Swapping Vista/XP on two computers

unpossible

Member
Jan 18, 2005
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I recently installed (and activated) XP on computer A, and Vista on computer B. For reasons I do not want to get into here, I want to reinstall the OS's on both computers, but this time have XP on computer B and Vista on computer A. Will I have problems with activation from Microsoft? I have to put the disclaimer that I really don't know much about the activation process, only that I've heard that there may be hardware data associated / locked to a particular activation key, which is why I'm asking here. BTW, these are not OEMs, if that matters.
 

Blazer

Golden Member
Nov 5, 1999
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it has been done, really should have made the correct chioce to began with!
 

Navid

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2004
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Originally posted by: unpossible
BTW, these are not OEMs, if that matters.

That actually is the only aspect that does matter.
If both licenses are retail, you have nothing to worry about whatsoever.

Remove both installations first.
Then, install each OS on the computer you want, each OS installed only once.
When you attempt to activate, it may fail and give you a phone number to call.
If that happens, you call the number and answer their questions.
One of the questions will be if this key is installed on more than one computer. You answer truthfully and say no.
It will be activated.

You can do this legally and officially as many times as you want since you have retail licenses.