Change registration information for Windows XP

[Guest]

I have replaced my computer and the new computer has Windows XP loaded by
the (reputable) dealer which I want to replace with the copy I had loaded on
my old PC. I can do a clean install but would prefer not to go through that
rigmarole if there is an alternative. I would like to keep the pre-loaded
files but change the registration information over to my copy of WinXP. I
have the original disks, activation code etc. Is it possible and, if so,
how?

Don

 

[peter]

Repair Installation............during the process change the activation
code.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
peter

 

[Unk]

I have replaced my computer and the new computer has Windows XP loaded by
the (reputable) dealer which I want to replace with the copy I had loaded on
my old PC. I can do a clean install but would prefer not to go through that
rigmarole if there is an alternative. I would like to keep the pre-loaded
files but change the registration information over to my copy of WinXP. I
have the original disks, activation code etc. Is it possible and, if so,
how?

Don

Changes the Register Owner/Organization in Windows XP/Win2K
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_change_owner.htm

 

[GHalleck]

I have replaced my computer and the new computer has Windows XP loaded by
the (reputable) dealer which I want to replace with the copy I had loaded on
my old PC. I can do a clean install but would prefer not to go through that
rigmarole if there is an alternative. I would like to keep the pre-loaded
files but change the registration information over to my copy of WinXP. I
have the original disks, activation code etc. Is it possible and, if so,
how?

Don

Read the contributions by Carey Frisch or Bruce Chambers that
are scattered throughout this newsgroup. If the Windows XP
version qualifies to be transferred, then all will be OK. A
repair installation may be required for the version of Windows
XP from the old computer to work in the new. And an activation
by telephone might also be required.

But what one can appropriately do with an owned copy of Windows XP
goes beyond just having the original disks, the product key or COA,
etc.

 

[3c273]

I generally hate it when I see someone ask the original poster why they want
to do something instead of answering the question, but my curiosity is
getting the best of me today and others have already answered your question
so I am just wondering... Why do you want to try and bugger up a perfectly
good system in order to change some meaningless registration information?
Louis

 

[Guest]

Fair call Louis. I had the same thought. The seller installed WinXP to load
and test the system and I guess demonstrate to me that it was working fine.
He didn't charge me for the OS and asked me to replace it on receipt of the
system. Because I had a licensed copy, I was happy with that. I presumed he
had some dealer's multi-installation licensing thing to allow him to do that,
but maybe he wasn't as straight as I thought. I don't know. Also I thought
if I needed to communicate with MS down the track it wouldn't look good if my
WinXP was licensed to someone else. Anyway, I bit the bullet and did a fresh
install - and I'm now facing the consequences: installing updates, chasing
drivers for various bits of hardware, etc.

But I feel pure!

Don

 

[Guest]

Thanks Peter. I tried that but I couldn't get past first base (or leg stump
because I'm an Aussie) because my version was older than the loaded version.

Don

 

[Guest]

Thanks GH. Do you mean there is a restriction on transferring the
installation from a defunct PC to another?

Don

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have replaced my computer and the new computer has Windows XP loaded by
the (reputable) dealer which I want to replace with the copy I had loaded on
my old PC.

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not legitimately
transferable), simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on
and then install it on the new computer. If it's been more than 120
days since you last activated that specific Product Key, the 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

I can do a clean install but would prefer not to go through that
rigmarole if there is an alternative. I would like to keep the pre-loaded
files but change the registration information over to my copy of WinXP. I
have the original disks, activation code etc. Is it possible and, if so,
how?

It's possible only if the two licenses (both the one removed from the
old computer and the one that came with the new computer) are similar
versions; for example, both are WinXP Home or both are WinXP Pro, and
both are at the same service pack level. You'd have to perform a repair
installation, a.k.a. an In-Place Upgrade.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Thanks Peter. I tried that but I couldn't get past first base (or leg stump
because I'm an Aussie) because my version was older than the loaded version.

You'll have to create a slip-streamed installation CD using your
old WinXP CD and the SP2 CD. For slip-streaming the service pack and
subsequent updates to WinXP:

How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source
files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828930

SlipStreaming WinXP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Thanks GH. Do you mean there is a restriction on transferring the
installation from a defunct PC to another?

It depends upon the specific type of license you have. Do you have a
non-transferable OEM license or a transferable retail license?


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[3c273]

Makes sense now. Actually, I used to do things like that back when I could
stay up til 4:00 AM to get things back in order, but when I see someone
asking "how do you do that", I always wonder if they're willing to stay up
all night and tinker or is this going to cost them some money down the road.
Thanks for the reply and good luck.
Louis

 

[Guest]

Thank you everyone. You've been very helpful. Next time I'll know what to do!

Don