Windows XP impact if I switch from nforce/AMD to Conroe MB?

[trake1]

I am going to switch to the Asus P5NSLI/e6300 combo from the original Compaq SR1012NX nforce2/AthlonXP MB.

I see tons of advice on how to save $50 here or $100 there to max out the value of the new conroe setups.

But what happens if you don't have a Windows XP CD?

Three of my systems are old HP/Dell/Compaq and none of them came with a Windows XP CD Set. They only have it preinstalled.

Will the existing Windows XP instalaltion on the original hard drive adapt to the new motherboard chipset?

Is there a way to do this without adding the need to spend $85 purchasing another Windows XP license??

Thanks!

 

[Old Hippie]

Is there a way to do this without adding the need to spend $85 purchasing another Windows XP license??

I wouldn't even think about it. Get your wallet out.

 

[skriefal]

The OEM copy of XP that came with those PCs is licensed only for use on those PCs. Even if you could get it to work on a different PC, it'd be a violation of the license agreement and Microsoft could theoretically come after you. It's highly unlikely that they'd ever do this, of course, but they could. If you want to remain legal, you'll need to buy a new copy of XP.

f that doesn't concern you, then:

It probably won't work anyway. Many of these OEM copies of XP that come with pre-built PCs are locked to the the manufactuer's PCs. If you try to install them onto a PC with a non-HP/DELL/etc BIOS, they'll refuse to install. If you stick the drive into a new PC, you'd need to do a repair install. And that won't be possible since you don't have the install media, and also wouldn't be possible due to the BIOS lock.

Not worth the effort, IMHO. But perhaps someone else will prove me wrong...

 

[grooge]

You could just reuse the serial number you already have with any XP CD that match your XP version.. You could just call MS saying that you'd like a new CD with SP2 integrated and reuse your serial. I think they'll send you one for free.

 

[skriefal]

That won't work if the key that he has is an OEM key. OEM keys will only work with OEM install CDs.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: skriefal
That won't work if the key that he has is an OEM key. OEM keys will only work with OEM install CDs.

Not always true. My sister bought an old Compaq from her work, I used a regular MS (Non-Compaq) OEM install CD, and it took the code just fine. Wierd thing was - the MS sticker had both a Win2k and WinXP Pro key printed on it from MS.

You will have to have something when you swap - you will definatley get "INACCESIBLE BOOT DEVICE".

You could use a utility to get the CD key out of the registry, then you *might* be able to use any XP CD to do a repair.

 

[skriefal]

The OEM key worked with a non-OEM install CD? Odd. It's not supposed to do that -- I guess you lucked out that time.

There are instructions available on the 'net (I don't have any links) that describe how to convert a retail XP CD into an OEM CD by changing a few files. No idea whether this will work -- the key might be locked to a particular Compaq-specific OEM disc -- but you won't know unless you try. It's still a violation of the license agreement, of course...

 

[vailr]

Before removing the HD from the old system, go to Device Manager and change the IDE controller from any chipset-specific IDE controller to: "Standard IDE Controller".
Then, Windows should be able to boot up when connected to the new motherboard.

 

[Budman]

Nobody reads the Faq's anymore? :disgust:

Helping Windows Survive a Motherboard Upgrade

 

[dandragonrage]

Originally posted by: Budman
Nobody reads the Faq's anymore? :disgust:

Helping Windows Survive a Motherboard Upgrade

Only reply so far that's not BS.

OEM keys are only good with OEM CDs, but you can upgrade hardware with them. You might need to call MS when you activate, though.

 

[loco21]

Originally posted by: dandragonrage

Originally posted by: Budman
Nobody reads the Faq's anymore? :disgust:

Helping Windows Survive a Motherboard Upgrade

Only reply so far that's not BS.

OEM keys are only good with OEM CDs, but you can upgrade hardware with them. You might need to call MS when you activate, though.

I second that

 

[trake1]

Thanks you for pointing to this FAQ. I searched and could not find anything like this.

My intention is still to just pop the old AthlonXP/nforce2 MB out of my Compaq and plop in the P5NSLI/e6300 combo into the Compaq.

I see that it is in my best interest to go buy a copy of Windows XP.

Unfortunate, but I like to keep life simple, happy, and legal. Can't put a price on feeling good.

 

[trake1]

Thanks you for pointing to this FAQ. I searched and could not find anything like this.

My intention is still to just pop the old AthlonXP/nforce2 MB out of my Compaq and plop in the P5NSLI/e6300 combo into the Compaq.

I see that it is in my best interest to go buy a copy of Windows XP.

Unfortunate, but I like to keep life simple, happy, and legal. Can't put a price on feeling good.