Microsoft XP licensing question

[alokkola]

For those who know more about Microsoft's licensing policies... please comment.

I had a an HP laptop with Windows XP professional. I dropped it and it works no more. I have bought a desktop. I was wondering if I can install XP Professional on my desktop using the license key for the laptop(there is a key on the bottom of the laptop). I do own the valid license for the OS on the laptop so I should be allowed to use the OS on another machine, since the laptop is dead... right!!

ThanX

 

[bsobel]

I do own the valid license for the OS on the laptop so I should be allowed to use the OS on another machine, since the laptop is dead... right!!

Unfortunately not. Unless the version of XP on your laptop was retail, you received a discount on XP because it was licensed to that actual machine. Since the machine was destroyed, you lost the license (yes, I agree this sucks, but you asked about if you were legal or not)

Bill

 

[alokkola]

Yup, I was trying to go the legal route hoping a license is a license whether it is OEM or retail. Well... sucks is the right word!

 

[spyordie007]

This is one of the reasons I typically recomend going with a retail license if you can; OEM licenses are tied down to the hardware you buy it with...

 

[nweaver]

I bought my mother in laws OEM license with a power splitter. Does that mean I can "upgrade" as long as I keep that splitter? LOL

 

[spyordie007]

Technically I'm not sure that they should have sold it to you with a power splitter...

 

[nweaver]

It was NewEgg who did it, to qualify for OEM. They even gave me an instant rebate for the full price of the splitter (Hot deal, free after IR)

 

[Nothinman]

It was NewEgg who did it, to qualify for OEM. They even gave me an instant rebate for the full price of the splitter (Hot deal, free after IR)

It doesn't matter who did it, they're just taking advantage of the abimguity in the way MS licenses OEM software. But the way the license is worded yes, the copy is tied to that power splitter so if you give someone that splitter you also have to give them your XP license.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

Take the Install disk to XP and install it onto the new computer, when you go to activate it will ask you to call Microsoft. Tell them that you upgraded your computer and they will give you a long authorization number. I've done this many times with my desktop pc.

 

[Nothinman]

Take the Install disk to XP and install it onto the new computer, when you go to activate it will ask you to call Microsoft. Tell them that you upgraded your computer and they will give you a long authorization number. I've done this many times with my desktop pc.

The question was whether it's allow, not whether it would technically work.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

Will the person on the other line ask this? nope. they will ask if this is being installed on a 2nd computer first. you tell them no, you upgraded a new harddrive or something. I don't see the big deal.

 

[Nothinman]

I don't see the big deal.

You're violating the license you agreed to when you bought it, which makes it illegal. Stealing is stealing, whether it's easy or not.

 

[cubby1223]

MS does allow for upgrades, whether it be a retail XP or OEM XP copy. Unfortunately, it's difficult to explain "upgrading" a laptop to a desktop.

I've talked with the MS reps on a couple occassions for various situations (I've always explained them honestly), and MS will usually allow you to bend the rules. My guess is they'd rather you bend the rules than you start using pirated non-paid copies. I'd say it's worth a shot, talk with them and see what they say when you try to activate. Worst case scenario they say no and there's no harm done.


EDIT - should say MS is a more lenient with like Newegg purchased OEM licenses, and they give much less leeway for Dell, HP, etc. OEM licenses.