Is Older version Of XP Pro OK to Use for New Computer

[nasttcar]

My last computer died and I will be building a new computer. I expect the new one to have an E6400 chip, Asus P5B Deluxe MB, Corsair DDR2800 RAM.

I have a 2 year old version of XP Pro (legitimate) and have no real idea of Service Pack. On the computer that died I just kept doing updates. I would expect I would do that also on the new computer after loading the system software and then going on line.

Does this make sense?

Should I expect any problems?

I plan to wait at least a year before buying and installing Vista.

 

[mechBgon]

Here is how to install XP Pro without getting magically infected by worms faster than you can even update it:

http://www.mechbgon.com/build/security1.html (scroll down past the Vista v. XP stuff to the first big picture)


If your old XP is an OEM version, you can't use it on the new hardware legit (it's half-price because you only get to use it on one computer evar, with the mobo being the tiebreaker item). If your old XP is the retail version, then you can use it on the new hardware legit.

 

[nasttcar]

Not sure what mine is. I got in on some promotion and bought it, but it did not come in a big box, but in a genuine Microsoft foldout thing that held the CD.

In fact I have used it on 2 different computers, but not at the same time. First it was an emachine that got reformatted. The emachine was a piece of you know what and got tossed. Then it was a new Dell P4 that has recently died.

I have changed parts so many times and have had to call MS several times for reactivation and neve had an issue with MS.

How would I differetiate? between OEM and Retail?

 

[mechBgon]

How would I differetiate? between OEM and Retail?

OEM would have a Certificate Of Authenticity with the CD key, that is meant to be adhered to the computer case. It would say "OEM" on it and would look something like the one at the top of this page :camera:.

Retail versions wouldn't have a COA sticker containing the CD key at all, because they're not licensed to any one PC in particular, so you wouldn't want the CD key stuck onto any one PC in particular. The key would be on or inside the package or folder, probably on a rectangle orange sticker.

 

[nasttcar]

Mine must be Retail. The computer does not have the little sticker on it. The CD has no stickers on it.

Thanks

 

[mechBgon]