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Moving an XP from one computer to another

D

DrBloodmoney

Junior Member
So I installed XP pro OEM that I built about a year ago. I have decided to cannibalize that machine for another one. When I install on the new one it is new hardware (mobo, proc, vid card, etc). Now XP is telling me (during activation) that I have activated this copy too many times. Now I have only activated it one time. What can I do to correct this.

[NOTE: to avoid this thread disintegrating into a copyright vs EULA discussion: this is an OEM version, that I installed on a computer I built. Now I am transferring that XP to a new computer that I have built and the old one essentially does not exist (and is not running the same copy of XP)].

Thanks,
DrB
 
Welome to AT Forums DBM!

I started a discussion of this a month or so ago about OEM vs Retail (search with my sig as author). It seems that OEM versions are tied to the machine, meaning if the machine dies/blows up/buried the OEM copy of XP is suppose to go with it. However, it seems Microsoft is lax about stopping activation and will allow re-activation - you should call them.

Did you also change the HD also? If you're using the same drive, the prior installation may cause problems. One suggestion from this forum was to put the OEM CD in drive and boot from that. Then, instead of doing a whole reinstall, just do a repair install and this MAY fix it. If you are using a NEW drive, then you'll need to call MS.

Hope this helps!


Dennis
 
Originally posted by: RajunCajun
Welome to AT Forums DBM!

I started a discussion of this a month or so ago about OEM vs Retail (search with my sig as author). It seems that OEM versions are tied to the machine, meaning if the machine dies/blows up/buried the OEM copy of XP is suppose to go with it. However, it seems Microsoft is lax about stopping activation and will allow re-activation - you should call them.

Did you also change the HD also? If you're using the same drive, the prior installation may cause problems. One suggestion from this forum was to put the OEM CD in drive and boot from that. Then, instead of doing a whole reinstall, just do a repair install and this MAY fix it. If you are using a NEW drive, then you'll need to call MS.

Hope this helps!


Dennis
Click to expand...

Actually it's a new HD I'm installing to. I guess I'll have to call them. I guess I always wondered why folks would plunk down the extra cash for a retail version... I guess I know now.

Thanks

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
You are screwed.

Welcome to the forums!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the uplifting news
 
Your not screwed. :roll:

Call MS and tell them you just reformatted and are getting this error, they will activate you. Legally there are issues where they can say no, but I'd bet MS has decided that phone monkeys shouldn't make that decision themselves, as it could get the company in legal trouble (if they denied a legal activation it would be bad).
 
The best thing to do is to attempt to activate and choose "by phone" instead of "online". Then, it will give you a toll-free number to call.

Call them. They will ask you for your installation ID or something like that, which will be on your screen. You give it to them. They will see the same thing on their system (that you have activated too many times). They will ask you some questions. Just explain and answer the questions. Hopefully, they will activate it for you. Or, they may say that you are not allowed, but I doubt that.
 
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