Upgrades and OEM

[Pat Glenn]

I have recently purchased a new computer and received an OEM copy of windows
XP. When I did my setting up, rather than install the new disk, I installed
XP using the old disk (another OEM XP disk) from my former computer. I
figured that I could just keep the new licence around in case I needed it in
the future for another computer (good thing too - people familiar with OEM
licence restrictions probably can guess what's coming)

BTW, to set the record strait - I had intended to wipe the old machine and
convert it to linux as soon as I had my files transferred. While not in
perfect agreement with the licence I felt that for the time required to
transfer 400GB of data on an network this would be an acceptable compromise
and certainly much less time consuming than burning 6 or 700 CD's.

The CD installed fine. The activation went fine. Then I started to download
patches and updates while loading equpment specific drivers for the new
hardware. That's when the problems began. On the first reboot I got an error
saying some file (I forget the name) couldn't be found, and then it told me
my windows needed to be reactivated and I only have 3 days with which to do
this. So, back to MS Download where I am now informed that I have "exceeded
my activation limit" and then they present me with a phone # to purchase a
'legitimate copy'.

That's what happened. Now to try and figure out how to solve the mess...
Several questions:

1) How do I clear off my new system COMPLETELY - with no trace whatsoever of
the OS so that I can re-install using the new disk and new validation code
that I had set aside (Some investigation has shown me that the OEM version
is tied to the specific MB/CPU and since that has changed the old disk can't
be reinstalled) From experience with ME and Win2K I believe that the drive
is somehow marked and the O/S is nearly impossible to remove. I don't want
remnants of an old install to screw up a new install. I already have enough
problems on my plate.

2)Concerning the old system: Since I have ran into these difficulties, if I
decide to change my plans and keep XP running on that system, instead of
going to Linux as planned, I'm presuming that this system will still keep on
running. My main concern now is this: Now that I have received this
activation error form MS Download, what is going to happen the next time I
go to get updates from MS using that old machine?

3) I may consider a dual boot arrangement, but that would probably be easier
if I formatted and re-installed, re-partitioning along the way. Since I have
been told by the licence checker that I have "exceeded my activation limit"
are they now going to tell me that I cant re-install that old disk even onto
the old machine?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have recently purchased a new computer and received an OEM copy
of windows XP. When I did my setting up, rather than install the
new disk, I installed XP using the old disk (another OEM XP disk)
from my former computer. I figured that I could just keep the new
licence around in case I needed it in the future for another
computer (good thing too - people familiar with OEM licence
restrictions probably can guess what's coming)

Yes - yes we can. OEM tied to first computer it is installed upon.

BTW, to set the record strait - I had intended to wipe the old
machine and convert it to linux as soon as I had my files
transferred. While not in perfect agreement with the licence I felt
that for the time required to transfer 400GB of data on an network
this would be an acceptable compromise and certainly much less time
consuming than burning 6 or 700 CD's.
The CD installed fine. The activation went fine. Then I started to
download patches and updates while loading equpment specific
drivers for the new hardware. That's when the problems began. On
the first reboot I got an error saying some file (I forget the
name) couldn't be found, and then it told me my windows needed to
be reactivated and I only have 3 days with which to do this. So,
back to MS Download where I am now informed that I have "exceeded
my activation limit" and then they present me with a phone # to
purchase a 'legitimate copy'.
That's what happened. Now to try and figure out how to solve the
mess... Several questions:

1) How do I clear off my new system COMPLETELY - with no trace
whatsoever of the OS so that I can re-install using the new disk
and new validation code that I had set aside (Some investigation
has shown me that the OEM version is tied to the specific MB/CPU
and since that has changed the old disk can't be reinstalled) From
experience with ME and Win2K I believe that the drive is somehow
marked and the O/S is nearly impossible to remove. I don't want
remnants of an old install to screw up a new install. I already
have enough problems on my plate.

I see no need to do this. Either perform a repair installation with your
valid Windows XP CD and license key that came with the computer in question
OR simply change the product key on the computer to the valid one that came
with it using the tool that Microsoft provides.

The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for
users attempting to change their current non-genuine Product Key
to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key - all without a
reinstall!
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409

2)Concerning the old system: Since I have ran into these
difficulties, if I decide to change my plans and keep XP running on
that system, instead of going to Linux as planned, I'm presuming
that this system will still keep on running. My main concern now is
this: Now that I have received this activation error form MS
Download, what is going to happen the next time I go to get updates
from MS using that old machine?

Who knows - likely nothing - once you get the illegitimate license off the
new computer anyway. After you get the license situated on the new
machine - try it.

3) I may consider a dual boot arrangement, but that would probably
be easier if I formatted and re-installed, re-partitioning along
the way. Since I have been told by the licence checker that I have
"exceeded my activation limit" are they now going to tell me that I
cant re-install that old disk even onto the old machine?

That message is badly phrased. What it should say is that you have
activated that copy over the Internet in the last xxx days and you cannot
activate it over the Internet now. Please choose to activate by telephone
and follow the given instructions.

 

[Pat Glenn]

Regarding the repair installation. Is this a re-installation over the
existing configuration?

As for The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool am I correct to assume
that I can run this tool and it will ask me for the licence number on the
new disk and then change the whole installation automatically?

Thanks

 

[Pat Glenn]

I tried the Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool. Thanks - It worked
like a charm. Next I have to deal with my latest grief. I just noticed that
the drive letters are mixed up. (see new thread)

Regarding the repair installation. Is this a re-installation over the
existing configuration?

As for The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool am I correct to
assume
that I can run this tool and it will ask me for the licence number on the
new disk and then change the whole installation automatically?

Thanks