installing new o.s. - licensing

[Gregory]

hello!
I am giving a relative my old computer with xp pro on
it. I have since used the same install disk on a new
computer, to which i assume it is now licensed to. i don't
mind buying another copy of xp, but do i reinstall it on
the old one so it shows up that i paid for the o.s.? or
can i enter in new product i.d. or something like that?
also, can i install xp home OVER xp pro, getting rid of xp
pro? I only like this relative to the tune of $100, as
opposed to $200 for pro! (kidding!)

thanks for any assistance!!!

 

[Steve C. Ray]

If you have activated Pro on your new computer then the best thing to do is
buy a Home Upgrade for the old machine. You can't "downgrade" from Pro to
Home, you have to do a clean install to get Home on the old machine. You can
do a clean install on the old machine by booting from the Home CD. You will
have to have a qualifying disk to insert when asked to. (Win 95, 98 or ME).
The XP CD has all the tools needed to partition, format and install XP on
the old computer. I have seen Home for $89.00 at discount computer stores.

 

[NeKeta [MSFT]]

Hello, Gregory!
To answer your questions:
If you purchased Windows XP Pro and it did not come already installed on a
new system, you can move that OS to another computer. You need to backup all
of your data and settings (by using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard),
uninstall Windows XP from the old computer and then install on the new one.
You can then take the compressed file that you made with Files and Setting
Transfer Wizard and then move that to the new machine. (Check Help and
Support in Windows to find out more information on this)

You CANNOT run ANY one copy of the Windows OS on two or more machines. To
find out more information on Product Use Rights:
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/.

You cannot upgrade from Windows XP Pro to Home, Only Home to Pro:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/upgrading/matrix.asp.

You will need to acquire Windows XP Home and install that on your computer.

 

[Guest]

Do nothing, unless you feel like buying Bill's daughter a
new pair of shoes, I heard she need some.