Moving to another machine

  • Thread starter Thread starter L.R. Moeller
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L.R. Moeller

I'm not sure if I can do this or not. I currently have a copy of Windows XP
Home Edition on my main computer. I want to uninstall it and install it on
a new computer I am building and purchase a new copy of Windows XP
Professional to install on the main computer. What problems am I likely to
encounter with Microsoft in doing this. Is there a phone number I can call
for answers? Thanks, Lee
 
Lee, so long as you 'uninstall' xp from your old computer
you can easily reinstall it onto your new one. You can
only use 'one' copy of the licenced software on one
machine. If you want to install xp on other machines then
you buy another copy - something you are already
prepapred to do, so in that respect there are no problems.
The only minor hiccup you will experience is activation
of the copy you have uninstalled from your old machine
and reinstalled on your new machine. It is only a hiccup
in the sense that the hardware on your new computer is
totally different to that of your older one. So when you
come to activate over the internet a message will appear
telling you that the product is already activated on a
nother machine, and thus, cannot be activated. When this
occurs read the screen carefully because on the next
screen you will be given an activation code number which
you need to give to the activation centre and a toll free
number. You will need to call this toll free number and
explain that you have uninstalled xp from an old pc and
reinstalled it on a newer pc. There should then be not
problem with activation. Hopefully you have a connection
that allows you to use the phone and net at the same time
so you can relay the activation code to the activation
centre and then type in the reply code for activation. If
you can only access the net and not the phone then first
make a note of the toll free number then do as follows.


1/ disconnect from the internet so you phone is free
2/ Click the Start button followed by All
Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Activate Windows
3/ The Activate Windows Wizard appears
4/ Go through the wizard and allow it to create a unique
activation code number. On the same screen you will also
see boxes for you to insert numbers into.
5/ At this stage dial the toll free number and speak to
the people at the activation centre.
6/ The activation centre will then ask you for the unique
activation code displayed on your screen. Craefully read
this out to them.
7/ In return they will give you a series of numbers to
type into the vacant boxes
8/ Once you have done this and press OK your system
should activate.

Sorry for the long and detailed explanation.

Hope this helps

John Barnett - MVP
Associate Expert
 
As long as the copy of Home is either an Upgrade or Full copy of the
software you should be OK. You will probably have to reactivate it and you
might find yourself on the phone getting an activation number.

If it is an OEM copy the Microsoft staff person on the phone might ask why
you are having to call to activate and about it being the very same
computer. If you are a privacy rights kind of guy just be careful framing
your words and refuse to give discussable details and they will provide you
with a new number over the phone.

But be aware that according to the OEM EULA an OEM version is for one single
same CPU only ever. You may have a difference of opinion with Microsoft or
the laws of your land may nullify the import of the OEM EULA one CPU
restriction for a private person.

Either way act accordingly. Furthermore, whatever you do be fair and don't
steal or stiff, the software writers rightfully deserve some money from you
for their work.

Stephen

--

Drop 123 to email me.


| I'm not sure if I can do this or not. I currently have a copy of Windows
XP
| Home Edition on my main computer. I want to uninstall it and install it
on
| a new computer I am building and purchase a new copy of Windows XP
| Professional to install on the main computer. What problems am I likely
to
| encounter with Microsoft in doing this. Is there a phone number I can
call
| for answers? Thanks, Lee
|
|
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| Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
| Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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L.R. Moeller said:
I'm not sure if I can do this or not. I currently have a copy of Windows XP
Home Edition on my main computer. I want to uninstall it and install iton
a new computer I am building and purchase a new copy of Windows XP
Professional to install on the main computer.
Click to expand...

Provided it was a copy you bought retail, and not an OEM one, you can
remove it from the first machine (and then install Pro or whatever - for
the licensing that will need to be a Full version, not supported as an
upgrade by the Home) and then install on the new one. When it comes to
activating the Home, you may find it will go through on the net anyway -
if more than 120 days since you last did it certainly will. If not, you
will have to phone a toll-free number that will be given, to explain and
swap one long number for another to check back as you type it in
 
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