Installing XP on a new computer

[Guest]

My son and I are building a new computer. I currently own a copy of XP Home
SP2. When this was originally installed on my existing computer, I
registered it using the provided key code.

Can I use these disks to install XP on our new computer? If so, how do I
get a different key code since the one I have is already registered. The old
computer will not be used once the new one is running. I really don't want
to purchase another copy of XP.....

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My son and I are building a new computer. I currently own a copy
of XP Home SP2. When this was originally installed on my existing
computer, I registered it using the provided key code.

Can I use these disks to install XP on our new computer? If so,
how do I get a different key code since the one I have is already
registered. The old computer will not be used once the new one is
running. I really don't want to purchase another copy of XP.....

Where did this license you own come from?
In other words - how did you purchase it and what type of license is it?
Did it come with a computer you bought in the past (came pre-installed and
this copy came with it..)?

If the answer to that last question (and judging by your post, it will be)
is that copy of Windows XP *did* come with the computer in question,
pre-installed, then you likely have an OEM version in your hand. What that
means to you is that according to the EULA (End-User License Agreement) that
you agreed to by using Windows XP states that it must stay with the original
computer it was installed upon. No matter what. Melt the old computer to
slag and make it into a CD case and you can put that copy (and its license
to use) in that new shiny and bulky CD case... But you cannot transfer it
to a new machine. That is one of the disadvantages (among others) of
getting OEM copies. The only real advantage is saving $100-$200 in the
original purchase (to you anyway.) If that is the case - you (according to
the EULA) have to purchase a new copy of Windows XP if you want to install
it on another machine. There will be no discounts available to you for
having the previous copy - no way of just buying another CD key/license,
etc. A whole new copy - whether it is OEM, Retail, Upgrade or Volume
License.

If you bought the Windows XP at a store and it came in a decent box with the
CD Key on the CD case and not a sticker you can put on the machine you
install it on.. Then you can erase the old machine, install it on the new
and move on.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My son and I are building a new computer. I currently own a copy of XP Home
SP2. When this was originally installed on my existing computer, I
registered it using the provided key code.

Can I use these disks to install XP on our new computer? If so, how do I
get a different key code since the one I have is already registered. The old
computer will not be used once the new one is running. I really don't want
to purchase another copy of XP.....

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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