Move XP Pro to another PC

[Guest]

I plan to install Win 2003 Server on a PC currently running XP Pro after I
beef it up so it can be used as our file server. I'd like to use the existing
XP Pro to a new machine. Will I be able to use the existing CD key to
activate the XP Pro on a new machine since it will no longer be running on
the original machine?

 

[Donny Broome]

Yes.

 

[Bill James]

If it the full Retail version (not an OEM version or Upgrade). If it has been over 90 days since you last installed it you should not run any problems with the normal Activation scheme, but if you do then just call MS with the number provided and explain the move.

--

Bill James
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[Guest]

Thanks! thought so but wanted to check in case there'd be some problem with
MS allowing it to be re-activated.

 

[NotMe]

If it was a RETAIL version of XP, no problem.
If it was an OEM version, it may be possible (if they are the same brand);
but is a violation of the EULA.
OEM is tied to the FIRST machine it was installed on, period!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I plan to install Win 2003 Server on a PC currently running XP Pro after I
beef it up so it can be used as our file server. I'd like to use the existing
XP Pro to a new machine. Will I be able to use the existing CD key to
activate the XP Pro on a new machine since it will no longer be running on
the original machine?

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


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Bruce Chambers

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[Guest]

Truth be known - it is a Dell OEM. Dell sent it to me by mistake with a PC I
had ordered with Win 2000 - odd it seemed. Anyway, I used it to upgrade the
current Dell to the Pro version from the home version. I did call MS and
they were ok with it when I explained I was just using it on a different
Dell. After I upgrade this machine to be the file server, I'll just use it to
upgrade another Dell XP Home to the Pro version since we have one more to do
at work. It will be well over 120 days, too.

You mention "remove" WinXP - how do I do this before I run the Server
Installation?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Truth be known - it is a Dell OEM.

Then it is not legitimately transferable to another computer.

You mention "remove" WinXP - how do I do this before I run the Server
Installation?

The normal way to "uninstall" any operating system is to format
the hard drive and install a new OS of your choice.

Simply boot from the Server OS' installation CD. You'll be offered
the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
installation process.


--

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

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

I plan to install Win 2003 Server on a PC currently running XP Pro
after I beef it up so it can be used as our file server. I'd like to
use the existing XP Pro to a new machine. Will I be able to use the
existing CD key to activate the XP Pro on a new machine since it will
no longer be running on the original machine?

Move XP to new hardware.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
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