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Upgrading to a new computer will I have to buy XP again?

O

Oza

Junior Member
Looking at getting a barebone computer, I would like to use my old harddrive and video card. So my question is will I have problems with XP in this new system? Will I have to go out and buy a new copy, or will xp think of this as me upgrading my hardware?
 

Depends on how anal retentive you are, but you can claim that your mobo fried your cpu, therefore you have to get a new mobo. That way you don't have to purchase the a new copy. Just call MS & tell them that you have installed a new mobo to get your new activation code.
 
Install XP and try to activate. If it says to call then call the number and tell them the truth that your are upgrading your system. They will give you an activation code to enter. I've done this 3 times in one year without a problem.
 
well, retail you can reinstall, and OEM needs hardware (ie your old HD) so everything should be ok
but MS will let you know if not 😉
 
I replaced my entire system and loaded my OEM copy of XP I had on my old system. It activated without a hitch via the web.
 
Yeah you should be able to get a new activation key if you call. I've done this with MS Office twice already.
 
On a side note: keeping the old HD with XP on it, and all new hardware, how will XP react? It is going to read everything as different. Any chance of losing info on the HD (pictures, mp3's are my concern)?
I'll be doing this exact scenario tomorrow (new mob/cpu).
 
you shouldn't have to worry about losing any of your data. the only problem you'll run into is maybe having to reinstall it. Just like amdguy stated, when you call and they ask how many comp's you install it on, just say one. and BAM, your good to go.

but you never know. always make backups. 😀
 
If you install a new mobo with a different chipset you will most likely have to reinstall windows.

Rule #1: When in doupt, BACKUP!!!!!
 
Do you have another working computer handy? If so then hook up your old drive as a slave and drag n drop the files you need. or buy the same mobo you had before, then it should boot fine without having to reinstall anything.
 
On a related note regarding pre-installed WinXP - I want to replace the CPU/motherboard on my Sony. I only have the recovery CD - tried to get a real Win XP from Sony, but failed. Since I'll be using my old HD with XP already installed, does anyone know if it will boot? If not, will a phone number appear so I can call MS. Or do I have to buy a new XP? Thanks
 
Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
No working computer at home. Guess I will just have to take my chances.
Click to expand...

Or maybe you could get on of your friends to donwload a mini-linux distro to a few floppies. BG Rescue Linux is a good one, it has NTFS support, and a fewother utilities. Just hook up the motherboard, mount the drive and....crap, unless you have another hard drive this won't work.

Dang..thought I had a good idea there.

Oh well, good luck.
 
Originally posted by: OldnCheap
On a related note regarding pre-installed WinXP - I want to replace the CPU/motherboard on my Sony. I only have the recovery CD - tried to get a real Win XP from Sony, but failed. Since I'll be using my old HD with XP already installed, does anyone know if it will boot? If not, will a phone number appear so I can call MS. Or do I have to buy a new XP? Thanks
Click to expand...
If you change the motherboard in your Sony box, the chipset and drivers will be different, and Windows will recognize an entirely new system, and your Sony branded Windows may not install, at all.

You'll do much better selling your complete Sony box. You won't get much for the motherboard and CPU, alone, but a whole, working box is worth more on the hoof than the components. Your Sony Windows is legal for your Sony machine so you'll also be able to include the value of the OEM copy of XP with your sale.

You're already willing to buy the CPU and motherboard, and you can probably get enough for the Sony machine to buy the rest of the system, including a legal OEM copy of XP from a good dealer.
 
If you change the motherboard in your Sony box, the chipset and drivers will be different, and Windows will recognize an entirely new system, and your Sony branded Windows may not install, at all....

You're already willing to buy the CPU and motherboard, and you can probably get enough for the Sony machine to buy the rest of the system, including a legal OEM copy of XP from a good dealer.
Click to expand...
thanks Harvey, my friend is upgrading and is willing to sell me his old Athlon CPU and board. However, if I have to pay for a new OS, it may make sense for me to stay put or just build a new PC as you suggested.

So it seems I really don't own my own copy of the OS, rather it is like the chipset on a motherboard - can't separate it (the OS) from the motherboard. If I buy an OEM version of XP on a CD, will it be limited to the original motherboard on which I installed or will I be allowed to upgrade the board in the future by calling MS and telling them what I did?
 
Sorry for being dense, but does that mean you can change basically anything on a PC (except for the harddrive) and the OEM version will work or that one copy of OEM XP works on multiple computers?
 
I always just call the number.. tell them I overclock and fudger my stuff up a lot... and they indian girl is like.... this guy keeps calling!.. sigh.. here's your damn code.

-green
 
That?s hilarious green, wish I could try that with my pre-installed version. But on a serious note, I didn't realize consumers are screwed if their motherboards fail and they have a pre-installed OS. Of course, I'm not in that situation, but I'd be pissed if that were the case.
 
Originally posted by: OldnCheap
thanks Harvey, my friend is upgrading and is willing to sell me his old Athlon CPU and board. However, if I have to pay for a new OS, it may make sense for me to stay put or just build a new PC as you suggested.
Click to expand...
You didn't say what speed the CPU is or how much your friend is asking for the combo, but if it's more than a few bucks, go with "Plan B."

If you live anywhere near a Fry's Electronics, at least once a month, they offer combos like a retail Sempron 2500+ and motherboard for around $85. They also go through a rotation of ECS motherboards. If you get one of those with an nVidia or VIA chipset, you'll have a kickass start on a good basic system, and you won't be stuck with the extra, brand specific crap they load into the Sony branded version of Windows.
So it seems I really don't own my own copy of the OS, rather it is like the chipset on a motherboard - can't separate it (the OS) from the motherboard.
Click to expand...
If you buy the Sony motherboard, the Sony branded XP should work with it, but it may run into problems on non-Sony motherboards.
If I buy an OEM version of XP on a CD, will it be limited to the original motherboard on which I installed or will I be allowed to upgrade the board in the future by calling MS and telling them what I did?
Click to expand...
A dealer can include a legal, generic OEM copy of XP should work with any system.
 
Thanks again harvey
You didn't say what speed the CPU is or how much your friend is asking for the combo, but if it's more than a few bucks, go with "Plan B."
Click to expand...
Plan B seems to be the way to go. My friend was talking around $75, but after reading your first post, I searched the net and found some OEM WinXP for around $80. Doesn't make sense to do a minor upgrade for ~$155.

A dealer can include a legal, generic OEM copy of XP should work with any system.
Click to expand...
Just want to confirm that means I can upgrade any component (including motherboard) and still use XP legally and not bother with calling in.
 
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