will microsoft let you mix and match?

[ronnn]

I am building a value system and want to put the version of xp home that is on my existing computer on my new one (after minor mixing of parts - ps and hard drive). I than want to put the new xp oem I purchase on my existing computer. Will microsoft let me do this or will it mean hours of unproductive phone calls?

 

[n0cmonkey]

It depends on if the original XP home is an OEM version or a retail version. The OEM version is tied to the motherboard. The license should stay with that.

 

[mechBgon]

If the WinXP is retail-boxed, as opposed to OEM, you're entitled to move it to a different computer. But you still may need to call in and activate it since the previous activation was on different hardware. I've had to activate over the phone after messing around with too much stuff on my system (temporarily running it without its DVD drive appears to have been the final straw ) and it takes about 4-5 minutes.

If you're not familiar with the activation procedure, it goes like this:

First you read a long string of numerals to a computerized lady who makes annoying encouraging comments, and then she says OMG UR CODE DOES NOT MATCH><0R!!!1!! :Q and puts you through to a polite person on a different continent who asks you if the license is in use on any other computers. You tell them "Bah, only four or five. Maybe seven at the very most. Or actually, if you really want the truth, just this one." and then they read you off a new string of numerals that you type into the activation box.

Annoying, but not the end of the world. People who don't like this routine can consider exercising their downgrade rights and using Win2000 Pro in its place.

 

[ronnn]

Well it is oem, in the sense that I bought it with a build I made. Came in an envelope with a sticker to put on the back of my computer. I did change the mb and processor without issues, as the other fried. Guess I will try, as I wanted to avoid reinstalling all, but if I have to - well guess I will.

 

[Nothinman]

I did change the mb and processor without issues, as the other fried

Then most likely that OEM license is no longer legal anyway, I believe that since it's tied to the motherboard it's only valid as long as you're using that motherboard or if you do have problems one of the same model as replacement.

 

[TG2]

Im confused....

you said..
"I am building a value system and want to put the version of xp home that is on my existing computer on my new one"

then...
"I than want to put the new xp oem I purchase on my existing computer"

If your going to buy a new XP, why not put that onto the new PC your building?

 

[intogamer]

Probably suppose to be tied to your mobo but it will work on another computer

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: TG2
Im confused....

you said..
"I am building a value system and want to put the version of xp home that is on my existing computer on my new one"

then...
"I than want to put the new xp oem I purchase on my existing computer"

If your going to buy a new XP, why not put that onto the new PC your building?

Just want to use the operating system on the new budget computer, is all set up with our email accounts and so on. Will move a mix of the best hardware onto a gaming/entertainment setup. Anyways I can just format and reinstall if I have to. I sort of hate microsoft.........

 

[bruceb]

If both os are XP Home or Pro .. wether Retail or OEM ... your Email setttings & so on are not in the OS

You just need to copy the Docs & Settings folder for the various users to the new computer
If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, you need to find where your emails profiles are stored at & copy them over

 

[Stumps]

even with the OEM edition of WinXP it can be used with different hardware...even a mobo change, you will need to explain this to the operator when you ring them to activate...they are generally nice enougth to activate it even after a major upgrade..but you need to make it clear to them that you are only using it on a single PC...you shouldn't have any problems if you do this..