Help about the Product Key

[Guest]

I am thinking about building a new PC from scratch. I currntly own a Genuine
copy of Windows XP Professional, Do I need to buy a new product key or can I
use the same one I am using now.

 

[Guest]

Hi Matthew,

Thank you for using Genuine Microsoft Software.

You can use your existing Product Key provided you format and reinstall
Windows XP. You will be asked for activating windows.

Regards,

Jitesh Biswas

 

[Malke]

Hi Matthew,

Thank you for using Genuine Microsoft Software.

You can use your existing Product Key provided you format and reinstall
Windows XP. You will be asked for activating windows.

That's not quite accurate. If the XP version you are current using is
retail, then you can use it on a different computer. If it is a generic OEM
you aren't supposed to, but you'll be able to use it. If it is from a big
OEM like Dell or HP, you won't be able to use it on a non-Dell/HP system.

Malke

 

[Plato]

I am thinking about building a new PC from scratch. I currntly own a Genuine
copy of Windows XP Professional, Do I need to buy a new product key or can I
use the same one I am using now.

You can use the CD you own to install XP to a new PC. Any problems with
activation, contact MS for the fix which will be provided at no cost.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am thinking about building a new PC from scratch. I currntly own a Genuine
copy of Windows XP Professional, Do I need to buy a new product key or can I
use the same one I am using now.

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


--

Bruce Chambers

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