How to deactivate XP

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With my employer's knowledge, I installed xp on my computer at work, and went
back to 98 on my home computer. I recenly left that job and I want my xp
back. I have the cd, the key, and the receipt, but it's installed on their
computer. I did not leave under the best of terms, and they will not go out
of their way to make me happy.

If they don't cooperate, would I be able to activate it on my computer?
Would I be in violation of the EULA, or them?
 
BruceF said:
With my employer's knowledge, I installed xp on my computer at work, and went
back to 98 on my home computer. I recenly left that job and I want my xp
back. I have the cd, the key, and the receipt, but it's installed on their
computer. I did not leave under the best of terms, and they will not go out
of their way to make me happy.

If they don't cooperate, would I be able to activate it on my computer?
Click to expand...


There is no "de-activation" process, as such.

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not 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

Would I be in violation of the EULA, or them?
Click to expand...


That's a tough call. The license belongs to you, but you've left it
installed on their computer. If you try to install it on another
computer without removing it from the first, you're the one committing a
second installation. Fortunately, you have all of the necessary
documentation to prove that the license really is yours, so you should
be OK. For a better answer, though, you might want to consult a local
attorney who's well-versed in labor issues. He should be able to
explain your precise rights to a software license you've installed on
your former employer's property.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH
 
I wouldn't do anything without informing your former employer of what you
are about to do and give him time to purchase and install whatever OS he
chooses. I would give him 20 days. If you don't, the potential grief is
worse than buying a new OS yourself. At this point you have acquiesced to
his use of your license on his machine.

Activation does not require installation. Unless you or he uninstalls your
OS from your former employer's machine he will get an activation notice
after you have activated it again on yours. Not good.

Since you will not need to activate for 30 days after installation, once you
notify your former employer that he needs to replace his, OS you can install
and wait to activate.

The other option is to offer to sell him your copy and buy a new one for
yourself. In the end, I think I would buy a new copy of Windows and forget
about it.
 
Bruce;
Is there any doubt with your employer the Windows XP installed on their
computer is yours?
If not, you may have a problem.
If so, notify the employer to remove yours, in writing is best.
Specify a reasonable time for this to be done.

There is no deactivation for Windows XP.
Simply install and activate normally.
Attempt internet activation.
If that fails, choose the option to activate by phone.
Call Microsoft at the displayed number, done in about 5 minutes.
If asked by Microsoft, give the facts.
Having the original CD and original Key are what is important.
 
If Windows XP is still installed on the work computer,
then you cannot install it on a different computer until
it is removed from the work computer. Otherwise,
you would be in violation of the EULA and Product
Activation will fail.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

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:

| With my employer's knowledge, I installed xp on my computer at work, and went
| back to 98 on my home computer. I recenly left that job and I want my xp
| back. I have the cd, the key, and the receipt, but it's installed on their
| computer. I did not leave under the best of terms, and they will not go out
| of their way to make me happy.
|
| If they don't cooperate, would I be able to activate it on my computer?
| Would I be in violation of the EULA, or them?
 
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