XP Pro Licence Delema

[Gordon]

Hi

I need to do some major overhaul on my compter and then re-install windows
XP PRO.

I have all the original disks an service patches for my programs including
the XP PRo operating system.

As I understand things ... when you do a major change ... XP will not be
recognized by Microsoft for use on the 'fixed up' computer.

How do I un register my copy of XP PRo so I can re-install it on a 'fixed up
/ new computer' ??

Thanks

Gordon

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

No need. Just activate it as normal, and if it tells you that it can't activate over the internet, choose the option to do it by phone. Explain that you've upgraded your computer and they'll give you a new activation code.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi

I need to do some major overhaul on my compter and then re-install windows
XP PRO.

I have all the original disks an service patches for my programs including
the XP PRo operating system.

As I understand things ... when you do a major change ... XP will not be
recognized by Microsoft for use on the 'fixed up' computer.

How do I un register my copy of XP PRo so I can re-install it on a 'fixed up
/ new computer' ??

Thanks

Gordon

There's no limit to the number of times you can reinstall and activate
the same WinXP license on the same PC. Nor is there ever a charge. Nor
does a Product Key (so long as it's not an evaluation license) ever
expire. 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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[Guest]

I installed my XP pro on a computer that I was renting, now I decided to
return the computer but do not want to leave my "stuff" on the computer. Any
suggestions? Also, what is an evaluation license? And also, if I decide to
keep the computer, how do I connect to a network if my card is internal?

Any suggestions or help?

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

If you're returning a rental computer, you need to format the hard disk and restore it back to the state it was in when you rented it. At the very least format the hard disk. Otherwise, your license for XP goes with the machine.

Evaluation licenses are typically 120 or 180 day licenses that will expire. They also often have a time bomb so they won't install at all after a certain date.

What type of network card? Wired? Wireless?