License key for Windows XP

[Guest]

OK, same problem, same questions, yes, I know. If you want to cut this
short, just read the bottom paragraph.

Here's my issue. Many years ago, I built my computer and installed an
unopened unused copy of Windows XP Home on it that I found in my dad's back
room. He wasn't using it... it had the little win XP sticker (which I put on
my computer) and everything. Now, years later, the computer is ancient and
I've gone and bought the components for a new system. The question, of
course, remains, can I use my old license key for win XP on both the old
computer and the new? I'm planning on gutting my old case, replacing the
guts with new guts and then putting the old guts in an even older ATX case.

So, I've gathered that I can't reuse my license?? No way, not gonna happen?
What's this I read about being able to install win XP on two computers if'n
you're the primary user of both computers? Is that Office only?

Final question: if I give up and buy a new copy of windows XP, which I don't
want to do what with Vista on the way (what a waste of money buying XP would
be!) I'm using my old case w/ sticker already on it. Would MS be willing to
let me use the old reg key on the new computer... being the sticker is on
that case... and the new key on the old computer? Or is that a no-go.

Oh! I fergot. Is there ANY tool MS offers that lets me look up the details
of my particular XP license??? They got the info already, I just wanna view
it!

Kristi

 

[Shenan Stanley]

OK, same problem, same questions, yes, I know. If you want to cut
this short, just read the bottom paragraph.

Here's my issue. Many years ago, I built my computer and installed
an unopened unused copy of Windows XP Home on it that I found in my
dad's back room. He wasn't using it... it had the little win XP
sticker (which I put on my computer) and everything. Now, years
later, the computer is ancient and I've gone and bought the
components for a new system. The question, of course, remains, can
I use my old license key for win XP on both the old computer and
the new? I'm planning on gutting my old case, replacing the guts
with new guts and then putting the old guts in an even older ATX
case.

So, I've gathered that I can't reuse my license?? No way, not
gonna happen? What's this I read about being able to install win XP
on two computers if'n you're the primary user of both computers?
Is that Office only?

Final question: if I give up and buy a new copy of windows XP,
which I don't want to do what with Vista on the way (what a waste
of money buying XP would be!) I'm using my old case w/ sticker
already on it. Would MS be willing to let me use the old reg key
on the new computer... being the sticker is on that case... and the
new key on the old computer? Or is that a no-go.

Oh! I fergot. Is there ANY tool MS offers that lets me look up
the details of my particular XP license??? They got the info
already, I just wanna view it!

Sounds like you used an OEM version.

OEM's End-User License Agreement (EULA) says you cannot transfer that to
another computer. More than likely you did that the first time - as the
"unused copy" likely was the reinstall media for some OEM computer your dad
had purchased. Technically - you did it once and could probably get away
with it again - but it would not (again) be in compliance with the EULA.

Windows XP (and all previous Windows Operating systems) go by the "one
licence to one computer" and then depending on the type of license (Retail,
OEM, Volume, Academic, etc) --> Other restrictions (or freedoms in terms of
a volume license) may apply from the EULA.

Belarc Advisor will give you the CD key. So will Magic JellyBean Key
Finder.
The Product ID and/or SETUPP.INI file on the CD can tell you more about the
type of licensing it probably has.

 

[Trevor]

OK, same problem, same questions, yes, I know. If you want to cut this
short, just read the bottom paragraph.

Here's my issue. Many years ago, I built my computer and installed an
unopened unused copy of Windows XP Home on it that I found in my dad's back
room. He wasn't using it... it had the little win XP sticker (which I put on
my computer) and everything. Now, years later, the computer is ancient and
I've gone and bought the components for a new system. The question, of
course, remains, can I use my old license key for win XP on both the old
computer and the new? I'm planning on gutting my old case, replacing the
guts with new guts and then putting the old guts in an even older ATX case.

So, I've gathered that I can't reuse my license?? No way, not gonna happen?
What's this I read about being able to install win XP on two computers if'n
you're the primary user of both computers? Is that Office only?

Final question: if I give up and buy a new copy of windows XP, which I don't
want to do what with Vista on the way (what a waste of money buying XP would
be!) I'm using my old case w/ sticker already on it. Would MS be willing to
let me use the old reg key on the new computer... being the sticker is on
that case... and the new key on the old computer? Or is that a no-go.

Oh! I fergot. Is there ANY tool MS offers that lets me look up the details
of my particular XP license??? They got the info already, I just wanna view
it!

Kristi

It wouldn't be a waste of money. The upgrade for Vista is much cheaper
than the full version.

Respectfully,

Trev

 

[Alias]

OK, same problem, same questions, yes, I know. If you want to cut this
short, just read the bottom paragraph.

Here's my issue. Many years ago, I built my computer and installed an
unopened unused copy of Windows XP Home on it that I found in my dad's back
room. He wasn't using it... it had the little win XP sticker (which I put on
my computer) and everything. Now, years later, the computer is ancient and
I've gone and bought the components for a new system. The question, of
course, remains, can I use my old license key for win XP on both the old
computer and the new? I'm planning on gutting my old case, replacing the
guts with new guts and then putting the old guts in an even older ATX case.

So, I've gathered that I can't reuse my license?? No way, not gonna happen?
What's this I read about being able to install win XP on two computers if'n
you're the primary user of both computers? Is that Office only?

Final question: if I give up and buy a new copy of windows XP, which I don't
want to do what with Vista on the way (what a waste of money buying XP would
be!) I'm using my old case w/ sticker already on it. Would MS be willing to
let me use the old reg key on the new computer... being the sticker is on
that case... and the new key on the old computer? Or is that a no-go.

Oh! I fergot. Is there ANY tool MS offers that lets me look up the details
of my particular XP license??? They got the info already, I just wanna view
it!

Kristi

Start/Run/EULA.txt, hit Enter.

You can upgrade your computer as much as your heart desires, including
the processor and motherboard on any version but a Branded (i.e., Dell)
OEM verson. Moving it to another computer is permissible with Retail,
with OEM, it's not. You can tell which you have by right clicking on My
Computer/Properties/General Tab. There should be a big long number with
or without OEM in it. If it has OEM in it, MS doesn't allow you to move
it to another computer. Having *any* version installed on two computers
is big NO NO.

Alias

 

[Rock]

OK, same problem, same questions, yes, I know. If you want to cut this
short, just read the bottom paragraph.

Here's my issue. Many years ago, I built my computer and installed an
unopened unused copy of Windows XP Home on it that I found in my dad's
back
room. He wasn't using it... it had the little win XP sticker (which I put
on
my computer) and everything. Now, years later, the computer is ancient
and
I've gone and bought the components for a new system. The question, of
course, remains, can I use my old license key for win XP on both the old
computer and the new? I'm planning on gutting my old case, replacing the
guts with new guts and then putting the old guts in an even older ATX
case.

So, I've gathered that I can't reuse my license?? No way, not gonna
happen?
What's this I read about being able to install win XP on two computers
if'n
you're the primary user of both computers? Is that Office only?

Final question: if I give up and buy a new copy of windows XP, which I
don't
want to do what with Vista on the way (what a waste of money buying XP
would
be!) I'm using my old case w/ sticker already on it. Would MS be willing
to
let me use the old reg key on the new computer... being the sticker is on
that case... and the new key on the old computer? Or is that a no-go.

Oh! I fergot. Is there ANY tool MS offers that lets me look up the
details
of my particular XP license??? They got the info already, I just wanna
view
it!

A copy of XP can only be installed on one computer. This has always been
the case - one license, one computer. Some Office versions allow
installation on a desktop and laptop, but Office isn't the XP OS.

A copy of XP can be transferred to a different computer if it's a retail
license and has been removed from the first computer before installing on
the new computer. If it's an OEM copy it is tied by the license agreement,
the EULA, to the first computer on which it's installed, and can't be moved
to another computer.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Here's my issue. Many years ago, I built my computer and installed an
unopened unused copy of Windows XP Home on it that I found in my
dad's back room. He wasn't using it... it had the little win XP
sticker (which I put on my computer) and everything. Now, years
later, the computer is ancient and I've gone and bought the
components for a new system. The question, of course, remains, can I
use my old license key for win XP on both the old computer and the
new?

No. The rule is quite clear. It's one copy (or one license) for each
computer.

There's nothing new here. This is exactly the same rule that's been in
effect on every version of Windows starting with Windows 3.1. The only thing
new with XP is that there's now an enforcement mechanism.

If yours is an OEM version (and it sounds like it is) you can't even move it
from th eold computer to the new one. The biggest dsadvantage of an OEM
version is that its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on.

What's this I read about being able to install win XP on two
computers if'n you're the primary user of both computers?

If you read that, you read wrong. It's never been true.

Is that Office only?

It is true of some versions of Microsoft Office.

Final question: if I give up and buy a new copy of windows XP, which
I don't want to do what with Vista on the way (what a waste of money
buying XP would be!) I'm using my old case w/ sticker already on it.
Would MS be willing to let me use the old reg key on the new
computer... being the sticker is on that case... and the new key on
the old computer? Or is that a no-go.

That's iffy. As I said, if yours is an OEM version, you can't move it to
another computer. The problem is that it isn't made clear in the license
exactly what constitutes the same computer or a different computer.

 

[ANONYMOUS]

Would MS be willing to
let me use the old reg key on the new computer... being the sticker is on
that case... and the new key on the old computer? Or is that a no-go.

Assuming you can install your copy of XP on a new PC (some OEMs you
can't) then you can use it for next 29 days (leass than 30 days) before
you are locked out. You can start again and get another 29 days and so
on until you get a copy of VISTA early next year.

Whatever happens, don't get rid of your XP CD as when you buy an upgrade
version of Vista you may be promped to insert the CD in the drive so
that Vista can authenticate your eligibility of an upgrade version. You
don't need XP installed for this purposes.

hth

 

[Michael D. Alligood]

Answer to your questions:

1.) it had the little win XP sticker (which I put on my computer) and
everything.
This is normally associated with OEM software; which has a permanent
relationship. That software is now and forever link to that computer,
and cannot be transferred to another computer no matter what.

2.) The question, of course, remains, can I use my old license key for
win XP on both the old computer and the new?
No. This will violate the EULA.

3.) What's this I read about being able to install win XP on two
computers if'n you're the primary user of both computers?
Wherever you read that, it was not from Microsoft with concerns to OEM
O.S. software. There has never been transfer rights with an OEM
operating system. What I think you read was with concerns to the retail
version. If your computer craps out and you have a retail version of XP,
you can install it on another pc as long as both copies are not
installed on 2 working pcs.

As far as your last question, I am not sure I follow. However, you would
not be wasting money in purchasing a valid copy of Windows XP.
Considering Microsoft is in no hurry to release Vista soon. Even after
the public release, I would wait a little bit longer and make sure that
your "new" PC can handle it.

Hope that helps.


--
Michael D. Alligood,
MCSA, MCDST, MCP, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW Assoc.,
CIW Certified Instructor

 

[Lenie]

Answer to your questions:

1.) it had the little win XP sticker (which I put on my computer) and
everything.
This is normally associated with OEM software; which has a permanent
relationship. That software is now and forever link to that computer, and
cannot be transferred to another computer no matter what.

I beg to differ with you on this, my old computer burnt out, so I got a new
one and used my old OEM software on the new one and it works fine even
windows advantage says it's ok, so why do you tell people it won't?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Lenie wrote:

I beg to differ with you on this, my old computer burnt out, so I
got a new one and used my old OEM software on the new one and it
works fine even windows advantage says it's ok, so why do you tell
people it won't?

It's a matter of technical vs. breaking an agreement.

The End-User License Agreement that is agreed to upon installation and every
use of Windows XP for the OEM license does not allow for transfer of the
license from the *first* system it is installed on. There is no technical
barrier to it - only your agreement, your word.

Think of it like this.

You are a teenager living with your parents. You save up some money and
your parents throw in some and you buy a car together. Part of the
agreement is that until you are 18, you do not drive this car outside of a
certain area (let's just say the city limits...) There is nothing technical
(as far as you know, they did not install a GPS tracking device and can just
go to a web page and check on you - nor do they get random emails with your
updated location...) keeping you from going outside of the city limits in
*your* car. Just an agreement you made with them.

I think you can fill in the rest.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I beg to differ with you on this, my old computer burnt out, so I got a new
one and used my old OEM software on the new one and it works fine even
windows advantage says it's ok, so why do you tell people it won't?

It wouldn't work id Microsoft's copy protection worked perfectly, but
it doesn't. But thanks for letting us know that you have no integrity;
we'll be sure not to enter into any contracts with you.


--

Bruce Chambers

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Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Fat Kev]

It wouldn't work id Microsoft's copy protection worked perfectly, but
it doesn't. But thanks for letting us know that you have no integrity;
we'll be sure not to enter into any contracts with you.

Who the fcuk gives monkeys about integrity in the 21st century? M$
doesn't so why should we?

Fat Kev

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Who the fcuk gives monkeys about integrity in the 21st century?
M$ doesn't so why should we?

Okay - so your general life rule is, "Monkey See, Monkey do"?

Essentially - I could not care less about the rest of this thread - or how
your comment came about. Taking it as written - what you are saying is that
*you* have found an example to go by. You feel that Microsoft has no
integrity in the way they do anything - and since they have no integrity -
well - you won't either! Neither should/does anyone else have to!

You are saying that you follow by example, have no mind of your own, and in
this case - as I can see it - you have somehow pulled "Microsoft" out of
your hat (and how you view them) to serve as your example to follow for
integrity. I'd hate to see what other examples you have chosen to follow
instead of coming to your own conclusions about how to live/act/treat
others.

There is no defense of any one/thing in this response.
A lot of stuff Microsoft does is crap - but the statement made by "Fat Kev"
is just ignorant.

"Well I saw the criminal guy on CSI do this - so I thought, 'Why not?'"...
Yeah - good thought process.

Perhaps you were trying to be dramatic and make some sarcastic plea to
people's way of looking at things.
I could think of it that way - but it doesn't read that way...