Windows XP Pro OEM moving PCs

[Patt]

I received a couple of cast-off computers from work, both of which have XP Pro licences. My question is, I'm building a new PC, can I transfer the OEM WinXP license to my new machine? Is it possible/legal?

Any guidance would definitely be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[networkman]

Generally, the answer is no, that the OEM license is married to the computer that it came with. However, to be sure, you would need to get ahold of the EULA for that machine and read carefully.

I encounted some Compaq IPAQ PCs with Win2k COAs that upon reading the EULA allowed the transfer of the license to another PC one time. Since I was able to get a number of those PCs for $10 each, I did. 😉

 

[wseyller]

I also wondered this with vista. Whether legal or not, will moving it to a different computer work without it breaking or becoming unvalidated.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: networkman
Generally, the answer is no, that the OEM license is married to the computer that it came with. However, to be sure, you would need to get ahold of the EULA for that machine and read carefully.

I encounted some Compaq IPAQ PCs with Win2k COAs that upon reading the EULA allowed the transfer of the license to another PC one time. Since I was able to get a number of those PCs for $10 each, I did. 😉

Thanks for the info ... if I can find the EULA for those machines it'll be like finding a needle in haystack though once I wander into the SysAdmin's office 😛

I'm going to give it a go though ... as I could get my hands on a few more of the cast-offs if this works :thumbsup:

 

[RebateMonger]

The file EULA.TXT should be on each PC. Actually, there are likely dozens of those files. You'll have to find the one that's related to the OS.

 

[nerp]

It's not legal but if you call up for manual activation and tell them that you are recovering from hardware failure, they will most likely let you activate.

If this is uncomfortable for you, don't do it.

 

[wseyller]

I just want to know because every pc in my office I built and I would like to buy oem vista instead of retail to save money. But in the future if I want to upgrade that machine can I use that same vista. Likely the case and power supply and whatever else is compatible I would keep the same, but in the case I change the motherboard and cpu, memory, hard drive to a different model my question is can the oem be transfered to the new hardware. What defines a another pc is confusing. It is the same pc just upgraded hardware or is it considered a totally different computer.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: nerp
It's not legal but if you call up for manual activation and tell them that you are recovering from hardware failure, they will most likely let you activate.

If this is uncomfortable for you, don't do it.

This was the situation I was thinking was true ... and for the money it is going to cost, I'm just going to buy a retail copy of XP Pro I think. Thanks for the info.

 

[Eirgorn]

I was wondering about moving XP from my current computer to the one Im building next month, but as it is a Dell I checked the EULA.txt file and found out it's not allowed.

However, I also have a computer at work with XP Home, and while it is an OEM version (according to System Properties) I cant find the EULA file on the computer. I read somewhere that some OEMs are a little more flexible, and if it's legal I wouldnt mind donating my current Dell to my company in exchange for the XP and just scrap out the work computer.

Is there a way to see if I can transfer the OS on my work computer if I dont use it for both work and my new computer.

EDIT - found the EULA on my work computer, I think it is a no go too:

* Software as a Component of the Computer - Transfer. THIS
LICENSE MAY NOT BE SHARED,
TRANSFERRED TO OR USED CONCURRENTLY
ON DIFFERENT COMPUTERS. The SOFTWARE
is licensed with the HARDWARE as a single integrated
product and may only be used with the HARDWARE. If the
SOFTWARE is not accompanied by new HARDWARE, you may
not use the SOFTWARE. You may permanently transfer all
of your rights under this EULA only as part of a
permanent sale or transfer of the HARDWARE, provided
you retain no copies, if you transfer all of the SOFTWARE
(including all component parts, the media and printed
materials, any upgrades, this EULA and the Certificate
of Authenticity), and the recipient agrees to the terms
of this EULA. If the SOFTWARE is an upgrade, any
transfer must also include all prior versions of the
SOFTWARE.


I may be able to get a free copy of XP or Vista through my school's MSDNAA program though - just have to make some calls.

 

[Matt1970]

I have transfered many a XP COA and they always activate.