Transferring XP From Dead COmputer to New One

[KAD]

I had an old computer that I tried to revive and install XP Home (upgrade
version). After successful install and activation, it gave up the ghost
after a couple months. I trashed the whole system. I have another computer
which has ME on it and I want to use the XP Home install to upgrade that
one. Since the other computer is history, I feel I should be able to install
XP on another computer at no additional cost (I would not be violating the
license agreement since the OS will reside on one system only). How do I
activate after installing XP on the other computer?

Thanks,

KAD

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

No, as long as the other computer is not usable (you should format the drive), you can reinstall XP on the new machine (as long as its a retail version). If activation gives you any issues, you'll be prompted to call. Just explain the situation, if that's even required, and they'll give you a new activation code.

 

[Anonymous Joe]

I had an old computer that I tried to revive and install XP Home (upgrade
version). After successful install and activation, it gave up the ghost
after a couple months. I trashed the whole system. I have another computer
which has ME on it and I want to use the XP Home install to upgrade that
one. Since the other computer is history, I feel I should be able to install
XP on another computer at no additional cost (I would not be violating the
license agreement since the OS will reside on one system only). How do I
activate after installing XP on the other computer?

Thanks,

KAD

You will be able to put it on the new PC without fears. Likely, unless
you've reinstalled about 5x in the last month (I've done that before, and it
gave me problems only on the 5th time, which, luckily, was the final time),
you can activate through the internet without any problems.

Even if you have to call, it's not a big thing. Although, I'd choose my
words carefully. They do ask why you're calling. I suppose you could lie
and say you have no Internet... but that's just stupid. Instead of saying
you have a new system, say you upgraded your system. It's not a lie,
technically

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Just do it.

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not transferable),
simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on, and install
it onto the new one. If it's been more than 120 days since you last
activated that specific Product Key, you'll most likely be able to
activate via the Internet without problem. If it's been less, you
might have to make a 5 minute phone call.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm


Bruce Chambers
--
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having both at once. - RAH

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

In

You will be able to put it on the new PC without fears. Likely,
unless you've reinstalled about 5x in the last month (I've done that
before, and it gave me problems only on the 5th time, which, luckily,
was the final time), you can activate through the internet without
any problems.

Even if you have to call, it's not a big thing. Although, I'd choose
my words carefully. They do ask why you're calling. I suppose you
could lie and say you have no Internet... but that's just stupid.
Instead of saying you have a new system, say you upgraded your
system. It's not a lie, technically

It *is* a lie, and a completely unnecessary one. Since his
upgrade version is a retail one, not OEM, he's perfectly entitled
to move it to another system. No need to "choose [his] words
carefully." All he needs to do is tell the truth.