new motherboard installation without original xp cd

[JFK]

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu ram]. I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to any
xp cd's. (I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd from my
hdd installation of xp.) Also, I think I have a retail version installed
[how do I confirm?]. I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is a
retail version?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[Andrew E.]

You simply cant do a repair of xp with those hardware replacements,only
a clean install of xp will work,start from scratch,boot to xp cd & install
a new
copy.

 

[JFK]

AE, thanks for trying to answer the question but I do not think your answer
is correct. Can someone else please advise.

I have read hundreds of threads regarding the ability to 'replace a
motherboard' on an XP system, with the main issue involving the fact that an
OEM version of XP is not transferable to a 'new system' [which is defined by
MS as upgrading a motherboard], but a retail version is transferable to a new
system. There is a ton of info in these forums, and links to 'how-to' web
sites regarding the repair install procedure. The repair install can be done
and that is not my question.

My problem is that I have a retail XP system [I think], but no installation
cd's. So I want to know if I should plunk down ~ $100 for an OEM version so
I can do the required 'repair install' when I upgrade my motherboard; because
I do not want to spend ~ $300 that the retail XP version is selling for.

Jim

You simply cant do a repair of xp with those hardware replacements,only
a clean install of xp will work,start from scratch,boot to xp cd & install
a new
copy.

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu ram]. I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to any
xp cd's. (I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd from my
hdd installation of xp.) Also, I think I have a retail version installed
[how do I confirm?]. I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is a
retail version?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[Bob Knowlden]

I'm not sure whether you can do a repair install with an OEM copy.

If you really have a retail XP copy, the cheap way would be to get a
replacement CD:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

"How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs and
product upgrades, and replace product manuals". I don't know what MS charges
for ther service, but I;d be surprised if it was more than $10-20US.

If you have a running system, you can find the product key with a keyfinder,
such as:

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Note that an XP install CD can be copied by ordinary CD burning software,
and I believe that it wouldn't be a violation of the license to have a
friend burn you a copy. (The key is the license, after all.) If you know
someone who can do that for you, the whole process should be essentially
free.

AE, thanks for trying to answer the question but I do not think your
answer
is correct. Can someone else please advise.

I have read hundreds of threads regarding the ability to 'replace a
motherboard' on an XP system, with the main issue involving the fact that
an
OEM version of XP is not transferable to a 'new system' [which is defined
by
MS as upgrading a motherboard], but a retail version is transferable to a
new
system. There is a ton of info in these forums, and links to 'how-to' web
sites regarding the repair install procedure. The repair install can be
done
and that is not my question.

My problem is that I have a retail XP system [I think], but no
installation
cd's. So I want to know if I should plunk down ~ $100 for an OEM version
so
I can do the required 'repair install' when I upgrade my motherboard;
because
I do not want to spend ~ $300 that the retail XP version is selling for.

Jim

You simply cant do a repair of xp with those hardware replacements,only
a clean install of xp will work,start from scratch,boot to xp cd &
install
a new
copy.

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new
hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu
ram]. I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I
drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to
any
xp cd's. (I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd
from my
hdd installation of xp.) Also, I think I have a retail version
installed
[how do I confirm?]. I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do
the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is
a
retail version?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[SC Tom]

Quite often, if you get the new MB drivers from their web site or CD, you
could just put your old HDD in the new system, and boot it up. It'll ask you
for a gazillion drivers and for the XP install CD. If your rescue partition
is unlocked so you can see the files that are on it, you should be able to
point it in that direction for any OS files. When you're finished, you may
have to call MS for a new key, but that's no big deal, just tell them you
bought a new MB.

I've done this a number of times with a better than 50% success rate, but I
have to tell you, it's a lot easier to do a clean install on a new HDD and
transfer your files and settings from your old one to the new one.
Particularly troublesome drives were SATA ones- it seemed that no matter
what driver I used (Press F6 during install. . . ), it wouldn't be the right
one.

Either way, have fun. It certainly can be a learning experience. $100 for a
new XP CD isn't all that much to spend to avoid all the hassle (unless of
course one doesn't have $100).

You can create XP boot floppies from here if you want to go that route
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994), but I don't know if you'll be able
to point to your rescue partition for the other files you'll need.

Good luck,
SC Tom

AE, thanks for trying to answer the question but I do not think your
answer
is correct. Can someone else please advise.

I have read hundreds of threads regarding the ability to 'replace a
motherboard' on an XP system, with the main issue involving the fact that
an
OEM version of XP is not transferable to a 'new system' [which is defined
by
MS as upgrading a motherboard], but a retail version is transferable to a
new
system. There is a ton of info in these forums, and links to 'how-to' web
sites regarding the repair install procedure. The repair install can be
done
and that is not my question.

My problem is that I have a retail XP system [I think], but no
installation
cd's. So I want to know if I should plunk down ~ $100 for an OEM version
so
I can do the required 'repair install' when I upgrade my motherboard;
because
I do not want to spend ~ $300 that the retail XP version is selling for.

Jim

You simply cant do a repair of xp with those hardware replacements,only
a clean install of xp will work,start from scratch,boot to xp cd &
install
a new
copy.

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new
hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu
ram]. I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I
drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to
any
xp cd's. (I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd
from my
hdd installation of xp.) Also, I think I have a retail version
installed
[how do I confirm?]. I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do
the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is
a
retail version?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu ram].
I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I
drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Yes, that would be the minimum requirement, in particular if the drive
controller chip is different.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to
any
xp cd's.

Then you have a problem.

(I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd from my
hdd installation of xp.)

I've never found one.

Also, I think I have a retail version installed
[how do I confirm?].

Is there a COA sticker on the back of your PC? Those are usually only
found on OEM versions. For Retail, the key is on the packaging (which is
why it's important to keep it!). In addition, many OEM serial numbers
contain the letters 'OEM'. Right-click on My Computer, Properties and look
on the General tab for this.

I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is a
retail version?

It won't work.

You can't use a different type of install CD for a repair, only for access
to the Recovery Console.

Also, OEM versions cannot do upgrades, they can only do repairs and installs
to clean drives.

HTH
-pk

 

[Ian D]

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu ram].
I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I
drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to
any
xp cd's. (I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd from
my
hdd installation of xp.) Also, I think I have a retail version installed
[how do I confirm?]. I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is a
retail version?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

You may not have to do a repair install, depending on how different
the new chipset is from the old one. I upgraded from a Core 2 Duo
on an Intel P965 chipset to a Core i7 on an Intel X58 chipset, using
a clone of the previous Xp Pro installation, on a larger disk. After the
MB replacement XP booted up normally, except that it needed
reactivation. XP ran without issues, but there were some flags in
Device Manager. I ran the inf update and installed the new LAN
driver, then Device Manager showed no flags. I also installed a new
video card with its new drivers. Also, both motherboards are Asus,
upgrade from P5B Dlx to P6T Dlx.

If you have a retail version of XP and it has been at least 120 days
since your last activation, it should do an online activation with no
problem.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

You simply cant do a repair of xp with those hardware replacements,only
a clean install of xp will work,start from scratch,boot to xp cd & install
a new
copy.

Why do you persist in continually repeating this deliberate lie?


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

AE, thanks for trying to answer the question but I do not think your answer
is correct. Can someone else please advise.

Andrew posts the correct advice only by accident. He usually limits
himself to meaningless gibberish, but, every once in a while, as in this
case, he deliberately posts the incorrect advice.

I have read hundreds of threads regarding the ability to 'replace a
motherboard' on an XP system, with the main issue involving the fact that an
OEM version of XP is not transferable to a 'new system' [which is defined by
MS as upgrading a motherboard], but a retail version is transferable to a new
system. There is a ton of info in these forums, and links to 'how-to' web
sites regarding the repair install procedure. The repair install can be done
and that is not my question.

My problem is that I have a retail XP system [I think],....

What's the Product ID say? If it is all numerical, it's retail; if it
contains the letters "OEM," that should be self-explanatory. The
Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the opening panel window resulting from
right-clicking the Computer icon and selecting "Properties" from the
context menu.

but no installation
cd's. So I want to know if I should plunk down ~ $100 for an OEM version so
I can do the required 'repair install' when I upgrade my motherboard; because
I do not want to spend ~ $300 that the retail XP version is selling for.

You could use an OEM license to replace the current retail
installation, but I don't know if an OEM CD can be used to repair a
retail installation.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[JFK]

Thanks Bob - that's good advice about seeing if a friend has an XP cd I can
borrow. I may also try to call MS to see about a replacement cd, but I
thought they may no longer be doing this for XP since they are ending support
of this product.

I'm not sure whether you can do a repair install with an OEM copy.

If you really have a retail XP copy, the cheap way would be to get a
replacement CD:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

"How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs and
product upgrades, and replace product manuals". I don't know what MS charges
for ther service, but I;d be surprised if it was more than $10-20US.

If you have a running system, you can find the product key with a keyfinder,
such as:

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Note that an XP install CD can be copied by ordinary CD burning software,
and I believe that it wouldn't be a violation of the license to have a
friend burn you a copy. (The key is the license, after all.) If you know
someone who can do that for you, the whole process should be essentially
free.

AE, thanks for trying to answer the question but I do not think your
answer
is correct. Can someone else please advise.

I have read hundreds of threads regarding the ability to 'replace a
motherboard' on an XP system, with the main issue involving the fact that
an
OEM version of XP is not transferable to a 'new system' [which is defined
by
MS as upgrading a motherboard], but a retail version is transferable to a
new
system. There is a ton of info in these forums, and links to 'how-to' web
sites regarding the repair install procedure. The repair install can be
done
and that is not my question.

My problem is that I have a retail XP system [I think], but no
installation
cd's. So I want to know if I should plunk down ~ $100 for an OEM version
so
I can do the required 'repair install' when I upgrade my motherboard;
because
I do not want to spend ~ $300 that the retail XP version is selling for.

Jim

You simply cant do a repair of xp with those hardware replacements,only
a clean install of xp will work,start from scratch,boot to xp cd &
install
a new
copy.

:

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new
hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu
ram]. I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I
drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to
any
xp cd's. (I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd
from my
hdd installation of xp.) Also, I think I have a retail version
installed
[how do I confirm?]. I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do
the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is
a
retail version?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[JFK]

Bruce,

Thanks for your help. My Product ID is all numerical [no 'OEM' reference]
so I guess I have a retail version.

A post subsequent to yours seems certain that an OEM cd cannot be used to
perform an 'upgrade' install - that makes sense to me from what I've read,
since the OEM software apparently recognizes a new motherboard as an
'upgrade' that the OEM license does not allow.

Oh well.

Jim

AE, thanks for trying to answer the question but I do not think your answer
is correct. Can someone else please advise.

Andrew posts the correct advice only by accident. He usually limits
himself to meaningless gibberish, but, every once in a while, as in this
case, he deliberately posts the incorrect advice.

I have read hundreds of threads regarding the ability to 'replace a
motherboard' on an XP system, with the main issue involving the fact that an
OEM version of XP is not transferable to a 'new system' [which is defined by
MS as upgrading a motherboard], but a retail version is transferable to a new
system. There is a ton of info in these forums, and links to 'how-to' web
sites regarding the repair install procedure. The repair install can be done
and that is not my question.

My problem is that I have a retail XP system [I think],....

What's the Product ID say? If it is all numerical, it's retail; if it
contains the letters "OEM," that should be self-explanatory. The
Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the opening panel window resulting from
right-clicking the Computer icon and selecting "Properties" from the
context menu.

but no installation
cd's. So I want to know if I should plunk down ~ $100 for an OEM version so
I can do the required 'repair install' when I upgrade my motherboard; because
I do not want to spend ~ $300 that the retail XP version is selling for.

You could use an OEM license to replace the current retail
installation, but I don't know if an OEM CD can be used to repair a
retail installation.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[JFK]

Patrick,

Thanks for your help. It turns out I have a retail Product ID. Your advice
- that I cannot use an OEM cd to upgrade an existing retail installation -
makes alot of sense and I believe it to be correct now that you [implicitly]
clarified the difference between a 'repair' install and an 'upgrage' install .

Jim

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu ram].
I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I
drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Yes, that would be the minimum requirement, in particular if the drive
controller chip is different.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to
any
xp cd's.

Then you have a problem.

(I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd from my
hdd installation of xp.)

I've never found one.

Also, I think I have a retail version installed
[how do I confirm?].

Is there a COA sticker on the back of your PC? Those are usually only
found on OEM versions. For Retail, the key is on the packaging (which is
why it's important to keep it!). In addition, many OEM serial numbers
contain the letters 'OEM'. Right-click on My Computer, Properties and look
on the General tab for this.

I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is a
retail version?

It won't work.

You can't use a different type of install CD for a repair, only for access
to the Recovery Console.

Also, OEM versions cannot do upgrades, they can only do repairs and installs
to clean drives.

HTH
-pk

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

 

[JFK]

Ian,

My mb is a 2004 Asus P4R8L [part of a booksize barebone system {AB-P 2800};
I could not even find it listed under the 'legacy' section of their
website!], so I reckon the chipset would be vastly different from a new Asus
system I am considering. The manual [believe it or not] doesn't say what the
chipset is, although from the motherboard illustration is believe the chipset
is a Via 6307?

I am thinking about your idea that maybe just installing the 'old' hdd
[which is loaded with xp sp3 and lots of other installed programs] in the
[future] new system, seeing if it boots, and if so, installing the new mb
drivers. Food for thought. Thanks again for the idea.

Jim

I have xp sp3 installed on my 5-year old pc [but is running a brand new hdd
and dvd] and I am planning on getting a new barebone system [mb cpu ram].
I
have read many discussions about the need to do a repair install once I
drop
my current hdd and dvd drive in the new barebone system.

Problem is I don't have the original xp installation disks or access to
any
xp cd's. (I assume there is no way to create a setup/repair/boot cd from
my
hdd installation of xp.) Also, I think I have a retail version installed
[how do I confirm?]. I want to purchase an OEM xp sp3 version to do the
repair install, or will this not work if my current xp installation is a
retail version?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

You may not have to do a repair install, depending on how different
the new chipset is from the old one. I upgraded from a Core 2 Duo
on an Intel P965 chipset to a Core i7 on an Intel X58 chipset, using
a clone of the previous Xp Pro installation, on a larger disk. After the
MB replacement XP booted up normally, except that it needed
reactivation. XP ran without issues, but there were some flags in
Device Manager. I ran the inf update and installed the new LAN
driver, then Device Manager showed no flags. I also installed a new
video card with its new drivers. Also, both motherboards are Asus,
upgrade from P5B Dlx to P6T Dlx.

If you have a retail version of XP and it has been at least 120 days
since your last activation, it should do an online activation with no
problem.

 

[JFK]

Bruce,

I just used the link that Bob K. provided re obtaining my product key and
found that I have a 'volume' license. Here's what keyfinder says about my
license: "OPEN [Volume License Key] media Key". Does this mean I do not
have a 'retail' license? Does this mean to perform an 'upgrade' re my future
new mb/cpu/ram I will need to get access to the same type of 'volume license'
xp installation cd?

My product ID is 20 digits and does not contain the letters "OEM". My Cd
Key is a series of 25 letters/numbers (in 5 groups of 5).

Jim

Bruce,

Thanks for your help. My Product ID is all numerical [no 'OEM' reference]
so I guess I have a retail version.

A post subsequent to yours seems certain that an OEM cd cannot be used to
perform an 'upgrade' install - that makes sense to me from what I've read,
since the OEM software apparently recognizes a new motherboard as an
'upgrade' that the OEM license does not allow.

Oh well.

Jim

AE, thanks for trying to answer the question but I do not think your answer
is correct. Can someone else please advise.

Andrew posts the correct advice only by accident. He usually limits
himself to meaningless gibberish, but, every once in a while, as in this
case, he deliberately posts the incorrect advice.

I have read hundreds of threads regarding the ability to 'replace a
motherboard' on an XP system, with the main issue involving the fact that an
OEM version of XP is not transferable to a 'new system' [which is defined by
MS as upgrading a motherboard], but a retail version is transferable to a new
system. There is a ton of info in these forums, and links to 'how-to' web
sites regarding the repair install procedure. The repair install can be done
and that is not my question.

My problem is that I have a retail XP system [I think],....

What's the Product ID say? If it is all numerical, it's retail; if it
contains the letters "OEM," that should be self-explanatory. The
Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the opening panel window resulting from
right-clicking the Computer icon and selecting "Properties" from the
context menu.

but no installation
cd's. So I want to know if I should plunk down ~ $100 for an OEM version so
I can do the required 'repair install' when I upgrade my motherboard; because
I do not want to spend ~ $300 that the retail XP version is selling for.

You could use an OEM license to replace the current retail
installation, but I don't know if an OEM CD can be used to repair a
retail installation.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Bruce,

I just used the link that Bob K. provided re obtaining my product key and
found that I have a 'volume' license. Here's what keyfinder says about my
license: "OPEN [Volume License Key] media Key". Does this mean I do not
have a 'retail' license?

A Volume License (VL) is the type most often purchased by
businesses, educational institutions, and/or government agencies that
need a large number (often hundreds, if not thousands) of installations.
It is often inaccurately referred to as the "Corporate Edition."
Usually, the purchaser of a VL gets one installation CD (although extras
can be acquired at additional cost) and permission to use the same
Product Key on as many individual computers as the number of licenses
purchased. These installations, by the way, do not require Product
Activation. Among the conditions that accompany a Volume License: the
purchaser must agree to be audited by Microsoft to ensure compliance,
the license can be used only on computers that are the property of said
purchaser, and if the licensee sells or otherwise disposes of the
computer(s) on which the VL is installed, that license must first be
removed. The absolute minimum number any given entity may purchase is
5, and additional licenses may be purchased, but always in increments
(multiples) of 5. More information is available here, if you're
interested and/or bored:

http://www.microsoft.com/LICENSING/default.mspx

So, you have neither an OEM license nor a standard retail license.
In the normal course of events, you should not be in possession of a
VL installation on your personal private property. Of course, not every
vendor follows the rules, so it's not overly unusual for unsuspecting
consumers to find themselves, through no real fault of their own, in
technical violation of a software license.

Does this mean to perform an 'upgrade' re my future
new mb/cpu/ram I will need to get access to the same type of 'volume license'
xp installation cd?

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) with which they are purchased.
So, if you expect to use the VL Product Key for the repair
installation, you would need to use a VL installation CD.

However, if you purchase and use a legitimate full retail copy of
WinXP Pro, you can use it to perform the repair (a.k.a. in-place
upgrade) installation, using the new CD and Product Key. And while I
haven't personally tested it, I believe that an unbranded, generic OEM
CD and Product Key should work for this purpose, as well. In effect,
you'd be replacing the VL installation with a legitimate retail/OEM
installation.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[JFK]

Bruce,

Thanks for your clarifications about the volume license. Additionally, I
want to believe you that a generic OEM XP cd can be used for an 'upgrage'
(aka 'repair install) procedure for my VL installation but many posters seem
to say it cannot be done. Upon further research, the Michael Stevens Tech
website confirms what you think and asserts it can done (doing a repair
install of a VL license using an new OEM license) - or am I misreading the
info on this link:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#018

See the last bullet on this #18 FAQ answer.

Jim

Bruce,

I just used the link that Bob K. provided re obtaining my product key and
found that I have a 'volume' license. Here's what keyfinder says about my
license: "OPEN [Volume License Key] media Key". Does this mean I do not
have a 'retail' license?

A Volume License (VL) is the type most often purchased by
businesses, educational institutions, and/or government agencies that
need a large number (often hundreds, if not thousands) of installations.
It is often inaccurately referred to as the "Corporate Edition."
Usually, the purchaser of a VL gets one installation CD (although extras
can be acquired at additional cost) and permission to use the same
Product Key on as many individual computers as the number of licenses
purchased. These installations, by the way, do not require Product
Activation. Among the conditions that accompany a Volume License: the
purchaser must agree to be audited by Microsoft to ensure compliance,
the license can be used only on computers that are the property of said
purchaser, and if the licensee sells or otherwise disposes of the
computer(s) on which the VL is installed, that license must first be
removed. The absolute minimum number any given entity may purchase is
5, and additional licenses may be purchased, but always in increments
(multiples) of 5. More information is available here, if you're
interested and/or bored:

http://www.microsoft.com/LICENSING/default.mspx

So, you have neither an OEM license nor a standard retail license.
In the normal course of events, you should not be in possession of a
VL installation on your personal private property. Of course, not every
vendor follows the rules, so it's not overly unusual for unsuspecting
consumers to find themselves, through no real fault of their own, in
technical violation of a software license.

Does this mean to perform an 'upgrade' re my future
new mb/cpu/ram I will need to get access to the same type of 'volume license'
xp installation cd?

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) with which they are purchased.
So, if you expect to use the VL Product Key for the repair
installation, you would need to use a VL installation CD.

However, if you purchase and use a legitimate full retail copy of
WinXP Pro, you can use it to perform the repair (a.k.a. in-place
upgrade) installation, using the new CD and Product Key. And while I
haven't personally tested it, I believe that an unbranded, generic OEM
CD and Product Key should work for this purpose, as well. In effect,
you'd be replacing the VL installation with a legitimate retail/OEM
installation.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Bruce,

Thanks for your clarifications about the volume license. Additionally, I
want to believe you that a generic OEM XP cd can be used for an 'upgrage'
(aka 'repair install) procedure for my VL installation but many posters seem
to say it cannot be done. Upon further research, the Michael Stevens Tech
website confirms what you think and asserts it can done (doing a repair
install of a VL license using an new OEM license) - or am I misreading the
info on this link:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#018

See the last bullet on this #18 FAQ answer.

Jim

It'd be a very rare day when I'm able to catch Michael in a mistake.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot