Installing XP from old to a new computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter ahr
  • Start date Start date
A

ahr

I'm putting together a brand new PC (all new hardware).
I'd like to install my current version of Windows XP
Professional onto the new computer. After this I will no
longer be using my previous PC.

Will I have a problem with product activation since it
was previously installed on another (my current) PC?

Or do I have to buy a brand new version of XP for the new
computer?
Thanks for any help.
 
Greetings --

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not transferable),
simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on, and install
it onto the new one. 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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In
ahr said:
I'm putting together a brand new PC (all new hardware).
I'd like to install my current version of Windows XP
Professional onto the new computer. After this I will no
longer be using my previous PC.

Will I have a problem with product activation since it
was previously installed on another (my current) PC?



If your XP version is a retail version, there is no problem. Just
remove it from the old computer and install it on the new one.
Depending on how long it's been since you activated it, you may
be able to activate normally over the internet; worst case,
you'll have to activate by a quick easy voice call to an 800
number, simply explaining what you've done.

But if your XP version is an OEM one (for example, if it came
with the computer) you can't do this. The OEM version's license
ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on and
it can never be moved.

Or do I have to buy a brand new version of XP for the new
computer?


Only if it's an OEM version.
 
Ken said:
But if your XP version is an OEM one (for example, if it came
with the computer) you can't do this. The OEM version's license

If "ahr" has an OEM version he/she acquired with his/her new PC, then
one got a huge discount on the cost of XP anyway. If so, then its time
"ahr" acquired a real copy of XP Pro anyway to put on a new PC.
 

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