

I am in the process of resurrecting an old HP desktop for a charity build (single mom co-worker) and am near the point of installing an OS. The only changes from the original HP configuration is some more ram, new AGP video card, and bigger hard drive; the mobo, cpu and all other peripherals are the same.

I also have an old HP laptop that has a hosed motherboard but does have the original product key (Windows XP Home HP) on the bottom (desktop key got partially ripped off during a move so it is not complete).

Is it allowable/possible to install Windows XP on the desktop and activate using the laptop key considering they are both purchased HP products or are the product keys tied specifically to the respective hardware?

 

[heymrdj]

Possible yes, easily. Legal, no. The key's OEM's use are OEM license, bound to the device for life, nothing being transferrable. If Windows puts up a fuss even when you repair a PC (like all new guts and thus the windows needs a repair install) that is even illegal. But I do it anyways 😛. But no to answer your question, as i said, possible yes, legal no.

 

[OUCaptain]

You might have to call India and tell em your HD crashed. They'll give to the code needed to activate.

 

[RebateMonger]

If you install XP using an original HP Restore disk(s), you won't be asked for a Key.

 

[bruceb]

Agreed. It is an HP OS going onto a HP computer so even if the OS
checks the BIOS, it will be happy and load / activate with no issues.