Windows XP Pro, can it be installed on more than one PC? Need help!!

[gredodenda]

I have Genuine Windows XP Pro installed on my old computer, 6 years old. I'm building a new PC. it's about time!!!. so I'm going to use same CD to my new computer, but I'm not sure it this is possible...because I've already activated CD on old computer (which by the way no longer used, formatted Hard drive for backup use on new PC). Old pc is gone.

How many genuine windows xp pro can be installed on PC? do I need to call Microsoft to reactivate my CD on new PC? How does this work?? if you want to install on new pc? Do I have to buy new one???

I 'm not sure if I've registed CD when I was using old PC, is it different than activation?? I have no clue....


Neew help!!

 

[stash]

Just install as normal and run the activation wizard. Since it has been a long time since you did the original activation, you should be able to activate on the new computer over the web with no issues.

 

[gredodenda]

thanks for quick reply, but I did fresh install on old pc serveral times, reactivated xp pro...every time.. it this ok?

 

[n0cmonkey]

If it's a retail version the most you'll have to do is call Microsoft. It takes like 10 minutes, not tough at all.

 

[bendixG15]

Its okay..just do it....

 

[Slowlearner]

If its a retail version, it can be moved to a new build, if its OEM, it is married to the motherboard and the death to us part vow has to be fulfilled.

 

[mechBgon]

If it's a retail one, not OEM, then you are 100% kosher on re-using it. Holler if you need help determining whether it's retail or OEM.

Tangentially, I recommend downloading the entire Service Pack 2 installation file before you begin, and save it onto a CD or a USB drive. When you build your new system, keep it isolated from networks of any kind (wired or wireless) and immediately install Service Pack 2 right after you get to the desktop for the first time, then reboot.

If your new computer's CPU supports Data Execution Prevention, also enable it completely like this.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
If its a retail version, it can be moved to a new build, if its OEM, it is married to the motherboard and the death to us part vow has to be fulfilled.

Actually this isn't true either. I had a HP Desktop that I scrapped out and built a new PC motherboard and all... Installed the HP Branded Windows XP with the OEM Key and when it attempted to activate it gagged and pucked all over. I called and explained to them the above story so they had me reactivate by phone and they informed me of the phone code to insert and everything is ducky. Including the Validation checks.

MS is more than generous on this account.

pcgeek

 

[Boyo]

This is an excellent question, because I am facing the same issue. My Windows XP Home SP2 is OEM. It came with my Dell. I am now building my own rig, and I am going to want to use the same Windows that came with my Dell.

So to be absolutely clear on this, I can install this, along with SP2 and everything will be fine? Or I may find that I have to call Microsoft for re-activation....If I have that right, could someone just verify that for me please?

Thanks

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Boyo
This is an excellent question, because I am facing the same issue. My Windows XP Home SP2 is OEM. It came with my Dell. I am now building my own rig, and I am going to want to use the same Windows that came with my Dell.

So to be absolutely clear on this, I can install this, along with SP2 and everything will be fine? Or I may find that I have to call Microsoft for re-activation....If I have that right, could someone just verify that for me please?

Thanks

Your Dell OEM, or any other OEM O/S, that is already in use cannot be transferred to a different computer. While it will most likely activate, by doing so you are ignoring the EULA and advocating piracy. You should purchase a new OEM copy, or spend the extra money and buy retail. Retail allows unlimited transfers.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/YourPC_do.mspx

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Boyo
So to be absolutely clear on this, I can install this, along with SP2 and everything will be fine? Or I may find that I have to call Microsoft for re-activation....If I have that right, could someone just verify that for me please?

To be absolutely clear, Microsoft.com/piracy: Do's and Don'ts
"Don't transfer OEM software from one computer system to another.
OEM software licenses cannot be transferred from one computer system to another, even if the computer system on which it was originally installed is no longer in use. "

 

[John]

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
If its a retail version, it can be moved to a new build, if its OEM, it is married to the motherboard and the death to us part vow has to be fulfilled.

Actually this isn't true either. I had a HP Desktop that I scrapped out and built a new PC motherboard and all... Installed the HP Branded Windows XP with the OEM Key and when it attempted to activate it gagged and pucked all over. I called and explained to them the above story so they had me reactivate by phone and they informed me of the phone code to insert and everything is ducky. Including the Validation checks.

MS is more than generous on this account.

pcgeek

Actually Slowlearner is 100% correct. The MS activation reps usually have a tough time speaking and understanding English, and as we all know it's relatively simple to activate the operating system and tell them what we think they should hear. However in your case you have transferred an OEM operating system to a new computer and that is piracy. Unintentional or not it's still piracy.

My previous post links you to the MS Piracy website, and I've pasted the poertinent information.


https://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?PageID=552862

Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for the original Microsoft® OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard.

An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft® OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced, for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.

If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC. The replacement motherboard must be the same make/model or the same manufacturer?s replacement/equivalent, as defined by that manufacturer?s warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user license agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The System Builder is required to support the software on that individual PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.

[*]XP OEM Clarification

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm

These OEM questions are asked on a regular basis, and you'll see the forum regulars stating the same thing over and over again. It's up to you guys to do the right thing.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
If its a retail version, it can be moved to a new build, if its OEM, it is married to the motherboard and the death to us part vow has to be fulfilled.

Actually this isn't true either. I had a HP Desktop that I scrapped out and built a new PC motherboard and all... Installed the HP Branded Windows XP with the OEM Key and when it attempted to activate it gagged and pucked all over. I called and explained to them the above story so they had me reactivate by phone and they informed me of the phone code to insert and everything is ducky. Including the Validation checks.

MS is more than generous on this account.

pcgeek

Actually Slowlearner is 100% correct. The MS activation reps usually have a tough time speaking and understanding English, and as we all know it's relatively simple to activate the operating system and tell them what we think they should hear. However in your case you have transferred an OEM operating system to a new computer and that is piracy. Unintentional or not it's still piracy.

My previous post links you to the MS Piracy website, and I've pasted the poertinent information.


<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?PageID=552862">https://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?PageID=552862</a>

Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for the original Microsoft® OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard.

An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft® OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced, for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.

If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC. The replacement motherboard must be the same make/model or the same manufacturer?s replacement/equivalent, as defined by that manufacturer?s warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user license agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The System Builder is required to support the software on that individual PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.

[*]XP OEM Clarification

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm

These OEM questions are asked on a regular basis, and you'll see the forum regulars stating the same thing over and over again. It's up to you guys to do the right thing.

Then Microsoft needs to train their technicians.

If I call and explain the facts and they approve it then it is legal. No one lied, or covered up that I built a new PC in the case as I am not going to pay the inflated HP price for a main board.
Microsoft (the actual owner of the software ) stated it was OK and gave me the code to allow me to use it. Legal Period.

pcgeek